Perceptions of, and Motivations for, Land Trust Conservation in Northern Michigan: An Analysis of Key Informant Interviews

Kathryn N Braddock,Joel T Heinen

doi:10.3390/su13041609

Abstract

Land trusts are common and expanding mechanisms for conservation, although their impacts have been little-studied. The objective of this paper is to understand the perceptions and motivations of stakeholders of small-scale land trust conservation. We used 33 key informant interviews to learn the motivations and opinions of stakeholders regarding the Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) of northern Michigan, USA. The interviews were coded for relevant themes and interpreted alongside a literature review. The highest reported motivation for stakeholder involvement with LTC was the protection of nature and scenic beauty. Economic and social factors were also considered motivators; however, were not the key facilitators for conservation action for LTC stakeholders. Interviews emphasized that relationship and partnership formations are critical for facilitating successful land conservation. We conclude that land trust organizations can captivate the long-term support and participation of stakeholders through the consideration of local dynamics and building upon existing community relationships.

Highlights

Biodiversity plays a significant role in preserving healthy ecosystems, maintaining the fundamental needs of plant and animal life, and sustaining the aesthetic appeal of an area
A variety of themes emerged from interviews, including attitudes regarding Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) and land conservation, motivations to conserve, and recommendations for the future of LTC
We presented the “motivations for involvement” question in an open response format and responses were reviewed for common themes; such themes were created after reviewing all interviews in their entirety

Summary

Introduction

Biodiversity plays a significant role in preserving healthy ecosystems, maintaining the fundamental needs of plant and animal life, and sustaining the aesthetic appeal of an area. Conservation of biodiversity is; essential in supporting these factors and is important for a variety of cultural and socio-economic reasons that facilitate human well-being. The conservation of biodiversity is challenged by developmental pressures, climate change, habitat loss, resource exploitation, and pollution, among other factors [1,2]. Protected areas are an approach commonly used in the conservation of biodiversity. As a means of promoting biodiversity, large and connected pathways across quality habitat are typically the most sought out protected areas. Size, fragmentation, location, and land-use can be barriers to the success and efficacy of protected area conservation [4]. Private protected areas (parcels “owned or secured by non-profits, individuals, communities, or corporations”) [5] can be a useful method for sustaining socio-ecological systems and conserving biodiversity [4]

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