Date of Award:

5-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Environment and Society

Committee Chair(s)

Zhao Ma

Committee

Zhao Ma

Committee

Layne Coppock

Committee

Mark W. Brunson

Abstract

Carbon sequestration is the removal of carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in plants and soil through natural processes. Rangelands can be managed to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change. Supported by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, this study assessed Utah rangeland owners’ perceptions of carbon sequestration and explored factors influencing their likelihood of participation in relevant programs. Data were collected through interviews and a statewide survey of Utah rangeland owners. Over two-thirds of respondents were aware of carbon sequestration and viewed it positively. Those who thought the climate had been changing over the past 30 years tended to have positive views. Respondents valued the potential ecological benefits of carbon sequestration, considered education and outreach more appealing than financial incentives, and preferred working with private agricultural organizations over non-profit or government entities. Thirty-seven percent reported they were likely to participate in relevant programs. Respondents who depended on livestock production, valued carbon sequestration and its potential economic and climate benefits, and were interested in learning more about it were more likely to participate. To promote carbon sequestration on private rangelands, outreach messages should focus on potential ecological benefits, cooperation between private agricultural organizations and government agencies needs to be enhanced, and resources could be funneled into existing conservation programs to improve carbon sequestration potential and attract wider participation among landowners.

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Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on December 21, 2012.

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