Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Knowledge levels and levels of activities involving animals were measured in 1315 eighth graders in Broward County, Florida. These variables were statistically compared with consumptive and non-consumptive resource orientations. Non-consumptive orientations toward wildlife characterized a majority of the population and were significantly associated with level of knowledge. Relationships between knowledge and consumptive orientations were mixed. Frequency of participation in animal related activities was significantly associated with knowledge and both consumptive and nonconsumptive resource orientations. Attitudes towards hunting and knowledge are also examined. The results indicate that while knowledge and the frequency of animal activities are significantly associated with resource orientations, the strength of the associations are low indicating that other factors are operational.

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 was enacted into law on 3 August 1977. Successful implementation and enforcement of the environmental performance standards of the Act will reduce or eliminate many of the previously recognized environmental perturbations of surface mining, and will result in numerous positive benefits for fish and wildlife. However, fish and wildlife will continue to be adversely affected by surface mining due to losses of specific habitat types and reclamations which result in postmining changes in habitat type and interspersion of habitats. The proposed program for reclaiming abandoned mine lands has great potential for benefiting fish and wildlife, but the actual benefit or loss will depend upon the conditions of each mine site and the site-specific reclamation plan authorized.