Habitat loss is one of the key factors contributing to loss of wildlife, but ultimately it comes down to decisions made at he private landowner. Economin pressures from comodity prices probably heavily wieght in decisions. However, understanding how a private landowner responds to economic incentives and pressures may identify strategies to reduce habitat loss in the plains and prairie pothole region. Also, farmers & ranchers generally have more thn an econominc interest in their lands with strong social and cultura ties. The aging trend inteh agricultrual industry is another factor contributing to decisions about land, foten with farm/rances being split among surviving relatives who may not continue to farm or ranch themselves.
This project aims to measure attitudes and intended behaviors toward participating in a variety of conservatin progrms and identify barriers to participating in such programs; identify future changes in farming and ranching practices related to the aging trend; and measure wildlife value orientations of landowners with attitudes and behaviors toward participating in conservation programs.
