Shelby Gull Laird

Organizational Structures and Data Use in Volunteer Monitoring Organizations (VMOs)

Complex environmental problems call for unique solutions to monitoring efforts alongside developing a more environmentally literate citizenry. Community-based monitoring (CBM) through the use of volunteer monitoring organizations helps to provide a part of the solution, particularly when CBM groups work with research scientists or government managers. This study of volunteer monitoring organizations (VMOs) active in 2009 in the United States was conducted via survey in order to better understand the organizational structure, data collection procedures and data use of water-quality monitoring by volunteers, focusing on North Carolina. Organizational structures and origins of monitoring groups are discussed and reveal a wide variety of types and history of programs. Data collection procedures including required training and quality assurance were explored and discussed through the survey. Many groups require training of a varied type, but fewer complete quality assurance plans. Multiple types of volunteer monitoring data uses were indicated, including management and research. This study suggests a lack of structure at the state level may hinder the usefulness of data collected for purposes other than local information and environmental education. Cooperation between research scientists and VMOs may aid organizations in publishing more of their data and developing a quality assurance plan.

Using residents’ attitudes, knowledge and behaviours to improve biodiversity conservation in an Australian rural–urban landscape

ABSTRACT The role of private land in biodiversity conservation is recognized, yet has received limited attention in the literature. Increasing urban development on the rural–urban interface of regional cities in Australia is creating a fragmented landscape of urban and conservation areas. Residents in these areas can assist in biodiversity conservation. Data on residents’ pro-conservation behaviours, knowledge, attitudes and connection to nature were collected using a mail questionnaire survey with 300 returned. Drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks, relationships between environmental knowledge, connection to nature and pro-environmental behaviours were analysed. Findings revealed that many residents participate in a variety of pro-conservation behaviours and are supportive of biodiversity. However, their knowledge of local biodiversity is low and are less likely to participate in community-based conservation actions. Study findings can assist local government and conservation organisations tailor their biodiversity conservation strategies to enhance biodiversity conservation on private land.