Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Caohai Nature Reserve, in Guizhou, China has been the scene of both dramatic landscape transformations and equally radical changes in resource management philosophies. When Caohai Nature Reserve was established in 1985 practices that sustained local livelihoods, such as fishing and hunting, were criminalized, leading to violent conflicts between reserve managers and local people. In the early 1990s, the introduction of NGO-sponsored community development programs changed the way the reserve was perceived by local farmers as the reserve became the most important provider of funding for community infrastructure development in the area. In spite of the China’s much touted Western Development Project, most reserve residents do not believe that they benefit from the central government’s infrastructure improvement programs. They believe that these large-scale road and railway extension projects have done little to change their poor rural livelihoods. However, they believe that the nature reserve’s smaller-scale community development programs have been a much more effective source of locally-needed infrastructure development. Many Caohai farmers now see the reserve, instead of other government agencies, as their main partner for the promotion of economic development.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) has resulted in the restoration of > 2 million ha of wetland and grassland habitats in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). Restoration of wetland habitats through these conservation programs are perceived to provide various ecosystem services such as increasing plant diversity, providing wildlife habitat, improving soil and water quality, and sequestering carbon. However, little work has been conducted to quantify and evaluate environmental benefits achieved by these programs. To address this need, the USDA initiated the National Assessment component of the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) to provide scientifically credible estimates of environmental benefits obtained from USDA conservation practices and programs. The CEAP-Wetlands component consists of 10 collaborative regional assessments to quantify the effects of conservation practices on ecosystem services provided by wetlands on agricultural landscapes. The focus of this presentation is on the CEAP PPR assessment that was initiated during 2004 by the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with the USDA. The goal of the PPR assessment was to develop approaches to facilitate estimation of ecological services provided by conservation practices in the PPR and use these approaches to quantify changes in ecosystem services resulting from wetland catchment restoration activities funded by USDA conservation programs.

Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: This paper examines women’s constitutionally mandated one-third share in local government in India (since 1993), looking at issues related to the goals and impact of gender-based quota systems. Using J. S. Mill’s analysis of the incorporation of women into politics, it concludes that in India the selfdevelopment and increased autonomy of the women involved is the most significant outcome. The analysis of women elected under gender-based quota or reservation systems should turn its attention to those political practices that can facilitate or impede the emergence of a real political role for women elected under such provisions.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Indian reservations are a site of varied economic development. Some reservations are plagued with severe poverty and unemployment, while others are quite prosperous, and are contributing to the overall state economy in a way that benefits Indians and non-Indians alike.
One of the important factors is what researchers have termed “cultural match,” a case in which the current tribal governing structure closely resembles the traditional governmental structure. This match leads the tribal members to attribute legitimacy to the governmental process. They believe in their government, so it persists and is stable. The Pueblos of New Mexico, with their unique relationship with past and present dominating governments, similar history, culture, religion and traditional governing structure, provide information for investigation into the realm of economic development in Indian Country. I set out to test for a significant effect of governmental form on economic success. I found that, in general, Pueblos with a traditional, theocratic government were no more successful than Pueblos that had adopted a more democratic system. Instead, I argue that for the early 1990s, tourism is an important indicator of Pueblo economic success, as is demonstrated by the significant effect of distance from the interstate on economic prosperity. Those businesses targeted at tourists provide employment and income for Pueblo residents. I further argue that businesses in Pueblos farther from the interstate must target local populations, and are more likely to prosper on a reservation where dispute resolution is free from political interference.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This study investigates the communication and diffusion of a broadband telecommunications infrastructure (the High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network - HPWREN). Recently deployed sensors and cameras allow researchers at wildlife reserves throughout the world to conduct studies and receive sensor and camera data via the Internet. Based on Rogers’ (1995) diffusion of innovations theoretical framework, field researchers’ perceptions of network connectivity, communication channels, and use of the network were assessed. Results supported eight of nine hypotheses related to network attributes (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity), communication channels, and network use. Regression analysis of diffusion communication supported the importance of relative advantage and complexity but not perceived compatibility. Regression analysis of all variables, with adoption as the dependent variable, showed perceived compatibility, perceived complexity, and diffusion communication all significantly predict HPWREN adoption. Results are discussed in terms of the vital role played by communication during the innovation development, implementation, and use stages.