The Lakeside Stormwater Reduction Project (LSRP): Evaluating the Impacts of a Paired Watershed Experiment on Local Residents

Abstract

Scientists, city utilities staff, and local environmental engineers teamed up with homeowners to determine the best ways to reduce stormwater runoff from the Lakeside residential neighborhood in Duluth. The Lakeside Stormwater Reduction Project (LSRP) used a paired-watershed approach to assess the results of diverse stormwater treatments in the Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth on stormwater runoff into Amity Creek. The project investigated various installations that reduce runoff and can be easily maintained by homeowners. The goal was to identify effective methods to reduce runoff contributing to problems in Amity Creek and the Lester River. To complement extensive biophysical monitoring, a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) study was done in April 2008. The purpose was to obtain baseline human dimensions data; assess residents’ willingness to participate in the project; and to identify possible barriers to adoption. Baseline information and residents’ views about stormwater issues were obtained in April 2008. The first-round KAP data was used to refine project design, and to identify possible barriers to participation. The study was repeated with the same sample in September 2010 to evaluate outcomes and impacts. Comparison of the pre and post KAP data shows a significant increase in respondent knowledge about stormwater, a positive shift in attitudes, and strong evidence of adoption of stormwater practices as a result of project efforts. The project successfully increased awareness among residents about the impacts of stormwater on Amity Creek and the Lester River, and fostered adoption of stormwater management practices by homeowners, even in the control sample.