Browsing by Author "Pototsky, P. Christy"
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- Arkansas Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-11-29)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Arkansas. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
- Birds are not the only ones impacted by guidance to cease bird feedingDayer, Ashley A.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Hall, Richard J.; Hawley, Dana M.; Phillips, Tina B.; Bonter, David N.; Dietsch, Allan M.; Greig, Emma; Hochachka, Wesley M. (Wiley, 2023)1. Humans have a particularly strong connection with birds, driving the enormous popularity of residential bird feeding in much of the world. 2. We conducted a web search to document US state wildlife management agency responses to two recent avian disease outbreaks, finding that 23 agencies made recommendations to cease feeding wild birds in 2021–2022. 3. The psychological benefits of bird feeding for humans are well-documented but often overlooked in management decisions in response to avian disease outbreaks. 4. Likewise, ecological evidence does not necessarily support ceasing bird feeding to reduce the spread of every avian disease. 5. Ecological and social science need to be applied in tandem to ensure that well-intended guidance to cease feeding of birds does not have unintended consequences.
- Colorado Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pausley, Emma R.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-02-28)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Colorado. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- Florida Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-11-08)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report is the results from the survey in Florida. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Georgia Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-29)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
- Idaho Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pausley, Emma R.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-03-17)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Idaho. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Idaho Fish and Game.
- Indiana Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-09-26)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
- Kansas Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-10-28)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
- Minnesota Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Jennings, Kelsey K.; Karns, Morgan J.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-10-18)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program.
- Missouri Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Karns, Morgan J.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-06-08)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Missouri. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Missouri Department of Conservation.
- National and Regional Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing Relevancy and Engaging Support from a Broader ConstituencySinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A.; Barnes, Jessica C.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Plante, Shelly; Jennings, Kelsey K.; Chaves, Willandia (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-17)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of fish and wildlife agencies. Wildlife viewers are those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife; and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife. To better understand wildlife viewers in the United States, the Dayer Lab at Virginia Tech in collaboration with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted a survey of more than 4,000 wildlife viewers nationwide. The study fills an important knowledge gap for wildlife agencies and illuminates how to better engage this broad constituency of wildlife recreationists, increasing agency relevancy to a wider array of people who enjoy the outdoors. Specifically, this report examines: viewing and conservation behaviors of wildlife viewers; past and likelihood of future financial contributions to state agencies; perceptions of state agencies and their management for wildlife viewers; how to build relevancy with a broader audience of wildlife viewers; comparisons of wildlife viewers across the four AFWA regions; participation of consumptive and nonconsumptive wildlife viewers; and more. This report also conducts additional analysis between consumptive (those that also participate in hunting and angling) and nonconsumptive wildlife viewers (those who do not), and compares wildlife viewers based on their “R3” stage (recruited, retained, churned, and reactivated). To illustrate tangible results from managing wildlife viewing, this report also incorporates seven case studies from state agencies demonstrating successful approaches to engaging wildlife viewers. Finally, this report concludes with five key recommendations for state agencies to increase engagement and relevancy with wildlife viewers. Researchers at Virginia Tech co-developed these recommendations based on insights from the study and co-production workshop with state agency staff at the 2022 Wildlife Viewer and Nature Tourism Academy. - Respond to demand for agencies to develop programs and services to engage viewers - Broaden constituency of state agencies through supporting viewing experiences of underserved groups - Develop financial support opportunities for viewers to contribute financially to state agencies - Support state agencies in implementing results - Conduct additional research to fill wildlife viewing information gaps For more information, please contact Emily Sinkular (sinkular@vt.edu) and Dr. Ashley Dayer (dayer@vt.edu). This project was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00), which is jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
- National Survey of Wildlife Viewers: Understanding Wildlife Viewers across the Urban-Rural GradientLanghans, Kelley E.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A.; Chaves, Willandia A. (2024-05)Wildlife viewing is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States. Wildlife viewers are those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife; and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife. Research has shown that the majority of wildlife viewers live in urban areas. This presents a challenge for fish and wildlife agencies, which have traditionally served hunting and fishing constituents and focused on rural areas. To better understand urban wildlife viewers, the Dayer Lab at Virginia Tech, in collaboration with state agency wildlife viewing staff, analyzed the results of the 2021 National and Regional Survey of Wildlife Viewers to explore how wildlife viewing behavior changes across an urban-rural gradient. This study fills a knowledge gap on this growing constituency of outdoor recreationists, and aims to increase the relevancy of agencies and their ability to engage and serve all people who want to connect with wildlife. This report utilizes information on the population density and built up area to calculate a metric of the degree of urbanization of where wildlife viewers live. This metric is then compared with wildlife viewers’ responses to the 2021 National and Regional Wildlife Viewer Survey in order to understand how wildlife viewing behaviors change across an urban-rural gradient. Specifically, this report examines: the ethnoracial identity and income of wildlife viewers, where they view wildlife, what types of wildlife viewing they participate in, their wildlife viewing skill level, barriers to their participation in wildlife viewing, relationships with their state agencies, and their communication preferences. This report also includes a case study on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, exploring how access to and awareness about trail sites varies based on degree of urbanization. The report concludes with ten key recommendations for state agencies to increase engagement with urban wildlife viewers. Researchers at Virginia Tech co-developed these recommendations based on insights from the 2024 Wildlife Viewer and Nature Tourism Academy, discussions with wildlife viewing staff from multiple state fish and wildlife agencies, and results of this study. The recommendations are: 1. Focus on urban areas to reach more wildlife viewers from ethnoracial minorities 2. Create programming around activities that urbanites prefer 3. Tailor programming in public spaces to urban wildlife viewers 4. Offer diverse programming for urban wildlife viewers of all expertise levels 5. Reach urban wildlife viewers by creating programming in urban areas, especially parks 6. Utilize more virtual and social media communication methods to share information with urban wildlife viewers 7. Use the ParkServe Tool to identify priority locations for expanding access to nature in cities 8. Expand access and outreach for low income and BIPOC wildlife viewers 9. Expand state agency capacity in urban areas through partnerships 10. Build leadership support for urban wildlife viewers This project was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F23AP00442-00), which is jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. For more information, please contact Kelley Langhans (langhans@vt.edu), Dr. Willandia Chaves (wchaves@vt.edu), and Dr. Ashley Dayer (dayer@vt.edu).
- New Mexico Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-07-18)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
- North Carolina Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Karns, Morgan J.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-01-10)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in North Carolina. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
- South Carolina Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-01-11)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in South Carolina. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
- South Dakota Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Wolter, Faren; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-12-06)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in South Dakota. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.
- Texas Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-09-28)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Utah Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing Relevancy and Engaging Support from a Broader ConstituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pausley, Emma R.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-07-07)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Utah. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Utah Department of Natural Resources.