Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2026

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Natural Resource Management

First Advisor

Jennifer Zavaleta Cheek

Abstract

Conservation planning is important to ensure both ecological and social benefits of natural resources, including the maintenance of functional ecosystems and stable wildlife populations as well as the provision of resources that communities rely on. Yet, the integration of the human dimensions of conservation planning remains limited in practice. This thesis examines conservation planning in South Dakota and within Joint Venture (JV) partnerships, using qualitative methods to identify challenges and opportunities for more effective and coordinated planning. In chapter one, I examine how collaboration, public participation, and the use of climate information are integrated conservation planning in South Dakota and identify opportunities for improvement. I conducted in-depth interviews with 35 natural resource managers in federal and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations, as well as content analysis of 56 conservation plans. The study finds that the absence of complementary organizational goals, inadequate public engagement methods, and limited understanding of climate data constrain planning outcomes. Despite these challenges, examples such as the Central Grasslands Roadmap and community-based coalitions demonstrate that relational approaches to conservation planning can improve collaboration, increase participation, and improve the use of scientific information in decision-making. The study positioned relationships as foundational to improve conservation planning across collaboration, public participation, and the use of climate information. In chapter two, I examined human dimensions understanding and capacity needs within two JV partnerships operating in the Midwest. I used free listing exercises and semi-structured interviews with 29 JV participants to collect data, and I applied descriptive statistics, Smith's salience index, and reflexive thematic analysis to identify capacity gaps and opportunities. The findings revealed that, of the nine domains identified by JV participants, 17.2% could only name one domain, and nearly a quarter (27.3%) could name three domains, reflecting a limited understanding of the field. Three salient capacity needs were identified: developing human dimensions expertise, recognizing the importance of human dimensions, and conducting human dimensions research. Corresponding opportunities included increasing collaboration through partnerships, understanding how values shape conservation behavior, and incorporating social science research into planning processes. The findings reflect an organizational culture that prioritizes biological sciences in a way that limits human dimensions integration. Both chapters of the thesis demonstrate that sustainable conservation planning outcomes depend on effective human dimensions integration. Strengthening relationships across partners and investing in human dimensions capacity are critical for conservation planning that is inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable, and supports functional ecosystems and stable wildlife populations.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright