J. M. Fly

We investigated the usefulness of focus groups, an interview methodology, in human dimensions research. We used a focus group to interview people interested in wildlife conservation to determine the technique's efficacy in assessing public perception of wildlife habitat management on electric transmission line rights-of-way (ROWs). Most respondents had some basic knowledge of wildlife habitat needs and considered ROWs as potentially useful to wildlife. Respondents were concerned about the use of herbicides and generally preferred mechanical treatments. There was considerable distrust of...

A 1992 survey of Tennessee anglers was used to determine who is fishing and how often, the species they fish for, and how anglers perceive the regulatory structure. The results are based on telephone interviews with 450 active licensed anglers. Nearly 81% of the anglers visited a Tennessee reservoir in 1992, while 41% fished warm water streams, 28% farm ponds, and 22% trout streams. Over 60% preferred separate regulations for reservoirs. Active reservoir fishermen were more likely to support individual regulations. The participants were evenly split on whether a proposed regulation which...