PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND A REALITY CHECK ON RIVER CONDITION

River restoration is subject to increasing scrutiny as evidence suggests that projects often do not meet stated ecological goals. Additionally, there is little data concerning public perception of what a high quality river looks like. Understanding the relationship between public perception of a waterway and actual data about conditions on that waterway has implications for implementing measures designed to protect water resources.

Appalachian State University researchers are assessing links among public attitudes, actual river conditions, and restoration project design. A $2.5 million restoration project will begin in spring 2014 on the New River that flows along a greenway in Boone, NC. A stated project goal is to prevent erosion and sedimentation at the site. Researchers have collected data on water quality and aquatic lifeforms at the restoration site and in the upstream watershed. In 2013 the team surveyed 120 people using the greenway and asked about perceptions of river aesthetics, water and habitat quality, and potential contamination sources. Preliminary data analyses suggest the majority of respondents find this site attractive, view it as ‘natural’ and believe that overall environmental conditions are above average. When asked about specific water quality issues, including temperature, runoff, pesticides, and erosion, about a third of respondents said they ‘do not know’ if these are a concern.

Preliminary monitoring data analyses show that benthic macroinvertebrate sampling sites all rate excellent, suggesting high quality water and habitat. Nitrates, phosphates, sulfur and chlorides are all below EPA standards. Although full sediment data is not yet available, there is a possible increase in fine sediment moving from upstream to downstream. The data also suggest that high specific conductivity (salt runoff) may be a concern.

The public survey and initial stream monitoring data demonstrate consensus on perceptions of aesthetics and high river quality. This raises questions about the focus for this restoration effort, which will be explored through this research.