A value based policy approach: The case of an urban salt marsh restoration

Personal activity decisions result from the process where values are filtered through culture, perception, and personal capacity to act. Therefore, effective policy requires an understanding of values and perceptions. The author surveyed the values and perceptions of residents near an urban riverine park to determine how their values would be served by a proposed salt marsh restoration in the park. Respondents' perceptions were visually oriented. The greatest concern was pollution, and respondents mostly indicated visual pollutants, such as trash. Respondents also indicated that the river and its wildlife have been negatively impacted by human intervention, and that the area was somewhat dangerous due to crime. Highest value was placed on aesthetics, the quality of habitat for wildlife, and the ability to relax and see wildlife. Respondents highly valued passive activities, including walking, relaxing, and enjoying views. They tended to place lower values on active uses, including fishing and boating. Improving natural aesthetics and wildlife habitat are more likely to improve perceptions and increase park use than improving recreational facilities. Replacing the existing common reed (Phragmites australis) dominated habitat with a salt marsh would probably serve local values, enhance public perception of the river, and increase park use.