State Wetland Protection: A Matter of Context?

Abstract

Models of integrated management emphasize the role of the surrounding socioeconomic and political environment in influencing management choices for natural resources. In this study, we explore a model that examines the influence of socioeconomic and political variables on the wetland management programs of U.S. states. Logistic regression was used to identify environmental, socioeconomic, and political variables that explained variation in state wetland programs. The likelihood of strong planning, nonregulatory, regulatory, and overall programs increases as the importance of fisheries in the state increases (p < 0.05), but decreases as population density increases (p < 0.15). Furthermore, there is an increasing likelihood of stronger regulatory and overall programs as environmental group activity and industry importance increases (p < 0.05). These findings provide empirical evidence to support the contention that management approaches used in one state often must be adapted to fit the realities of another given state.

Keywords:

• Policy Influence State Wetland Programs Wetlands Wetland Management