CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: DOES REPRESENTATIVENESS MATTER?

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main focus of this research is on the changing role of citizen participation in natural resource management. Evidence suggests that citizens who participate in the management of natural resources are not representative of stakeholders who are impacted by the decisions being made. In an effort to assess the representativeness of citizen participation, we conducted telephone surveys of “residents” who live in the watershed of Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Norris Reservoir and “participants” in TVA's Norris Public Lands Plan. As hypothesized, we found participants to be older, disproportionately male, more educated, and more affluent, and as having higher levels of political efficacy and trust in government than residents. Exploratory analyses revealed many other significant differences between participants and residents. We conclude by suggesting that increased and representative citizen participation is necessary for the successful implementation of an ecosystem-based approach and to address problems associated with non-point source pollution. Funds for the collection of data were provided by the Waste Management Research and Education Institute (WMREI), a state sponsored Center of Excellence at the University of Tennessee. Appreciation is expressed to David Feldman, Sherry Cable, and Chip Hastings for their support of this research. The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and opinions expressed do not reflect the position of the WMREI or the University of Tennessee.