Utilizing relational values to investigate a federally administered soil conservation programme in the US Northwest. Issue 1 (31st December 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pape, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Regional studies, regional science. Volume 10:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2023-12-31
• Subjects: relational values -- stewardship -- kinship -- non-monetary values -- qualitative data; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Regional economics -- Periodicals; Regional economics; Regional planning; Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1080/21681376.2023.2168565
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-1376

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Federal conservation programmes compensate property owners and farmers for sustained land-use practices which generate ecosystem services, yet enrolling participants can be a challenge. This paper studies that challenge in order to understand what values drive enrolment patterns in the Columbia River basin in the US Northwest, a region designated as a Critical Conservation Area by the US Department of Agriculture. Utilizing a relational values framework, the dynamics of the federally administered Conservation Reserve Program are explored. Findings are revealed through qualitative coding and analysis of semi-structured interviews and visual artefacts from programme participants, government employees and university-affiliated extension knowledge holders. This study concludes that five key relational values inform enrolment in this region beyond monetary reasons: stewardship, care, kinship, responsibility and identity. This paper posits that integrating information regarding relational values into federally administered conservation programmes may lead to more resilient and sustainable social–ecological systems.