| dc.description.abstract |
As with many of our natural resources, Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, are in
need of protection on private lands. Increasing development and poor agricultural
practices have removed or degraded much of this species’ habitat in western North
Carolina. In order to protect remaining Brook Trout habitat in this region, the Southern
Appalachian Biodiversity Project held the Brook Trout Summit with the purpose of promoting
public-private partnerships between private landowners and government conservation
agencies. Specifically, this summit introduced farmers and developers to conservation
easements and the conservation incentive programs that would allow them to preserve
and restore riparian habitat. This research used a survey to assess the Summit’s
effectiveness in 1. attracting private landowners, 2. increasing participants’ knowledge
of the conservation programs and partners that they can become involved with to conserve
Brook Trout habitat, and 3. encouraging the formation of public-private partnerships.
Analysis of survey results showed that the Summit was effective in increasing participants’
knowledge and encouraging the formation of partnerships, but was unable to attract
sufficient numbers of private landowners. Suggestions for improvement of the summit
format are explored and recommendations for future endeavors, including a second Brook
Trout Summit, are discussed.
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