Demand for an effective way to evaluate natural resource education programs and materials is increasing. In this study, a mail questionnaire survey was developed to examine the impact on riparian landowners of a cooperative extension education publication addressing river conservation. Our respondents held a favorable opinion about this publication. The majority of readers surveyed found it understandable, well organized, attractive, interesting, persuasive, educational, and sufficiently useful to be kept for future reference. Most readers expressed a willingness-to-pay price that exceeded the publication costs. The mail questionnaire survey technique provides a rapid, convenient, and objective approach for evaluation of educational publications. This method is useful in demonstrating the extent of use and effectiveness of an educational publication, characterizing readership, and justifying production costs to sponsors.
