Exploring Citizen Involvement in the Restoration of the Florida Everglades

Abstract

Through a mixed methods research framework, this article examines the role and relevance of conceptual areas believed to shape citizen involvement in environmental restoration, with a particular focus on the Florida Everglades. Included are personal characteristics, individual attitudes, information sources, levels of social interaction, and resource management options. Using input from key informants and south Florida residents, qualitative data were collected to identify attitudes and opinions toward perceptions on communicating scientific information and opportunities for citizen engagement in Everglades restoration. Next, quantitative data collected through a mail survey of residents identified factors shaping awareness of Everglades issues, public decision-making processes, and citizen desires to actively participate in restoration efforts. Such information contributes to a better understanding of the potential for citizen involvement in natural resource management and environmental restoration. From this research, implications and suggestions for increasing local citizen involvement in local environmental planning, programs, and restoration are presented.

Keywords:

• civic engagement
• community
• community action
• environmental restoration
• Florida Everglades
• sustainable development

This project was made possible, in part, by funding from the University of Florida-School of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Notes

Note. Boldfaced numerals indicate significant differences: ∗significant at the .05 level, ∗∗significant at the .01 level, and ∗∗∗ significant at the .001 level.