Public Perceptions of Mountain Pine Beetle Effects on Natural Resources in the Rocky Mountain Region Stuart Cottrell 1, John Stednick 1, Mike Czaja 1, Eric Dickenson 2 1 Colorado State University, 2 Colorado School of Mines Funded by the National Science Foundation Awards and Background : The objective of this National Science Foundation-funded project is to determine potential MPB-related water resource changes by defining and quantifying feedbacks between changes in climate, altered forested ecosystems, biogeochemical processes, and resource management practices. This project will directly address the social and physical science factors that govern water resource availability and quality under ecological and climate change. Recently, water management stakeholders completed an on-line survey and participated in a facilitated workshop. The intent was to identify trends in stakeholder perceptions of MPB impacts, as well as what information needs to be communicated to the public. Results suggest that the primary concerns of water management stakeholders deal with water quality impacts, impact mitigation, and potential wildfire impacts. At this time, there is no perceived detrimental change to water quality. Methods Online survey with 5 open-ended questions to examine water provider perceptions of impacts of Mountain Pine Beetle on Drinking Water Resources ( ) 159 respondents (23% response rate) Organized responses into thematic & sub-thematic areas Analysis of common themes among stakeholder perceptions Survey Objectives were to assess: Stakeholder’s previous knowledge about science on MPB and its impacts Stakeholder thoughts on communication about MPB impacts Unforeseen stakeholder concerns about MPB impacts Stakeholder perceptions of water quality Public communication & general education needs 49% had previous knowledge of MPB-related impacts -Collaborative mitigation effort -Potential changes in run-off -Potential increase in: – Water turbidity – Total organic carbons – Nutrients – Wildfire potential Perceived issues of MPB impacts on water resources (n = 73, 46%) Water Quality, 25% Organic content Turbidity Disinfectant By-Products Water Treatment Fire, 34% Post-Fire Impacts Landscape Stabilization Watershed Health and Management, 22% Forest Rehabilitation Soil Stabilization Forest Health and Watersheds Run-Off Others: Communication, Long-Term Impacts, Treatment Processes, etc. What needs to be communicated ? -General quality & quantity impacts How soon? What will they be (flow, nutrients, etc.)? -Impact mitigation efforts Contingency plans Reduction of sediment and mineral levels -Water treatment Potential costs increases Adaptability of facilities -Completed research Dissemination Beetle Café Workshop The Power of Place: Gathering Wisdom to Communicate Pine Beetle Impacts on Water Quality and Supply (September, 2013) Key messages to the public - General MPB impacts: Cost, quality and quantity Forest health Infestation status -Impact mitigation Water treatment techniques Long-term mitigation costs -Wildfire impacts -Forest management “Forests to faucets” -More than aesthetics and tourism -Public meetings and information programs Increase Awareness Purpose Determine perception of water resource changes resulting from MPB and how to communicate this to the various public(s). Three questions: 1. Greatest issues and challenges for MPB impacts on water resources 2. Approaches to issues and challenges 3. Key messages for public communication 1. Issues and challenges:2. Solutions 3. Communication and key messages Climate changePublic awarenessCost of doing nothing WildfiresPlanning ahead How does MPB affect you? (You ARE a stakeholder) Division of resources and management Forest restoration/Diversification definition Timing of communication and consumer confidence Cost of thinning treesEducation vs. political contextWhat is it doing to my water? Water quality Balancing goal setting with stakeholders Dispelling the myths Future treatment costsWhat actions are necessary? Susceptible beetle kill and run-off Public awareness of MPB background Water supply Overall Conclusions: Survey and Workshop -Broaden the scope of stakeholder knowledge -Improve stakeholder communication & collaboration -Address primary stakeholder concerns -Continue mitigation & prevention of water quality impacts -Increase public education & awareness of important issues Results will inform future research and stakeholder outreach. Public outreach modules will be developed to convey key water resource issues to K-12 teachers and students, as well as provide training, research, and educational opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. Please visit out web sites for additional information: Online Survey Results