Public Attitudes Towards Dredge Spoil Disposal on A Lake Michigan Beach: A Study of Environmental Perception in Geography

Environmental perception has received only little attention from geographers although there are indications that its applicability and usefulness in geographical analysis is increasing. This current underdeveloped state of environmental perception in geography is attributed to reticense and apprehension among geographers, the absence of a well-developed methodology and a sound theoretical base, and problems in terminology, quantification, measurement and evaluation of environmental attitudes. An environmental perception study was conducted at Kewaunee, Wisconsin to determine beach-goers attitudes towards the disposal of unpolluted dredged material on an adjacent Lake Michigan recreational beach. The results of the questionnaire reveal favorable attitudes towards the project. Most of the respondents surveyed thought that the beach environment was not adversely affected and that they would recommend swimming there to friends and relatives. It is concluded that the disposal of dredged material on the beach had no adverse environmental impact on the beach or nearshore environment. It is recommended that non-polluted dredge spoil be beneficially utilized to replenish or augment eroding beaches because such a disposal method is economical and environmentally sound.