title: Quantitative assessment of the relationships among ecological, morphological and aesthetic values in a river rehabilitation initiative.
abstract: Promoting community support in rehabilitation efforts through incorporation of aesthetic considerations is an important component of environmental management. This research utilised a small-scale survey methodology to explore relationships among the ecological and morphological goals of scientists and the aesthetic goals of the public using the Twin Streams Catchment, Auckland, New Zealand, as a case study. Analyses using a linear model and a generalised linear mixed model showed statistically significant relationships between perceived naturalness of landscapes and their aesthetic ratings, and among ratings of perceived naturalness and ecological integrity and morphological condition. Expert measures of health and the aesthetic evaluations of the public were well aligned, indicating public preferences for landscapes of high ecological integrity with good morphological condition. Further analysis revealed participants used 'cues to care' to rate naturalness. This suggests that environmental education endeavours could further align values with these cues in efforts to enhance approaches to landscape sustainability.
authors: School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
authors: Ashlee
authors: A
authors: McCormick
authors: School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: k.fisher@auckland.ac.nz.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Fisher
authors: School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Brierley
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004954:Esthetics; D009520:New Zealand; D011639:Public Opinion; D045483:Rivers
keywords: Cues to care; Cultural sustainability; Ecological integrity; Landscape aesthetics; New Zealand; River Styles; River rehabilitation; Twin Streams