| In Michigan, as in many other states, agriculture comprises one of the leading sources of water quality impairment of rivers and lakes (USEPA, 2000). To address this concern, landowners from the Gun River, Lake Macatawa, North Branch Flint River, and Upper Thornapple watersheds were recruited to complete a survey instrument or participate in a focus group discussion to determine agricultural landowners' information needs, attitudes, behaviors, and communication strategy preferences. Results from this study indicate that the importance respondents associate with watershed conservation issues is influenced by respondents' age, level of education, and farming status. How informed respondents feel they are about watershed conservation issues depends on respondents' farming status, farm size, and watershed residence. In addition, respondents' preference for the Internet as a communication strategy is influenced by respondents' age, level of education, gross annual income level, and Internet access. Furthermore, respondents' level of feeling informed about watershed conservation issues and level of feeling satisfied with the water quality in their watershed affect their adoption of specific best management practices. Results from this study have the potential to improve the effectiveness of watershed conservation programs resulting in improved water quality in Michigan's agricultural watersheds. |
