The Importance of Public Participation Toni Glymph, Environmental Toxicologist Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources National Beaches Conference 2006

“In the multitude of counsel, there is wisdom” (Proverbs)

What is Public Involvement? Involving any group or individual that is affected by or interested in your decision or project. Different individuals or groups may have different levels of interest or involvement.

Why Public Involvement? It is a requirement of the BEACH Act People have the right to influence what affects them Results in better decision making – you can get it right the first time. Build relationships & credibility

When to Involve the Public Before designing the program During the development of the program After the program design is complete Before, During & After

Before The effectiveness of a program designed to communicate the health risks of swimming in recreational waters is only as effective as your ability to communicate that risk to the public.

Communicating Risk Gather information to tell you the most effective way to communicate to your public. Talk to the Public!

Beach Survey – What we learned 70% actually plan to get in the water Tourist vs Locals –Southeast 23% Tourists –Door County 86% Tourists –Lake Superior 50% Tourists Current vs Desired sources of information Sign design and placement preferences Language variations

During Involve stakeholders during the development of the program –Workgroup State & Local Health Departments Environmental Groups Researchers & Scientists

During As a result: –Meet the needs of each county health department –Satisfy the environmental advocacy –Meet the need for public protection –Effectively communicate health risks to the public

During Get input along the way –Public meetings Explain what and why Gather feedback and comments on –Proposed methods of communication –Proposed beach classification & ranking

Beware of the “Jaws” Syndrome

During Dr. Robert B. Cialdini has identified six psychological principles that produce “a distinct kind of automatic, mindless compliance from people, a willingness to say “yes” without thinking first.”

Communicating Risk Principle #1 – Reciprocity “You are obligated to give back to me the form of behavior I first give to you” Produces a “Yes” response out of indebtedness The rule of “gift giving” – We often give back equal or more than we have received.

Public Informational Meetings Issues –“We don’t want our beaches on the list because people will come use them” –“Stop wasting our money on monitoring and stop Milwaukee WWTP CSOs and the problem will be solved (for the entire state)”

Public Informational Meetings Issues –Everyone already knew what the major pollution source was. –“Posting signs will make people think our water has bacteria in it”

Public Informational Meetings Principal #2 – Authority “It is impossible to use the influence of authority without ever providing a real authority” It has been proven that it is difficult to resist requests that come from figures who are simply dressed as authorities.

Public Informational Meetings

Focus the Public on the scope and limitations of the program Give them specific aspects of the program to comment on

Focus the Public SIGN-IN TABLE REFRESHMENTS COMMENT BOX BEACH Act Info Beach Location & Names Beach Priority & Ranking Example Beach Signs Other Methods of Communication

After End of season Beach Meetings Pre-season Beach Meetings Follow-up surveys to the public

Public Involvement Effective public participation holds great potential for improving both your decisions and your decision-making processes. The public brings varied viewpoints, unique knowledge and energy to project.

Public Involvement However, for effective public participation, you must recognize the need for involving the public and make the commitment to it. Then, using a well-designed and thought out plan, integrate the public’s role into your decision making.