Predicting preferences for chemical treatment of aquatic invasive species and implications for outreach

The spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) poses many challenges to local, state, and federal government agencies in the United States and worldwide, as well as individuals living on lakeshore properties on which they are found. Lakeshore property owners, in particular, face significant economic damage when invasive species are discovered adjacent to their properties. However, little research has been conducted on the perceptions lakeshore property owners have about managing aquatic invasive species. To examine this, a survey was administered to 1200 individuals identified as owning a property on a lake in Wisconsin, USA. A regression model was constructed to examine the impact of political ideology, perceived environmental threat, familiarity with AIS, trust in institutions that advise about AIS management, and the emotions participants feel when thinking about managing AIS on the lakes that they live by on their preferences for chemical treatment management strategies. It was found that preference for chemical treatment strategies was predominantly driven by negative emotions about AIS and the perception that AIS were present in the lake that they live by. Political ideology was also found to be a significant predictor of preference for chemical treatment, with socially conservative participants more likely to favor this treatment compared to more socially liberal participants. Perceived AIS impact and trust in institutions tasked with advising on AIS management approaches were not found to be significant predictors of preference for chemical treatment strategies. Implications for outreach efforts are discussed.