3rd Wildlife Viewing & Nature Tourism Academy

Human-dimensions research plays a key role in making informed decisions about managing recreational experiences and developing strategic communication efforts. In 2017-2018 the North American Waterfowl Management Plan Human Dimensions Working Group conducted the first-ever bi-national, continental-scale human dimensions study of birdwatchers. Our survey of birdwatchers (n = 36,908) from the U.S. and Canada resulted in regional-level insights that can serve as an invaluable resource for wildlife viewing and nature tourism practitioners. The survey applied social science theories and perspectives to gather information about conservation attitudes, behaviors, identity, social networks, recreational experience preferences and funding mechanisms. Further, we conducted a complementary survey of hunters (n=9004) to allow for comparisons in responses of the two groups. This training session will provide human dimensions insights in five modules of 10 minutes, interspersed with two hands-on and discussion sessions of 15 minutes. The hands-on sessions will include activities and discussion prompts to ensure participants leave the session with specific ways they can apply the data in their current or future efforts to work with birdwatchers. A complete list of ideas for ways to utilize the findings will be generated and shared with participants following the workshop.