Public Access Benefits and Barriers Research Project
CompleteThis comprehensive study sought to understand public expectations for water access sites, the link between access and stewardship behavior, and barriers for underserved populations.
Description
This far-reaching study, conducted between April and October 2022, consisted of three research phases and an ambitious mission to understand the public’s relationship and expectations for public water access sites, the relationship between water access and personal stewardship behavior, and the particular barriers for traditionally underserved population segments.
The core of this study is a large, representative survey of residents across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, assessing a broad range of perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. The quantitative survey was backed up by focus groups and in-depth interviews to delve into people’s motivations and barriers, particularly among underserved population segments, infrequent visitors to water access sites and people who had undergone a transformation in their relationship with the water.