Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8212-9120

Advisor

Grala, Robert K.

Committee Member

Grado, Stephen C.

Committee Member

Poudyal, Neelam C.

Committee Member

Petrolia, Daniel R.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 2 Years

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Major

Forest Resources (Forestry)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal and transmissible disease affecting cervids, presents a significant challenge to wildlife management. Private landowners play a pivotal role in CWD management in the southern U.S., where the majority of cervid habitats are privately owned. While wildlife agencies have developed best management practices (BMPs), their effectiveness depends on landowners’ willingness to adopt these measures. This study examined landowner engagement in CWD management through four interconnected analyses. First, a synthesis of literature was conducted to identify key transmission patterns, impacts, and management interventions. Second, it assessed factors influencing landowners’ intentions to adopt BMPs. Third, it explored the role of collective action in CWD management. Finally, a choice experiment quantified landowners’ preferences for specific CWD management practices and the monetary compensation required to incentivize participation. This study analyzed data from a mail survey of landowners (n=958) in CWD-affected counties in Mississippi and Tennessee using structural equation modeling and logit regression. Findings revealed that CWD related research had predominantly focused on disease prevalence and transmission, with growing attention to human dimensions and management strategies. Landowners’ intention for CWD BMPs adoption was positively associated with their attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and perceived risk. Socioeconomic factors such as gender, age, and education also played a positive role. Collective factors, including group efficacy, networking, and perceived community support, significantly enhanced landowner intentions to adopt BMPs. Reciprocal commitment from neighbors was a key driver, underscoring the value of community-based approaches for CWD management. Furthermore, financial incentives significantly influenced the willingness to adopt BMPs, with compensation levels ranging from $4 to $37 per acre per year depending on the specific management attributes. Landowners preferred granting hunting access to individuals over agency contractors but strongly opposed drastic deer population reductions. Personal beliefs about CWD management programs were more influential than socio-demographic characteristics in shaping preferences. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of understanding both individual and collective factors that drive landowner behavior. By fostering collaboration and addressing barriers to adoption, policymakers and wildlife agencies can enhance the implementation of BMPs, ultimately mitigating the spread of CWD.

Sponsorship (Optional)

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture (Grant Number: 2021-67023-34497)

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