Understanding ATV Use: Improving Conservation Methods in New Brunswick, Canada

The increase of illegal All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riding on New Brunswick beaches causes concern for the integrity of sandy beaches and dune systems which are important barriers for coastal protection. These ecosystems are home to a variety of species including the endangered shore bird, the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus). However, although these birds are often found in close proximity to recreational activity, there has been minimal research on the potential for human-wildlife conflict, which occurs most often when there is competition for a shared resource (e.g. nesting habitat versus space for recreation). Therefore, there is a need to understand public values, attitudes, and social trust in natural resource management agencies in order to better understand how these can influence support for successful conservation initiatives. To understand these relationships, my research will use a close-ended, pre-tested questionnaire to collect data on key components such as: attitudes towards management options, beliefs about environmental impact of ATVs, social trust in natural resource management agencies, and socio-demographic characteristics of participants. This research will contribute to an under-researched topic of assessing social trust in natural resource management agencies and how this influences public acceptance and expectations for environmental management […]

Faculty Supervisor:

Alistair J Bath

Student:

Partner:

University of Aberdeen

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: