In Chap. 3 we began our analyses with a very macro-level examination of the .... with this survey process is presented in the following pages; the questionnaire.
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Our empirical analyses of the demographic, economic, and social transformations occurring across the Intermountain West were pursued at several different analytic scales, utilizing multiple data sources and varied analytic methodologies. Consistent with the framework presented in Chap. 2, this multi-level, multi-method approach was grounded in the realization linkages between social and economic conditions and natural resource conditions can vary in complex ways that reflect a “nestedness” of relationships across different spatial and analytic scales and differing units of analysis (see Beckley 1998). As we discussed in some detail in Chap. 2, an understanding of the relationships between human behavior, community structure, and ecosystem change requires consideration of temporal factors, spatial factors, and also the differing insights provided by varied theoretical lenses. In Chap. 3 we began our analyses with a very macro-level examination of the socio-demographic context of the Intermountain West as a region. Using data drawn from US Census reports, we focused particular attention on the ways in which recent patterns of growth and change have varied across this large and diverse region. This theme of within-region variations in social, economic, and demographic conditions and trends was explored with a considerably finer lens in Chap. 4, where we examined distinctions between Old West areas where more traditional economic and social structures remain largely intact and New West areas where traditional rural economies and social organization no longer prevail. While this portion of the analysis maintains a focus on overall regional conditions, it “steps down” with respect to analytic scale to focus on the details of variations differentiating Census-designated places throughout the region. In Chap. 5 the spatial scale of analysis shifted again, from the broader Intermountain West region to a more localized sub-region where amenity-based change patterns have become particularly evident. Here, our analysis focused on five contiguous counties (Garfield, Iron, Kane, Washington, and Wayne counties) selected for inclusion in the study because of their location in a region characterized by the presence of extensive federal lands and high levels of natural resource amenities, both of which have had significant influence on recent population growth and development in areas of these counties.
R.S. Krannich et al., People, Places and Landscapes: Social Change in High Amenity Rural Areas, Landscape Series 14, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1263-8_9, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011
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An even more substantial shift in analytic scale and in the types of data analyzed occurred in Chaps. 6 and 7. There we transitioned from examination of conditions and trends across the region, sub-region, and more localized places to a focus on the characteristics, perspectives, and behaviors of individual residents of the five Utah counties first examined in Chap. 5. The study approach utilized to generate these more micro-level data began with a series of key informant interviews conducted across the study area during the spring and summer of 2003, with the overall objective of garnering a better understanding of the demographic, economic, and social changes occurring in southwest Utah. This qualitative phase of data collection was designed not to provide the depth or scope needed to support in-depth analysis, but rather as a preliminary “issue scoping” process to familiarize the researchers with the study area, help us to finalize decisions about the counties selected for inclusion in the study, and provide insight into key issues pertaining to growth and development patterns and trends and resource use issues confronting the area prior to initiation of more detailed investigation. Those insights were subsequently applied in the development of a survey questionnaire designed to assess the characteristics of both year-round and seasonal residents of the study area, the nature of their ties to and involvement in local social life, and their values and attitudes regarding natural resource management and land use. Parallel versions of the questionnaire were developed for administration to representative probability samples of both year-round and seasonal residents. Samples were drawn from lists of residential property owners provided by county tax assessors’ offices. From these lists, it was possible to determine with reasonable accuracy whether a property was either a seasonal or primary residence. The original sample consisted of 2,646 combined seasonal and yearround (or primary) residential property owners in the five county study area. Two hundred fifty ‘seasonal’ property owners and 250 ‘year-round’ property owners were drawn from the three primarily rural counties: Garfield, Kane, and Wayne. In both Iron and Washington counties, the samples included 150 year-round and 150 seasonal residents living in portions of these counties located outside of major urban centers. The original Iron and Washington county samples also included a combined total of 546 residences located in major urban centers – Cedar City and St. George. Responses from residents living in those urban centers were subsequently excluded from the analysis, since our research was focused on conditions and changes occurring in rural areas. Selection of individual respondents was randomized through survey instructions requesting the questionnaire be completed by the adult (18 years of age or older) household member whose birthday had occurred most recently. As noted above, the mail survey was administered to an initial sample of 2,646 property owners in this five-county study area. Five sequential mailings were carried out during the spring and summer of 2004, based on survey administration principles outlined by Dillman (2000). These included a pre-notification letter sent to all individuals in the sample, three separate mailings of questionnaire packets, and one postcard reminder. A pen was included in the first mailing of the survey as
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a token incentive. First class postage was utilized on all outgoing mailings; first class postage stamps and metered business-reply postage were used in rotation across phases of the data collection effort for return mailings. Elimination of some sampled households due to incorrect or invalid addresses as well as situations in which potential respondents were ineligible or unavailable to participate due to physical or mental disability or extended travel reduced the sample size to 2,179 potentially eligible survey participants. Completed questionnaires were returned by 1,409 individuals, representing an overall response rate of 64.7%. The response rate was 67.4% among year-round property owners, and 61.4% among seasonal residential property owners. Our analyses of these survey data are based on the responses provided by 1,150 individuals whose year-round or seasonal residences are located in rural portions of the five-county study area. A copy of the questionnaire delivered to year-around residents in conjunction with this survey process is presented in the following pages; the questionnaire administered to seasonal residents differed in only very minor ways and is therefore not reproduced here.
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As you know, in recent years southern Utah has experienced important changes as a result of population growth and increased development of both year-round and seasonal homes. We are interested in how you and others throughout the region feel about the places where you live, the natural environment around you, and changes that may be affecting your community. Who should complete this questionnaire? This questionnaire is being sent to a random sample of southern Utah residential property owners. To further randomize the survey, we ask that this questionnaire be completed by the member of your household (18 years of age or older) with the most recent birthday. Sharing your views: Please carefully read all the directions and mark your responses clearly. Feel free to write any comments or explanations directly on the questionnaire. The best answers should reflect your own experiences, feelings and beliefs. Please mail your completed questionnaire back to us in the prepaid envelope provided. All of your answers will be kept completely confidential. To insure your privacy please Do not write your name on the questionnaire.
Thank you very much for your help! INITIAL QUESTION: To ensure this questionnaire is relevant to your experiences, please answer the initial questions below by checking the ONE the best applies.
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First, we would like to learn a little more about you and your reasons for owning a residential home in one of the following five southern Utah counties (Garfield, Iron, Kane, Washington, and Wayne).
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In this next section, we ask about your length of residence as well as reasons why you choose to own a home in this southern Utah community. When we refer to “this community,” we mean the local area where you have a home and also any other nearby areas where you obtain services, belong to organizations, and interact with other local residents.
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In this section we ask about your feelings of community satisfaction as well as your involvement within your community.
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For each of the next three questions we are interested in your participation in community organizations such as local service or voluntary organizations that are not directly linked to church activities or other religious organizations.
The next few questions focus on your social and community ties. We would like to learn more about your relationships with friends, relatives, and neighbors.
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Now we would like to ask you some questions about natural resource management and land use in your community and surrounding areas.
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In this section we are interested in your views regarding the images and lifestyles of the western region of the United States. Although this region can be geographically defined in many ways, our focus here is on your views about conditions in whatever area you think of when someone refers to “the West.”
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To enable us to compare the responses of people with similar or different characteristics, in this section we ask you to provide us with some information about yourself. Please check the appropriate circle or write in the appropriate response for each question. Please remember that all information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Thank you very much for your cooperation! Please feel free to use any available space in this questionnaire to provide additional information or share any additional comments.
