OT: OSU study for ocean recreational users

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Getting to Know Oregon's Recreational Ocean Users

A first-of-its-kind study in the state, Oregon State University is conducting research focusing on the "non-consumptive" ocean recreational users of Oregon-including divers, surfers, kite boarders, windsurfers, boaters/sailors, kayakers, and boat-based nature viewers. The project hopes to better understand these communities in learning about their needs, perspectives, composition, and contributions. Presently, there is a void in available information on these groups.

The information gathered will be used to create a profile of these recreational communities to potentially serve as a baseline for informing policy decisions and future studies. This project seeks to ensure that the present void in information on these "non-consumptive" recreational ocean users is filled to facilitate their representation in future decision-making regarding Oregon's oceans.

As a stakeholder of Oregon's ocean resources, your participation is highly valued. Participation in the study is voluntary, limited to Oregon residents over the age of 18, and will involve the completion of a mail questionnaire. Help us to serve you!

To participate please contact Chris Eardley, an Oregon State University graduate student, at ceardley@coas.oregonstate.edu. Please mention which ocean recreational group(s) you belong to and provide your mailing address for receiving the questionnaire.

All information gathered will be presented as a whole, in a summarized form. We will not seek any sensitive information, no identities will be made public, and mailing information will not be shared with third parties.

Let's work together.
Click here to find out more
oregon@surfrider.org • Oregon Surfrider Foundation

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

do you know where he's conducting his research

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2627 Posts The 503 METAL

I nominate Jahmbi, Blowhard and JabobBee to represent. That should give those beaker-heads a good cross-cut sampling of Oregon Coastal Kite characters.

Thumb's Up

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

I wonder what data they are collecting and how we have any significant impact on the ocean.

Dont these studies start with a Hypothesis? It would be interesting to read.

What if it was a study on how snowkiting impacts National Forests? wouldn't you want to know who is backing the study? I am sure you can think of a group of people who have an agenda that is not fair and balanced for all user groups. If this same group was supporting this study would you still want to participate? How much confidence would you have that the results would not be skewed in the direction of this groups agenda.

I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill, but, I would want to know the direction the study is going before I participated.

Snowy Plover, Spotted Owl, Snail Darter, Snow kiting with zero impact banned.....

I 'm just saying..

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Agree it does have a bit of a trojan horse smell to it. However, the source from which I got this was Surfrider. They champion beach access, sustainability and environmental issues. I've been loosely involved for 10 years and I feel pretty confident that they wouldn't consciously steer their constituents to a study that would impact beach access for recreational users. I'll ask around. Thanks for your input.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

ceardley · Since 17 Nov 2009 1 Posts New Member

Ha! I assure you this study does not have any spotted owls or snowy plovers behind it. In fact, it is not looking at impacts of humans on the environment or really the environment at all.

Rather, we are looking to develop a foundation of information on surfers, kiteboarders, kayakers, divers, wind surfers, etc. so that it can potentially be consulted for policy decisions. Things like what is important to these people, why, who they are, etc. The goal is to have information on hand so that decisions aren't made regarding oregon's oceans without considering the people that recreate on them. Nobody has really looked at these groups so we're trying to fix that.

We are conducting the research statewide and trying to include as many recreational ocean users as possible from as wide a representation as possible...don't want to leave any perspectives out if we can help it.

Surfrider is one of many partners of this project which also includes Oregon State University and Oregon SeaGrant.

And I'm a surfer, diver, and wakeboarder myself when I don't have a beaker on my head.

If anyone is interested or has any questions I can be emailed at ceardley@coas.oregonstate.edu.

-Chris Eardley

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

"foundation of information"

so that "it" can be "consulted"

???????????????????????