Over
the life of the Whatcom Watersheds Pledge, we have commissioned
several surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of the
Pledge program. The surveys were conducted
by Applied Research
Northwest, an independent scientific and social science
research organization.
Business Pledge
In the first quarter of 2004 Applied
research Northwest conducted a telephone survey of the
514 businesses that have taken the Whatcom Watersheds
Pledge. the focus of the study was to evaluate
whether or not businesses had implemented items on their
"To Do" lists; learn about significant barriers to
implementing these items; and gauge overall response to
the program.
Padden Creek watershed
A combined mail/phone survey was
conducted in Padden Creek in the fall of 2000 to get a
baseline measure of watershed-sensitive behaviors by
residents in the watershed prior to implementing the
residential pledge there.
After two years of Watershed Pledge Program exposure,
including a booklet and newsletter sent directly to
households in the Padden Creek watershed, we conducted a
follow-up study to determine the extent to which people's
behavior had changed as a result of the program and to
measure changes in levels of program recognition.
Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer
A survey conducted in August-September 1999, established
a baseline of residential behaviors in Everson, Lynden,
Nooksack and Sumas that might contribute to pollution.
Residential Pledge education and outreach activities were
begun in the after the baseline survey was completed and
continued throughout the Summer of 2000.
A follow-up survey, conducted in the Fall of 2000,
measured residents behavior after the program's completion.
The results indicated significant levels of behavior change
in the targeted area in several areas, including auto
maintenance and lawn maintenance practices.
Lake Whatcom/Whatcom Creek watersheds
