Maintaining Forest Health and Water Quality in the Lake Tahoe Region

Maintaining Forest Health and Water Quality in the Lake Tahoe Region We invite you to share your opinions about what should be done to deal with threats to the Lake Tahoe region s natural beauty, forest health, and water quality. Your answers are important even if you rarely, if ever, visit the Lake Tahoe region. A diversity of responses is necessary for the results from this study to reflect the range of public opinion about these issues. Every opinion is valid. 1

Questions and Answers: Q: Who is conducting this study? A: The study is being conducted by faculty and students from the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Kimberly Rollins is the lead Investigator. Her office contact information is provided below. Q: Why did I receive this? A: We randomly selected about 2,000 people living in California and Nevada. Q: Why should I respond? A: Because your views represent other people like yourself. Your responses help to insure that the results are representative of the opinions of the broader public. Q: Are my answers confidential? A: Absolutely. University of Nevada sponsored research adheres to strict privacy standards. Your name and address are never connected with your answers and will never be used for future surveys. The research is designed so that individual responses cannot be identified. Q: How will my answers be used? A: Your answers will be combined with those of other respondents. We will report results as averages drawn from the entire data set. Q: Some of these questions ask for personal information. Why? A: This information helps us to understand how and why people answered the way they did. We need to control for things that can vary between people, like where they live, their age, and their experience at Lake Tahoe. Q: How do I receive a copy of the results? A: Write your name and address (e-mail or street) on a separate sheet of paper and include it with your returned survey. Q: What if I don t wish to respond? A: Please return the blank survey so that you can be removed from future notifications related to the survey (reminder postcards, etc.). Have more questions? Feel free to contact the office of Dr. Kimberly Rollins, survey managers Linda Starr at (775) 784-1442 or lindastarr@unr.edu or Mike Mazurowski at mmazurowski@unr.edu. 1

IMPORTANT Please read the enclosed insert: Wildfire: a Threat to Lake Tahoe Forests Do not continue until you have read this insert 1. About the enclosed insert Wildfire: a Threat to Lake Tahoe Forests, were you Already familiar with this information Aware that forest fires can affect water clarity Aware of how quickly lightly wooded areas can recover after fire Aware that frequent small fires can limit severe wildfires More concerned about wildfire after reading the insert Less concerned about wildfire after reading the insert Thinking of forested areas that you have visited Thinking this will affect how you see forested areas in the future Thinking some of the information might be wrong Surprised that fire is important for maintaining fireresistant and drought-tolerant forests Wanting to learn more 2. Have you seen these forested areas at Lake Tahoe or elsewhere? (check the one best answer for each) Several Times Once or Twice Never Not sure Heavily wooded forested areas Heavily wooded areas after a wildfire Lightly wooded forested areas Lightly wooded areas after a fire Heavy smoke in the air from wildfire Recently thinned forested area 3. Have you ever had to change vacation plans due to wildfire? Yes No 4. Have you ever been evacuated from your home because of wildfire? Yes No 5. Do you know someone who was evacuated because of wildfire? Yes No 6. Have you ever changed the landscaping or structures at a home you lived in or on property that you own or manage to reduce wildfire threat? Yes No 2

Several methods are used to thin heavily wooded forest areas. These include: Thinning and Chipping Thin out small trees, brush Chip material into mulch and spread on the forest floor. Thin, Stack, and Burn Thin small trees, brush Stack into piles Burn piles safely in winter Prescribed Burning Burn small trees and brush in a controlled manner when conditions are right. Burning 1. Do you approve of these forest management methods for Lake Tahoe s forests? Thinning and chipping Thinning, and removing thinned material from the forest floor Thin, stack, and burn Hand thinning using chainsaws Mechanical thinning using heavy equipment Prescribed burning Selling salvage timber from areas burned by fire 2. Wildfire risk is a concern in the Lake Tahoe region. Many other issues are also important to California and Nevada residents. Please rate the importance of these issues to you. (check the one best answer for each) very very high medium low high low Quality of public education in my state Job creation in my state Lake Tahoe water clarity ( Keep Tahoe Blue ) Reduce wildfire risk to people Reduce wildfire risk to property Restore forest health Protect wildlife habitat Preserve nature for future generations Water conservation during droughts 3

Reducing Wildfire Risk at Lake Tahoe: What is it Worth to You? A recent study of forest conditions in the Lake Tahoe area concluded that: If a fire broke out near homes and recreation areas around Lake Tahoe, there would be a risk% chance that it would become a highly-destructive, large wildfire. This chance would be reduced to risk% if 10,000 acres of public forest were thinned every year for 10 years. Current funding cannot achieve the goal of 10,000 acres thinned each year for 10 years. Suppose a forest management program is proposed to treat 10,000 acres per year for 10 years. Program costs would be covered by residents of California and Nevada and by visitors to the Lake Tahoe region through a variety of fees. Examples include: special sales taxes, property taxes, and user fees. Funds would be dedicated to this program only. Forest thinning needs and funding levels will be reevaluated at the end of this 10 year period. The Referendum Suppose you and all other residents of Nevada and California are asked to vote on this program. If a majority votes NO: The program will not be implemented. Even if you vote YES, the program will not go forward and funds will not be collected. If a majority votes YES: The program will be implemented. Even if you vote NO, the funds would still be collected from you to support the program. How would you vote if the annual costs to your household were as shown below? These costs may seem very high or low to you. Different versions of this questionnaire present different dollar amounts, so that we get a wide range of responses overall. For each dollar amount, please consider your household budget and needs, along with the value you place on Lake Tahoe forests and reducing wildfire risk. 1. How would you vote if the cost to you was $ <A> per year for the next 10 years? YES NO 2. How would you vote if the cost to you was $ <B> per year for the next 10 years? YES NO 3. Would you support this program in principle, if it cost your household nothing? YES NO 4

1. Did these AFFECT your vote? Program costs too much money I cannot afford this I will not benefit from the program I object to how the question is posed Not enough information was provided I already pay enough in taxes and user fees I don't trust the funding will be used properly I don t plan to visit the Lake Tahoe area in the future It is not my responsibility to pay for this There are other, more important priorities for public spending I am skeptical that this reduction in wildfire risk can be achieved 2. Do you AGREE? The federal government should bear most of the cost of managing public forests Property owners in the Lake Tahoe area should bear more of the costs of managing public forests Visitors to the Lake Tahoe area should bear more of the costs of managing public forests State and local governments should bear most of the costs of managing public forests in their states No one should be taxed to pay for forest management The federal government should have most control over managing public forests State and local governments should have most control over managing public forests Controlled timber sales should be used to cover more of the costs of forest management Forests do not need to be managed - let nature take over 5

IMPORTANT Please read the enclosed insert: Milfoil: A Threat to Water Clarity in Lake Tahoe Do not continue until you have read this insert. 1. About the enclosed insert Milfoil: a Threat to Water Clarity in Lake Tahoe, were you (check the one best answer for each) Yes!! yes maybe no No!! Already aware of milfoil in Lake Tahoe Aware of these weeds but did not know their name Aware of how milfoil affects water clarity Aware of the successful milfoil removal project at Emerald Bay Aware of water clarity concerns at Lake Tahoe More concerned about milfoil after reading it Thinking of weeds in other lakes you have visited Thinking this will affect how you see lakes in the future Surprised to learn that these weeds are not native Surprised by milfoil s impact on near shore water quality Thinking some of the information is wrong Wanting to learn more 2. Have you seen at Lake Tahoe or elsewhere (check the one best answer for each) Several Times Once or Twice Never Not sure A lake bottom covered with milfoil or other weeds Heavy milfoil growth reaching the water s surface Enough milfoil to affect swimming Enough milfoil to affect boating Milfoil mixed with clumps of brown algae People working to remove milfoil from water Lake bottoms mucky with decaying weeds Milfoil infestations worsening over time Milfoil infestations improving over time 6

IMPORTANT - Please read the enclosed insert: Asian Clams: A Threat to Water Clarity at Lake Tahoe Do not continue until you have read this insert. 1. About the enclosed insert Asian Clams: a Threat to Water Clarity in Lake Tahoe, were you Already aware of Asian clams in Lake Tahoe Aware of the clams but did not know the name Aware of how Asian clams affect water clarity More concerned about the clams after reading it Thinking of clams in other lakes you have been to Thinking this will affect how you see lakes in the future Surprised to learn that these clams are not native Surprised of the impacts on near shore water quality Thinking some of the information is wrong Wanting to learn more 2. Have you seen at Lake Tahoe or elsewhere (check the one best answer for each) Several Times Once or Twice Never Not sure The lake bottom covered with clam shells Enough clams to affect swimming Anyone trying to remove clams from water Clam infestations worsening over time Clam infestations improving over time Greenish water color in areas where clams are 3. Do you support these programs to protect Lake Tahoe? Watercraft inspections for invasive pests Require powerwashing of boats before entering the Lake Require motor boats to reverse engines once they leave marinas to expel milfoil 7

Eliminating the Threats of Milfoil and Asian Clams at Lake Tahoe: What is it Worth to You? Unless steps are taken, milfoil and Asian clams will spread throughout the near shore areas of Lake Tahoe. Because these invasive species are so aggressive, milfoil and Asian clams will spread even without further introductions by watercraft. Suppose that a proposed program could guarantee milfoil and Asian clam infestations were controlled in Lake Tahoe. Methods developed at Emerald Bay and elsewhere at Lake Tahoe would be used. The program would target near shore areas, including public beaches. Marinas and areas with heavy boat traffic would not be targeted because of the high cost in these areas. Program costs would be covered by residents of California and Nevada, and by visitors to the region through a variety of fees. Examples are: special sales taxes, property taxes, and user fees. The program would guarantee control for 10 years. Funds would be dedicated to this program only. The program and its funding would be reviewed after 10 years. The Referendum Suppose you and all other residents of Nevada and California are asked to vote on this program. If a majority votes NO: The program will not be implemented. Even if you vote YES, the program will not go forward and funds will not be collected. If a majority votes YES: The program will be implemented. Even if you vote NO, the funds would still be collected from you to support the program. How would you vote if the annual costs to your household were as shown below? These costs may seem very high or low to you. Different versions of this questionnaire present different dollar amounts, so that we get a wide range of responses overall. For each dollar amount, please consider your household budget and needs, along with the value you place on water quality at Lake Tahoe. 1. How would you vote if the cost to you was $ <A> per year for the next 10 years? YES NO 2. How would you vote if the cost to you was $ <B> per year for the next 10 years? YES NO 3. Would you support this program in principle, if it cost your household nothing? YES NO 8

1. Did these AFFECT your vote? Program costs too much money I cannot afford this I don t plan to visit Lake Tahoe in the future I object to how the question was asked Not enough information I already pay enough in taxes and user fees I don't trust the funding will be used properly I was not responsible for these problems It is not my responsibility to pay for this Near shore water quality is fine I already do my fair share to limit my footprint on any place that I visit, including Lake Tahoe I am skeptical that milfoil control can be achieved 2. Who should be responsible for paying for milfoil control at Lake Tahoe? Residents of communities in the Lake Tahoe region Property owners in the Lake Tahoe region Owners of Lake Tahoe shorefront property only Tourists to the Lake Tahoe region Boaters at Lake Tahoe State governments (all state residents) The federal government (all national citizens) All local businesses Local businesses in fishing/boating/watersports No one, milfoil does not need to be controlled No one should be taxed to pay for milfoil control Please tell us about your experience in the Lake Tahoe region 3. How often have you visited the Lake Tahoe region? Never Once or twice 3 to 10 times 11-15 times > 15 times I live here 4. When was your last visit to the Lake Tahoe region? This month 1 4 months ago 5 12 months ago over a year ago I live here Never 9

1. How often have you participated in these activities in the Lake Tahoe region during the last 12 months? How many times in the Which are your top 3 activities? last 12 months Write in 1 for favorite, 2 for None 1-4 5 + next favorite, 3 for third favorite Backpacking, hiking in forests Camping Beach recreation, picnicking Motorized boating Non-motorized boating Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing Downhill skiing/snowboarding Scuba diving Water sports (skiing, windsurfing) Golfing Fishing from boat Fishing from shore or pier Mountaineering/rock climbing Bicycling (road or mountain) Wildlife viewing, bird watching Photography Other: 2. How would you rate these conditions in the Lake Tahoe region? (check the one best answer for each) Poor Fair Good Excellent Not sure Boating conditions Swimming conditions Fishing conditions Scenic beauty of the beaches Scenic beauty of the forests Forest health Traffic congestion Parking Wildlife viewing / bird watching Water weeds and algae Hiking trails Requirements due to regulations Clarity of the water near shorelines Wildfire risk Accessibility of recreation areas 10

1. What is your best estimate of how much you paid in user fees (including parking) to access recreation areas in the Lake Tahoe region during the last 12 months? $0 $1-$25 $26-$75 $76-$150 $151-$500 >$500 State and local parks Camping Marinas Boat launching Public beaches Golfing 2. Do you support these methods to raise funds to protect natural amenities near Lake Tahoe? (check the one best answer for each) Yes!! yes maybe no No!! Voluntary Keep Tahoe Blue license plates/boat stickers Surcharge on sales tax in the Lake Tahoe region Surcharge on the hotel tax in the Lake Tahoe region Sales tax increase in Nevada and California An increase in property taxes in the Lake Tahoe region Increased parking fees in the Lake Tahoe region Increased marina/boat launching fees at Lake Tahoe Parking fees on all public roads and lots in the area A sales tax on sporting goods in the Lake Tahoe region Tolls on Lake Tahoe roads Fees for beach use Fees for forest trail use 3. Do you trust programs and agencies at Lake Tahoe area to: (check the one best answer for each) Yes!! yes maybe no No!! Effectively respond to forest fires Manage public forests Conduct prescribed burns to reduce fire risk Prevent additional introductions of invasive pests Use public funds to protect natural amenities Effectively manage for water quality Regulate private lands to protect natural amenities Provide accurate information about water quality/forest health Provide accurate information to residents and tourists about how to reduce their impact on the area s natural amenities 11

1. Who do you trust in the Lake Tahoe area to do their share to protect natural amenities? Local residents making their own decisions Local businesses whose incomes depend on it Environmental groups U.S. Forest Service State and local government State Parks and Forest agencies Please tell us about you and your household 2. Are you a resident of a community in the Lake Tahoe region? No, not now and not in the past SKIP TO QUESTION 3 BELOW Not now, but I lived there in the past SKIP TO QUESTION 3 BELOW Yes, I live here currently, as a full-time resident For how many years? About years SKIP TO QUESTION 3 Yes, I live here currently, as a part-time resident Do you consider this to be your primary residence? Yes No For how many years? About years How much of the year do you live at this home, on average? Season December--February March May June August September -- November Typical number of weeks 3. Do you own a home or other type of property in the Lake Tahoe area? Yes No 4. About how many miles by road from Lake Tahoe do you live? About miles 5. How long would it take, to travel one-way from your home to Lake Tahoe? hours 6. How old are you? years 7. Are you Male Female 8. What is your race/ethnicity? >> Check all that apply African American Native American White Asian Hispanic Other 12

1. What is your highest level of education? Less than high school GED High school graduate Occupational certification Some college 2 year associate degree 4 year degree (Bachelors ) Graduate or professional degree 2. Please indicate your total household income, before taxes, in 2013. Under $15,000 $15,000 to $24,999 $25,000 to $34,999 $35,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more 3. Are you currently. >> Check all that apply Employed full-time Unemployed, but looking for work Employed part-time Unemployed, not looking for work Attending school Disabled Retired Other Full time homemaker 4. Which kind of work do/did you (mostly) do? You Spouse / Partner Professional or technical Managerial Sales Administrative and clerical Ranching, farming Manual work Service Other 5. What kind of business or industry do/did you work in? You Spouse / Partner Agriculture Retail Recreation Protective services (including military, police, fire) Education Government Private non-profit Tourism Healthcare Computer/IT 13

1. In the past 12 months, how often did you Never Once or Several Once a More participate in twice times month Environmental groups Local Fire Safe Council or other fire group Search and Rescue Recreation group Other volunteer groups Thank you for your time! Your assistance is very much appreciated. Please return this survey as soon as possible in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope. Local businesses have donated items to support a raffle to acknowledge the time that you and others invested in this study. Would you like to be entered into this prize winning raffle? Yes No Please write your comments here: You may ask about your rights as a research subject or you may report (anonymously if you so choose) any comments, concerns, or complaints to the University of Nevada, Reno Social Behavioral Institutional Review Board, telephone number (775) 327-2368, or by addressing a letter to the Chair of the Board; c/o UNR Office of Human Research Protection; 205 Ross Hall/331; University Of Nevada, Reno, 89557. 14

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