Kansas Forest Service

Tuttle Creek Landowner Survey

In the winter of 2014, a series of mailings were sent to Kansas landowners in the Tuttle Creek Reservoir drainage area asking about preferences for and against the presence of trees along a creek and/or river on their property. This was the result of a joint research project between Kansas State University and the University of Missouri examining/investigating the opinions of landowners for and against streamside trees located next to their crop fields. Often, trees are promoted in these areas because of their environmental benefits such as water quality and quantity, yet there are numerous factors that landowners must consider before adopting this practice.

So... What did landowners say? A variety of responses were provided, but four main points seemed to stand out:

• Streamside woodlands need to be perceived as profitable
• Opportunities exist for education
• Provide landowners with necessary resources
• Create awareness of existing financial assistance programs

Additional Trends

• Interest exists in riparian forest buffers
• Wildlife can be motivating
• Strong conservation ethic and legacy desire

Results of this survey provided valuable information that can be used to help guide future conservation efforts for these areas and by incorporating landowner preference, it is hoped that these type of practices become more appealing for respective owners.

More details about the landowner survey can be found below. The authors of this study would again like to express their appreciation to all of the individuals who took the time to participate in this project. 
 - Survey Questionnaire
 - Survey Item Responses
 - Summary Publication
 - Final Publication

Acknowledgements

• Kansas Forest Service
• Funding Partners (Grant #2013-3041)
  • Kansas Department of Health and Enviroment;
    • Watershed Management Section
  • Kansas Forest Service
  • Tuttle Creek Watershed Testoration and Protection Stategy (WRAPS)
• Survey Assistance
  • Landowners
  • Local Agency Employees;
    • Natural Resources Conservation Service
    • Kansas State University Research and Extention
    • Country Conservation Districts