Roslynn Brain

Why Do Cattle Ranchers Participate in Conservation Easement Agreements? Key Motivators in Decision Making

When communicating with farmers and ranchers, land conservation professionals would be better equipped if they understood key influences on their target audiences decisions to permanently preserve their land from development. This study predicted key factors influencing rancher engagement in a conservation easement (CE) agreement. Specifically, theory of planned behavior, trust, environmental identity, past behavior, perceptions of specific CE characteristics and selected participant demographics were used as predictors. A mixed-methods approach was applied involving interviews, a two-phase pilot study, and a statewide mail-administered questionnaire. Final interview domains guided the quantitative survey instrument, which was administered to 1,000 Florida cattle ranchers. A 60% response rate was received. Multiple linear regression demonstrated ranchers were more likely to enter into a CE agreement if they 1) had a positive attitude about the outcomes associated with CEs; 2) felt influential others would positively support CEs; 3) indicated higher trust in conservation organizations and agencies; 4) believed their land had significant conservation value; 5) supported sale or donation of certain property rights; and 6) were positively influenced by financial incentives, primarily estate tax deductions. These six variables explained over 50% of intent to engage in a CE agreement. Understanding these influences will aid land conservationists in their future communication efforts with farmers and ranchers.

Undergraduate Students as Sustainability Consultants: Applying Service-Learning To Enhance Career Skills and Foster Community Environmental Sustainability

The words sustainable and sustainability have recently become popular diction. Often, sustainability-related concepts can seem too complicated or overwhelming, or they imply simply using less—and nothing more. At Utah State University, these ideas were incorporated in a newly designed upper-level undergraduate service-learning course, entitled Communicating Sustainability. Communicating Sustainability explored the deeper meanings of sustainability, and students learned about their own beliefs and behaviors, their community, and how to act as professional change agents. The course was structured around exploring the theoretical foundations of sustainability, commu nication and conservation theories, and communication techniques. Students then used knowledge gained, theories, and techniques to foster pro-environmental change with community partners. The course relayed concepts of sustainability in a positive light and gave undergraduate students real-world experience of working in a sustainability-related profession. As the demand for green jobs continues to increase, this article provides a framework for using a Communicating Sustainability class to help students develop life skills and effectively transition into professionals.

Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a No-Child-Left-Inside Pilot Program

We describe experience with a pilot week-long, No-Child-Left-Inside (NCLI), outdoor program implemented in Cache Valley, Utah, in 2012. Through response analysis of a “pre-then-post” childrens survey and a parent-completed demographic survey, we assess program effectiveness in raising childrens enthusiasm for nature-related behaviors and in reaching a target audience of all local families. The program reached many families with low participation in other conservation programs but failed to reach families from the growing Latino population. Participating children experienced increased excitement to spend more time outdoors exploring and learning, accomplishing NCLI goals of laying a groundwork for childrens enhanced environmental literacy.

Demystifying the Cowboy Through His Song: How Cowboy Poetry and Music Create a Common Language Between Multiple-Use Conservationists and Forever-Wild Preservationists to Meet the Goals of Sustainable Agriculture

Though multiple-use conservationists (use the land for multiple purposes) and forever-wild preservationists (solely set aside land for nonhuman species) seem to be at odds, this article argues that key figures such as Gifford Pinchot and John Muir discredit this perceived discordance. As well, it probes into the unexplored arena of cowboy music gatherings as productive places for cooperation between the two groups. First, mystique of the cowboy is examined and unraveled through true stories of cowboy-environmentalist collaboration. This article addresses how cowboy poetry festivals function as entertainment and meeting places to support sustainable behavior through community-based social marketing techniques.