Assessing Customer Satisfaction with Riparian Training

D epartment of Geosciences

Oregon State University

104 Wilkinson Hall  Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5506

Tel: (541) 737-1201  Fax: (541) 737-1200  www.geo.oregonstate.edu

Informed Consent Document

Project Title: Evaluating the National Riparian Service Team’s Creeks and Communities Strategy

Principal Investigator: Hannah Gosnell, Geosciences Dept, Oregon State University

Co-Investigator: Lena Etuk, Extension Family & Community Health, Oregon State University

Graduate Research Assistant: Robyn Paulekas, Geosciences Dept, Oregon State University

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY?

The purpose of this study is to assess the satisfaction of past participants in activities associated with the interagency National Riparian Service Team’s (NRST) “Creeks and Communities Strategy” (i.e., Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) Riparian Assessment Training, Grazing Management for Riparian Areas Training and Site-Specific Riparian Assistance). In addition, the study seeks to understand how the Strategy has influenced participants, organizations, groups, communities and riparian resources throughout the western United States since 2003.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS FORM?

This consent form gives you the information you will need to help you decide whether to participate in the study. Please read the form carefully. You may ask any questions about the research, the possible risks and benefits, your rights as a volunteer, and anything else that is not clear. When all of your questions have been answered, you can decide if you want to be in this study or not.

WHY AM I BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THIS STUDY?

You are being invited to take part in this study because you participated in a Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) Riparian Assessment Training, Grazing Management for Riparian Areas Training, or Site-Specific Riparian Assistance at some point between 2003 and 2010. We believe your experience, knowledge and opinions will help identify opportunities to improve the NRST’s Creeks and Communities Strategy.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THIS STUDY AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

You are being asked to participate in a survey that will take anywhere from 30 to 35 minutes to complete. You will be asked questions regarding your experience with the Creeks & Communities Strategy in relation to the delivery, quality, value and usefulness of the products, information, and services provided by the NRST and State Riparian Teams. General demographic information will also be requested.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS & BENEFITS OF THIS STUDY?

Aside from the potential for a breach in confidentiality, there are no expected risks or discomforts associated with the procedures described in this study. You will not receive a direct benefit from participating in this study. However, we hope that the information gathered from this study will help improve NRST program offerings.

WILL I BE PAID FOR PARTICIPATING?

You will not be paid for being in this research study.

WHO WILL SEE THE INFORMATION I GIVE?

The information you provide on this survey will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. To help protect your confidentiality, we will report results in a summarized manner in such a way that you cannot be identified. The identification code we use to follow-up with you after the survey will be destroyed at the end of the study; removing any link between your identity and your responses. Your identity will not be disclosed on any report or publication from this study. In addition to a summarized report of study findings, the National Riparian Service Team (NRST) will receive a de-identified database of survey responses at the conclusion of the study. The NRST will not be able to identify particular individuals in the database.

DO I HAVE A CHOICE TO BE IN THE STUDY?

If you decide to take part in the study, it should be because you really want to volunteer. You will not lose any benefits or rights you would normally have if you choose not to volunteer. You can stop any time during the survey and still keep the benefits and rights you had before volunteering. You are also free to skip any of the questions you prefer not to answer. You may end your participation in this study at any time.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact the Principal Investigator, Hannah Gosnell, at 541-737-1222 or by email at [email protected].

If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please contact the Oregon State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) Human Protections Administrator, at 541-737-4933 or by email at [email protected].

By returning your completed survey to Oregon State University, you indicate that this research study has been explained to you, that your questions have been answered, and that you agree to take part in this study. You may keep this copy of the form.

Oregon State University • IRB Study #:4348 Approval Date: 07/17/09 Expiration Date: 07/16/10