Non-point Source Pollution (NPS) Project Evaluation Practices in Minnesota: Summary Report

Document
Description
This report summarizes the purpose, methods and findings of an Internet-based survey of nonpoint source pollution (NPS) and water quality projects in Minnesota. We surveyed 116 NPS projects between December 2007 and March 2008 to identify their current evaluation practices, gaps in those practices and their evaluation needs. Findings indicate that the majority of projects do not conduct baseline assessments, nor do they monitor or evaluate social outcomes such as adoption and maintenance of best management practices (BMPs). First, a majority of survey respondents (60%) do not measure social impacts and eight-six percent do not use social indicators for evaluation purposes. Second, project staff appear to monitor BMP success rates indirectly in nearly all cases through personal observation and discussion with staff implementing the BMPs. Third, some respondents are interested in learning ways to more accurately measure target audience BMP adoption rates, but lack specific training or effective tools. Finally, nearly 40% of projects in Minnesota have target audiences fewer than 500. In particular, few tools exist to assist such projects to measure impacts and outcomes such as adoption and maintenance of BMPs. We find ample interest, need and opportunity to build the capacities of project staff in monitoring and evaluating the social dimensions of water quality projects.
Date Issued
2008-10-23
Number of Pages
27
Decade
Associated Organization
Rights Holder
Minnesota Water Research Digital Library
Rights Management
Public Domain