Goals and Objectives:

• Assess the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) that was established in 2010 and determine the potential value of the program to hunters in terms of willingness to pay for program continuation beyond the initial period in which Federal funding was provided.

Progress:

Task 1 determined the sampling time frame was developed in 2012 and 2013, and completed during fall 2013. The contractor developed the sampling frame (database) of hunters who utilize IHAP properties in fall of 2012 and spring 2013.

Task 2 state the contractor shall develop a survey instrument to assess hunters’ willingness to pay for IHAP.  This was developed in conjunction with Peter Fritzell and Chris Jennelle of Iowa DNR and Catherine Kling of Iowa State University.  The instrument was finalized in Spring 2014.

Task 3 developed a report on landowner interviews to be conducted during the spring/summer of 2013 that addresses landowner satisfaction.  These interviews were conducted as planned and the report completed in Fall 2013.

Task 4 provides the DNR with a final report that included survey analysis and recommendations for IHAP based on landowner interviews and willingness to pay survey. The survey was implemented in Fall 2014.

Conclusions and Recommendations:

The survey data have been analyzed and the final report completed by May 31, 2015. 

Funding Organization: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

Duration: 09/30/2012 to 05/31/2015