Event Title

A Social Marketing Based Strategy for Shoreline Residential Water Quality Outreach

Presentation Abstract

Washington State University Extension and the Washington State Conservation Commission conducted and evaluated a collaborative social marketing based outreach project targeting the Burley Lagoon, Rocky Bay, Vaughn Bay, and Hood Canal Area #6 watersheds in Western Washington. The goal of the project was to conduct site visits on private property to encourage implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that reduce fecal coliform pollution. The priority BMPs identified were 1) inspection of septic systems as recommended by the appropriate local county agency and completing repairs as needed; 2) pick up, bag, and dispose of dog waste in garbage; 3) collect, contain, and cover livestock waste; and 4) install vegetation to absorb and filter water.

In the targeted watersheds, 1,565 parcels were identified that were located on or within 250 feet of marine or freshwater shorelines. These landowners were contacted through a combination of methods including direct mailings, reminder postcards, and door knocking. This presentation will highlight the audience research conducted, the results and lessons learned, as well as project evaluation results. The presentation will also focus on the results of interviews conducted at the conclusion of the field work with staff members involved in recruiting participants and scheduling and conducting site visits. Recommendations and lessons learned include how many BMPs can be effectively discussed at a site visit, considerations when selecting BMPS, the features of a quality site visit, participant surveys, and educational materials provided.

The lessons learned can be applied to a variety of education and outreach projects seeking to directly contact landowners and work with them on private property. The results of this project are currently informing the project design of similar efforts.

Session Title

Behavior Change and the Salish Sea: Science and Application

Keywords

Key Words: Social marketing, outreach, BMPs, fecal contamination, engagement

Conference Track

People

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)

Document Type

Event

Start Date

2016 12:00 AM

End Date

2016 12:00 AM

Location

2016SSEC

Type of Presentation

Oral

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)

Contributing Repository

Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Watershed management--Washington (State)--Citizen participation; Water quality management --Washington (State)--Citizen participation; Wetland conservation--Washington (State)--Citizen participation

Geographic Coverage

Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Washington (State)

Comments

Key Words: Social marketing, outreach, BMPs, fecal contamination, engagement

Rights

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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Jan 1st, 12:00 AM Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

A Social Marketing Based Strategy for Shoreline Residential Water Quality Outreach

2016SSEC

Washington State University Extension and the Washington State Conservation Commission conducted and evaluated a collaborative social marketing based outreach project targeting the Burley Lagoon, Rocky Bay, Vaughn Bay, and Hood Canal Area #6 watersheds in Western Washington. The goal of the project was to conduct site visits on private property to encourage implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that reduce fecal coliform pollution. The priority BMPs identified were 1) inspection of septic systems as recommended by the appropriate local county agency and completing repairs as needed; 2) pick up, bag, and dispose of dog waste in garbage; 3) collect, contain, and cover livestock waste; and 4) install vegetation to absorb and filter water.

In the targeted watersheds, 1,565 parcels were identified that were located on or within 250 feet of marine or freshwater shorelines. These landowners were contacted through a combination of methods including direct mailings, reminder postcards, and door knocking. This presentation will highlight the audience research conducted, the results and lessons learned, as well as project evaluation results. The presentation will also focus on the results of interviews conducted at the conclusion of the field work with staff members involved in recruiting participants and scheduling and conducting site visits. Recommendations and lessons learned include how many BMPs can be effectively discussed at a site visit, considerations when selecting BMPS, the features of a quality site visit, participant surveys, and educational materials provided.

The lessons learned can be applied to a variety of education and outreach projects seeking to directly contact landowners and work with them on private property. The results of this project are currently informing the project design of similar efforts.