2010 AStudyofRecreationalBoatingUseofLakes Dunlap,McQueeney,Placid,Nolte(Meadow Lake),Gonzales(H4)&Wood(H5) 

  AStudyofRecreationalBoatingUseofLakesDunlap,McQueeney, Placid,Nolte(MeadowLake),Gonzales(H4),andWood(H5),TexashasbeenproducedbytheHuman DimensionsofNaturalResourcesLabintheDepartmentofRecreation,Parkand TourismSciencesatTexasA&MUniversity. 

 

 TABLEOFCONTENTS  TABLEOFCONTENTS...... 2 LISTOFTABLES...... 7 LISTOFFIGURES...... 10 EXECUTIVESUMMARY...... 12 STUDYPURPOSE...... 15 METHOD...... 16  StudyArea...... 16  Sample...... 22 a. OnsiteContacts...... 22 b. GBRASuppliedMailingLists...... 22 c. CountyͲWideList...... 22 d. ResponseRate...... 23 e. SurveyofPublicMeetingsAttendees...... 23 FINDINGSͲOVERALL(LakeCombined)...... 24  Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 24 a. BoatingExperience...... 25 b. BoatCountObservations...... 27 c. ConstraintstoBoating...... 29  UseofAreaLakes...... 31 a. LakeAttachment...... 32  PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 33 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 33 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 35 c. CopingWithAdverseConditions...... 37 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 38  LakeManagementPreferences...... 40  ShorelineProperty...... 43 PUBLICMEETINGSURVEYFINDINGS...... 44 FINDINGSͲLAKESPECIFIC...... 46 LAKEDUNLAP...... 46  Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 46 a. BoatingExperience...... 47 b. ConstraintstoBoating...... 50  UseofAreaLakes...... 52 a. LakeAttachment...... 53 b. Boater’sStartingLocation...... 54 c. TravelingUpstream...... 55 d. TravelingDownstream...... 56 e. AreaWhereBoatersSpentMostTime...... 57 f. AreasAvoided...... 58 g. AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 60

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 PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 62 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 62 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 64 c. CopingwithAdverseConditions...... 66 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 67 e. ChangesOverthePast5Years...... 69  LakeManagementPreferences...... 70 a. RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreas...... 72 b. AdditionalManagementPreferences...... 73 c. PerceptionsofRegulation...... 74 d. ServiceProvision...... 75  ShorelineProperty...... 76 LAKEMcQueeney...... 77  Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 77 a. BoatingExperience...... 78 b. ConstraintstoBoating...... 81  UseofAreaLakes...... 83 a. LakeAttachment...... 84 b. Boater’sStartingLocation...... 85 c. TravelingUpstream...... 86 d. TravelingDownstream...... 87 e. AreaWhereBoatersSpentMostTime...... 88 f. AreasAvoided...... 89 g. AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 91  PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 93 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 93 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 95 c. CopingwithAdverseConditions...... 97 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 98 e. ChangesOverthePast5Years...... 100  LakeManagementPreferences...... 102 a. RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreas...... 104 b. AdditionalManagementPreferences...... 105 c. PerceptionsofRegulation...... 106 d. ServiceProvision...... 107  ShorelineProperty...... 108 LAKEPLACID...... 109  Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 109 a. BoatingExperience...... 110 b. ConstraintstoBoating...... 113  UseofAreaLakes...... 115 a. LakeAttachment...... 116 b. Boater’sStartingLocation...... 117

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c. TravelingUpstream...... 118 d. TravelingDownstream...... 119 e. AreaWhereBoatersSpentMostTime...... 120 f. AreasAvoided...... 121 g. AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 123  PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 125 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 125 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 127 c. CopingwithAdverseConditions...... 129 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 130 e. ChangesOverthePast5Years...... 132  LakeManagementPreferences...... 134 a. RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreas...... 136 b. AdditionalManagementPreferences...... 137 c. PerceptionsofRegulation...... 138 d. ServiceProvision...... 139  ShorelineProperty...... 140 LAKENOLTE(MEADOWLAKE)...... 141  Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 141 a. BoatingExperience...... 142 b. ConstraintstoBoating...... 145  UseofAreaLakes...... 146 a. LakeAttachment...... 147 b. Boater’sStartingLocation...... 148 c. TravelingUpstream...... 149 d. TravelingDownstream...... 150 e. AreaWhereBoatersSpentMostTime...... 151 f. AreasAvoided...... 152 g. AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 153  PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 155 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 155 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 157 c. CopingwithAdverseConditions...... 159 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 160 e. ChangesOverthePast5Years...... 162  LakeManagementPreferences...... 163 a. RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreas...... 165 b. AdditionalManagementPreferences...... 166 c. PerceptionsofRegulation...... 167 d. ServiceProvision...... 168  ShorelineProperty...... 169 KEYFINDINGSFORLAKEGONZALESANDWOOD...... 170 LAKEGONZALES(H4)...... 171

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 Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 171 a. BoatingExperience...... 172 b. ConstraintstoBoating...... 174  UseofAreaLakes...... 175 a. LakeAttachment...... 176 b. Boater’sStartingLocation...... 177 c. TravelingUpstream...... 178 d. TravelingDownstream...... 179 e. AreaWhereBoatersSpentMostTime...... 180 f. AreasAvoided...... 181 g. AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 182  PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 183 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 183 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 184 c. CopingwithAdverseConditions...... 185 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 186 e. ChangesOverthePast5Years...... 187  LakeManagementPreferences...... 188 a. RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreas...... 189 b. AdditionalManagementPreferences...... 190 c. PerceptionsofRegulation...... 191 d. ServiceProvision...... NA  ShorelineProperty...... 192 LAKEWOOD(H5)...... 193  Respondents’PersonalInformation...... 193 a. BoatingExperience...... 194 b. ConstraintstoBoating...... 196  UseofAreaLakes...... 197 a. LakeAttachment...... 198 b. Boater’sStartingLocation...... 199 c. TravelingUpstream...... 200 d. TravelingDownstream...... 201 e. AreaWhereBoatersSpentMostTime...... 202 f. AreasAvoided...... 203 g. AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 204  PerceptionsofLakeConditions...... 205 a. PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 205 b. PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 206 c. CopingwithAdverseConditions...... 207 d. PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 208 e. ChangesOverthePast5Years...... 209  LakeManagementPreferences...... 210 a. RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreas...... 211

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b. AdditionalManagementPreferences...... 212 c. PerceptionsofRegulation...... 213 d. ServiceProvision...... NA  ShorelineProperty...... 214 CONCLUSIONANDPOTENTIALACTION...... 215  

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 LISTOFTABLES  Table1.PotentialManagementAction(alsoTable142...... 13,216 Table2.HouseholdInformation...... 24 Table3.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 25 Table4.BoatType&ActivityObservations...... 27 Table5.ConstraintstoBoating...... 30 Table6.LakeUsage...... 31 Table7.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 32 Table8.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 33 Table9.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 36 Table10.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 37 Table11.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 38 Table12.ManagerialIssue...... 41 Table13.ManagementPreferences...... 42 Table14.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 43 Table15.PublicMeetingSurvey...... 45 Table16.HouseholdInformation...... 46 Table17.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 47 Table18.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeDunlap...... 49 Table19.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeDunlap...... 49 Table20.ConstraintstoBoating...... 50 Table21.LakeUsage...... 52 Table22.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 53 Table23.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeDunlap...... 59 Table24.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis...... 61 Table25.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 63 Table26.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 65 Table27.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 66 Table28.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 68 Table29.PositiveChangeonLakeDunlapOverthePastFIVEyears...... 69 Table30.NegativeChangeonLakeDunlapOverthePastFIVEyears...... 69 Table31.ManagerialIssue...... 71 Table32.ManagementPreferences...... 73 Table33.ControlstoPreventConflicts...... 74 Table34.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 74 Table35.ServiceProvision...... 75 Table36.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 76 Table37.HouseholdInformation...... 77 Table38.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 78 Table39.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeMcQueeney...... 80 Table40.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeMcQueeney...... 80 Table41.ConstraintstoBoating...... 82 Table42.LakeUsage...... 83 Table43.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 84 Table44.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeMcQueeney...... 90 Table45.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis...... 92

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Table46.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 93 Table47.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 96 Table48.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 97 Table49.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 99 Table50.PositiveChangeonLakeMcQueeneyOverthePastFIVEyears...... 100 Table51.NegativeChangeonLakeMcQueeneyOverthePastFIVEyears...... 101 Table52.ManagerialIssue...... 103 Table53.ManagementPreference...... 105 Table54.ControlstoPreventConflicts...... 106 Table55.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 107 Table56.ServiceProvision...... 107 Table57.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 108 Table58.HouseholdInformation...... 109 Table59.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 110 Table60.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakePlacid...... 112 Table61.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakePlacid...... 112 Table62.ConstraintstoBoating...... 114 Table63.LakeUsage...... 115 Table64.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 116 Table65.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakePlacid...... 122 Table66.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis...... 124 Table67.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 125 Table68.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 128 Table69.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 129 Table70.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 131 Table71.PositiveChangeonLakePlacidOverthePastFIVEyears...... 132 Table72.NegativeChangeonLakePlacidOverthePastFIVEyears...... 133 Table73.ManagerialIssue...... 135 Table74.ManagementPreferences...... 137 Table75.ControlstoPreventConflicts...... 138 Table76.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 138 Table77.ServiceProvision...... 139 Table78.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 140 Table79.HouseholdInformation...... 141 Table80.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 142 Table81.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeNolte...... 144 Table82.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeNolte...... 144 Table83.ConstraintstoBoating...... 145 Table84.LakeUsage...... 146 Table85.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 147 Table86.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeNolte...... 152 Table87.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis...... 154 Table88.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 155 Table89.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 157 Table90.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 159 Table91.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 160 Table92.PositiveChangeonLakeNolteOverthePastFIVEyears...... 162 Table93.NegativeChangeonLakeNolteOverthePastFIVEyears...... 162

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Table94.ManagerialIssue...... 164 Table95.ManagementPreferences...... 166 Table96.ControlstoPreventConflicts...... 167 Table97.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 167 Table98.ServiceProvision...... 168 Table99.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 169 Table100.HouseholdInformation...... 171 Table101.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 172 Table102.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeGonzales...... 173 Table103.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeGonzales...... 173 Table104.ConstraintstoBoating...... 174 Table105.LakeUsage...... 175 Table106.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 176 Table107.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeGonzales...... 181 Table108.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis...... 182 Table109.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 183 Table110.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 184 Table111.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 185 Table112.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 186 Table113.PositiveChangeonLakeGonzalesOverthePastFIVEyears...... 187 Table114.NegativeChangeonLakeGonzalesOverthePastFIVEyears...... 187 Table115.ManagerialIssue...... 188 Table116.ManagementPreferences...... 190 Table117.ControlstoPreventConflicts...... 191 Table118.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 191 Table119.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 191 Table120.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 192 Table121.HouseholdInformation...... 193 Table122.ExperienceCharacteristics...... 194 Table123.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeWood...... 195 Table124.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeWood...... 195 Table125.ConstraintstoBoating...... 196 Table126.LakeUsage...... 197 Table127.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes...... 198 Table128.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeWood...... 203 Table129.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis...... 204 Table130.PerceptionsofSettingDensity...... 205 Table131.PerceptionsofSocialConditions...... 206 Table132.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions...... 207 Table133.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions...... 208 Table134.PositiveChangeonLakeWoodOverthePastFIVEyears...... 209 Table135.NegativeChangeonLakePlacidOverthePastFIVEyears...... 209 Table136.ManagerialIssue...... 210 Table137.ManagementPreferences...... 212 Table138.ControlstoPreventConflicts...... 213 Table139.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 213 Table140.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment...... 213 Table141.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties...... 214

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   LISTOFFIGURES  Figure1.LakeDunlap...... 16 Figure2.LakeMcQueeney...... 17 Figure3.LakePlacid...... 18 Figure4.LakeNolte(MeadowLake)...... 19 Figure5.LakeWood(H4)...... 20 Figure6.LakeGonzales(H5)...... 21 Figure7.NormalStartingLocation...... 54 Figure8.FarthestTraveledUpstream...... 55 Figure9.FarthestTraveledDownstream...... 56 Figure10.AreaSpentMostTime...... 57 Figure11.AreasAvoided...... 58 Figure12.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 60 Figure13.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas...... 72 Figure14.NormalStartingLocation...... 85 Figure15.FarthestTraveledUpstream...... 86 Figure16.FarthestTraveledDownstream...... 87 Figure17.AreaSpentMostTime...... 88 Figure18.AreasAvoided...... 89 Figure19.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 91 Figure20.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas...... 104 Figure21.NormalStartingLocation...... 117 Figure22.FarthestTraveledUpstream...... 118 Figure23.FarthestTraveledDownstream...... 119 Figure24.AreaSpentMostTime...... 120 Figure25.AreasAvoided...... 121 Figure26.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 123 Figure27.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas...... 136 Figure28.NormalStartingLocation...... 148 Figure29.FarthestTraveledUpstream...... 149 Figure30.FarthestTraveledDownstream...... 150 Figure31.AreaSpentMostTime...... 151 Figure32.AreasAvoided...... 152 Figure33.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 153 Figure34.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas...... 155 Figure35.NormalStaringLocation...... 177 Figure36.FarthestTraveledUpstream...... 178 Figure37.FarthestTraveledDownstream...... 179 Figure38.AreaSpentMostTime...... 180 Figure39.AreasAvoided...... 181 Figure40.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 182 Figure41.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas...... 189 Figure42.NormalStaringLocation...... 199 Figure43.FarthestTraveledUpstream...... 200

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Figure44.FarthestTraveledDownstream...... 201 Figure45.AreaSpentMostTime...... 202 Figure46.AreasAvoided...... 203 Figure47.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe...... 204 Figure48.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas...... 211

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EXECUTIVESUMMARY ThegoalofthisprojectwastoconstructaninformativemanagementtoolfortheGuadalupeͲBlanco RiverAuthority(GBRA)tobettermanagethepressuresofincreasedrecreationaluseandshoreline developmentonLakesDunlap,McQueeney,Placid,Nolte(MeadowLake),Gonzales(H4),andWood (H5).  Insodoing,foreachlakeandthesystemoflakes,thisinvestigationidentifiedusers/potentialusers: a. Householdcharacteristics(e.g.,socioͲdemographicscharacteristics); b. Modeofuse(e.g.,preferredactivity,timingandareaofuse); c. Areasofconcernandavoidancerelatedtosafetyandcrowding; d. Perceptionsoflakeconditionsforthe2009boatingseasonandtheprecedingfiveyears; e. Preferencesformanagingrecreationalboatingonthesystemlakes;and f. Theimpactofrecreationalboatingonshorelinestructures.

Method x Surveys(onlineandhardͲcopy)wereadministeredtoboatersexitinglakesatpublicboatramps, shorelinepropertyowners,andselectstakeholders.Atotalof585werecompleted(Dunlap–111; McQueeney–276;Placid–110;Nolte(Meadow)–22;Gonzales(H4)–13;Wood(H5)–31;Other lakes–22).

 Respondents’Characteristics x Forthemostpart,respondentswereolder(M=57years),welleducated(72%werecollege graduates),White(93.2%)men(75.3%). x Eightythreepercentofrespondentswereactiveboatersspending,onaverage,48daysboatingover thelast12monthsandwithover26yearsofboatingexperience. x Speed/skiboatswerethemostpopularwatercraft(46.5%)followedbyfishing/bassboats(22.7%), pontoonboats(21.3%)andpersonalwatercraft(PWC)(20.0%). x Twothirdsofrespondentswerelakeshorepropertyowners(66.2%)whohadlivedonthelakefor over16years(M=16.3).

 PerceptionsofSettingDensity x ConcernoverthelevelofuseoccurringonthelakeswasmostpronouncedonLakesDunlap,Placid andMcQueeney. x Ingeneral,respondents: o Indicatedwantingtohaveseenfewerpeople; o Indicatedthatthenumberofpeopleencountereddetractedfromtheirexperience; o Expressedmildconcernoversafetyinresponsetothenumberofpeopleencounteredand thebehaviorofotherboaters; o Indicatedfeelingmoderatelycrowded.



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IssuesofConcern Issuesthatrespondentsexpressedconcernoverincluded: x Thelevelofuse–especiallyonpublicholidayweekends.Thesecrowdedconditionsexacerbate concernsoverthebehaviorofotherboaters,safety,andboaters’enjoyment/satisfaction. x Thesizeofotherboaters’wakesresultingindamagetoshorelinesandshorelinestructuresin additiontothedisruptionotherboaters’activities; x Carelessandinconsideratebehaviorofotherboaters(e.g.,travelingatunsafespeed); x Thevolumeofamplifiedmusic(i.e.,tooloud); x Theuseofpersonalwatercraft.Thisrelatestotheirbehavior(e.g.,jumpingwakes,cuttingcloseof otherwatercraft,speed)andnoise; x Thetowingofinflatablewatertoys(i.e.,zigͲzaggingincrowdedornarrowareasofthelake). x Tovaryingextents,otherissuesaffectingallsixlakesincludelakedepth(i.e.,shallowinareas)and submergedobstacles(e.g.,treestumps)andaquaticvegetation. 

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Table1.PotentialManagementAction Proposition Need ApplicationsAcrosstheUS Banwatercraftwithsleeping Arealakesnotcapableof Oftenmanagedthough quarters supportingovernightuse regulationstargetingovernight use Banhighperformance Safetyconcernsrelatedtotheir Oftenmanagedthroughspeed watercraft size,speedandenginenoise limits.Banshavebeeninstituted onseverallakesinAlabama (LakesMartin,Weiss,&Harris), andhavebeencontroversial. Bansalsotargethigh performancePWCs. Bantheuseofairboats Safetyconcernsrelatedtotheir OnspecificUSACElakes,airboats exhaustfanandenginenoise arerestrictedfromsome environmentallysensitiveareas ofthelakes.Someordinances alsomanagetheirusethrough noiserestrictions. Limitthelengthofboatstobe Safetyconcernsowingtothe Idaho,Connecticuthasboat equaltoorlessthan24feet. widthofthelakesandlevelofuse lengthlimitssetforspecific Limitthelengthofpontoon occurringonthelakes lakes.AcityinWashingtonstate boatstobeequaloflessthan (Kirkland),hasaboatlength 28feet restriction(24’)appliedatpublic boatrampsduringtheboating seasononly(4/1to10/31).In specialmanagementareasalong theKenaiRiverinAlaska,the stateprohibitstheuseof watercraftover21feet(also havea50hprestrictionandno twostrokeengines). Bantheuseofpontoonplanes Safetyconcernsrelatedtoplanes Mostoftenimplementedto withtheexceptionofthose takingoff/landingonthelake restrictuseinpristinesettings permittedbyGBRA whileboatingistakingplace (CA,NY,OR) Bantheuseoftowing Safetyconcernsduringpeakuse Wecouldnotfindany inflatablesonthe4thofJuly periods comparablerestriction.It publicholidayweekend appearsthatthetypeofuseand lakeconditionsmaketheselakes unique. 

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Table1.PotentialManagementAction(cont.) Bantheuseofpersonal Safetyconcernsduringpeakuse Federalagencies(NationalPark watercraftonthe4thofJuly periods Service,NOAA)institutedor publicholidayweekend recommendedbansciting environmentalconcernsof impactsnvisitorexperiences. TheCityofAustinhasinstituted aPWCbanonLakeAustinfor publicholidayweekendsciting concernsoversafety. Permittinguseonarealakes Needforgreaterboater Permittinguseoninland education/courtesy.Permits waterwaysisnotuncommon acquiredaftertakingonline (e.g.,CityofFortWorth–Lake boatersafety/educationcourse. Worth;CityofArlington–Lake Arlington),acrossTexas TPWDoffersanonlineboater safety/educationcourse.A numberofotherstatesaround thecountryimposeaneducation courserequirementforthe issuanceofalicense InstitutealakeͲwidespeed Safetyconcernsandshoreline Speedlimitsmostofteneffected limitof45milesperhour erosion withtheuseofnoͲwakezonesin covesandotherdesignated areasofalake.Somelakes aroundtheUShavelakeͲwide speedrestrictions(e.g.,Lake WinnipesaukeeinNew Hampshire)thatarealsosetat 45miles/hourduringthedayand 25miles/hourduringthe evening.

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STUDYPUPOSE  ThegoalofthisprojectwastoconstructaninformativemanagementtoolfortheGuadalupeͲBlanco RiverAuthority(GBRA)tobettermanagethepressuresofincreasedrecreationaluseandshoreline developmentonLakesDunlap,McQueeney,Placid,Nolte(MeadowLake),Gonzales(H4),andWood (H5).  Insodoing,foreachlakeandthesystemoflakes,thisinvestigationidentifiedusers/potentialusers: a. Householdcharacteristics(e.g.,socioͲdemographicscharacteristics); b. Modeofuse(e.g.,preferredactivity,timingandareaofuse); c. Areasofconcernandavoidancerelatedtosafetyandcrowding; d. Perceptionsoflakeconditionsforthe2009boatingseasonandtheprecedingfiveyears; e. Preferencesformanagingrecreationalboatingonthesystemlakes;and f. Theimpactofrecreationalboatingonshorelinestructures.



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METHOD  StudyArea  ThelakesofinterestconsistedofLakesDunlap,McQueeney,Placid,Nolte(MeadowLake),Gonzales (H4),andWood(H5)(seeFigures1through6).Theselakescompriseacontiguousriverinesystemof lakesalongtheGuadalupeRiverwithinComal,Guadalupe,andGonzalesCountiesinTexas.Alllakesare managedbytheGBRA. 

 Figure1.LakeDunlap

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 Figure2.LakeMcQueeney

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 Figure3.LakePlacid

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 Figure4.LakeNolte(MeadowLake)

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 Figure5.LakeWood(H4)

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 Figure6.LakeGonzales(H5) 

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Sample  Dataforthesurveywerecollectedviathreesources;1)onsitecontactswithafollowͲupmail/online survey;2)GBRAsuppliedmailinglistsofpeopleinterestedinrecreationalboatingonthestudylakesand “friend”associations;and3)arandomsampleoflakeshorepropertyownersandresidentslivingnearby thestudylakes.Belowisadescriptionofhoweachofthesesampleswascollected.Datawerecollected overthesummerandFallof2009.  OnsiteContacts  AteamofTexasA&MresearcherswereplacedatthreepublicboatrampsonLakeDunlap,Placidand Nolte(RivershadeRVPark)overtheLaborDayHolidayweekend,2009(September,5through7).This resultedinthecollectionof52namesandemail/postaladdresses.Afurther14namesandemail/postal addresseswerecollectedattheLakeWoodkioskusingselfͲadministeredcollectionsheetsoverthe sameperiod.  GBRASuppliedMailingLists  TheGBRAandlakeinterestgroupsprovideduswith1,520namesandemail/postaladdresses.Members oftheselistswerecomprisedof“lakefriends”members,localhomeowners’associations,bassclub members,andotherswithaninterestinrecreationalboatingonthestudylakes.  CountyͲWideList  Fourthousandfivehundrednamesweredrawnfromthe2009CertifiedCountyAppraisalRollsfor Comal,GuadalupeandGonzalescounties.Atotalof750propertyownerswereselectedforeachofthe studylakes(Dunlap,McQueeney,Placid,Nolte,WoodandGonzales)providingatotalof4,500potential participants.Eachcountytaxrollwasfilteredtoidentifyresidentialpropertyownersbasedonstate propertytaxcodes.ForLakesDunlap,McQueeney,PlacidandNolte,ArcGIS9.3wasusedtocreatea100 footbufferandathreemilebufferaroundeachlaketotargetshorelineownersandthegeneralpublic. Ageneralgoalwasestablishedtoobtain400propertyownerswithin100feetand350propertyowners withinthreemilesofeachlake.  Severalinstancesofbufferoverlapwereencountered.Primaryconsiderationwasgiventothe100foot bufferandsecondaryconsiderationwasgiventothethreemilebuffer.However,insomecases400 propertyownerswithinthe100footbuffercouldnotbeidentifiedandthethreemilebufferwas oversampledtoacquiretheremainder.Additionally,eachlakewasoversampledtoallowforcullingof duplicatepropertyowner’andlifeandestatetrustslistedinthetaxroll.Propertyownerswere randomlyexcludedfromthecleanedlisttoreducethetotalstothedesired750mark.  ForLakesWood(H4)andGonzales(H5),theapplicationof100footandthreemilebuffersdidnot provideaviablesampleowingtothesparselypopulatedarea.Thesampleframefortheselakeswas developedbyoverlayingzipcoderegions(78629,78614,78122)whichlinedtheGuadalupeRiver corridor. 

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ResponseRate  Forcasesinwhichwehadtheirpostaladdress,areturnpostageͲpaidcardwassenttotheirhomesin November,2009.Thiscardprovidedrespondentswiththeoptionofcompletingthesurveyonlineor receivingahardcopyinthemail.Toobtainahardcopy,respondentswererequestedtoindicatetheir primarylakeonareturnpostageͲpaidcard.Thesesubjectswerethensentasurveypacketcontaininga hardcopyofthesurveyquestionnaireandapostagepaidreturnenvelope.  Forcasesforwhomwehadanexistingemailaddress,wesentaweblinktocompletethesurveyonline inNovember,2009.Fouremailremindersweresenttosubjectsovertheweeksfollowingthrough January2010.  Atotalof6,086contactsweresentpostcards/emailinvitationstoparticipateinthesurvey.Two hundredandthirtysixpostcards/emailswerereturnedowingtobadaddresses.Atotalof585 completedsurveyswerereturned(10.0%).Bylake,completedsurveyswereasfollows: x Dunlap–111 x McQueeney–276 x Placid–110 x Nolte(Meadow)–22 x Gonzales(H4)–13, x Wood(H5)–31 x OtherlakesͲ22

SurveyofPublicMeetingAttendees  AttheconclusionofapublicmeetingheldattheMcQueeneyLionsClubonMarch27,20101,attendees wererequestedtocompleteashortsurveylistingninepropositionsforrestrictingusesontheGBRA lakes.Thesepropositionsemergedfromthelargersurveyoftheboatingpublic(discussedabove)and reflectedissuesthatwereofconcerntoboaters.Atotalof81surveyswerecompleted.Findingsare discussedbeginningp.44. 

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FINDINGS–OVERALL(LakesCombined)  Thefindingspresentedinthissectionarebasedondatacollectedfromallrespondents.Becausethe questionnairespresentedtorespondentsreferencedaspecificlaketowhichtheywereaffiliated, lakenamesarereplacedwith“X”inourreportingoftheresultscollectedfromalllakeusers.  Respondents’PersonalInformation  AsdisplayedbelowinTable2,overall,thesamplewascomprisedofrespondentswhowereolder (M=57.0years),welleducated(59.6%withsomepostͲgraduateeducation),white(93.2%)men(75.3%). Whileapproximatelyhalf(50.7%)wereemployedfulltime,afurther33percent(33.3%)indicatedbeing retired.Last,householdincomeswererelativelyhighwith65percent(65.1%)ofrespondentsreporting incomesinexcessof$100,000.  Table2.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 57.0,11.9 Gender(n,%) Male 75.3(397) Female 24.7(130) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless .4(2) 9thto11thgrade .2(1) 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 6.4(34) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 21.1(112) 16years(collegegraduate) 12.4(66) 17+years(somegraduatework) 28.4(151) Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 31.2(166) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 2.2(12) White,notHispanic 93.2(500) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican 1.3(7) NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 0(0) AsianorPacificIslander 3.2(17) EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 50.7(272) Homemaker 4.1(22) Employed,parttime 3.4(18) Retired,butworkingfulltime 4.3(23) Retired,workingparttime 10.8(58) Retired,notworking 22.5(121) Unemployed .6(3) Student .4(2) Other 3.4(18)   

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Table2.HouseholdInformation(cont.) HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 1.9(9) $25,000Ͳ$49,999 7.3(35) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 13.1(63) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 12.7(61) $100,000Ͳ$149,999 21.6(104) $150,000Ͳ$199,999 11.2(54) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 6.6(32) $250,000–$299,999 6.4(31) $300,000ormore 19.3(93)  BoatingExperience  Mostrespondents(83.0%)indicatedbeingactiveboaterswithextensiveexperience(M=26.3years)(see Table3).Themostpopularwatercraftusedonthelakeswasaspeed/skiboat(46.5%)followedby fishing/bassboats(22.7%),pontoonboats(21.3%)andpersonalwatercraft(20.0%).  Intermsofrespondentspreferredactivities,cruisingwascitedmostfrequently(49.9%)followedby skiing(20.2%)andwakeboarding(19.4%).Respondentstendedtoenjoythelakesingroupsoffourto five(M=4.5)consistingoffamilyandfriends(53.4%).  Table3.ExperienceCharacteristics Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 83.0(517) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 26.3,17.0 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 48.0,54.12 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) M,SD eachboatyouuse. Speedboat,skiboat 46.5(295) .86,2.0 Fishingorbassboat 22.7(144) .58,1.6 Pontoonboat 21.3(135) .43,.8 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 16.5(105) .55,.9 Wakeboardboat 13.5(86) .27,.4 Highperformanceboat 1.9(12) .04,.2 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 20.0(127) .79,.9 Other(Pleasespecify 8.7(55) .773.8 Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 43.7(228) Fishingorbassboat 16.9(88) Pontoonboat 14.8(77) Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft .2(1) Wakeboardboat 11.5(60) Highperformanceboat 0(0) PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 7.5(39) Other(Pleasespecify 5.6(29) 

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Table3.ExperienceCharacteristics(cont.) Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 20.2(101) Cruising 49.9(250) Wakeboarding 19.4(97) Towinginflatables/watertoys 3.8(19) Fishing 1.8(9) Racingupanddownthelake 3.2(16) Other 1.8(9) Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 4.4,2.1 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself 2.8(15) Family 32.6(173) Multiplefamilies 2.8(15) Familyandfriends 53.4(283) Friends 5.8(31) Organizedoutinggroup .4(2) Businessassociates .2(1) Other 1.9(10)  

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BoatCountObservations  OvertheJuly4thandLaborDaypublicholidayweekendsvolunteerswereplacedoneachofthestudylakesandrecordedwatercrafttypeand activityparticipationbyboaters.Thevolunteersestablishedtransectsbyselectingapointontheopposingshoreandrecordedboattypeand activityforeachofthewatercraftbreakingcrossingthetransect.Table4belowcontainsasummaryofvolunteers’observations.Itisimportant tonotethatbecauseofthesubjectivityinvolvedindeterminingboatandactivitytypes,thesedatashouldbeinterpretedwithsomecaution.  Intermsofthemostpopularboatsobservedonthelakesoverthepublicholidayweekends,personalwatercraft(PWC),speedboat/skiboats, andwakeboardingboatswereobservedmostoften(seeTable4).fortheactivitytypes,cruisingtubing/towinginflatableswereobservedmost often.  ComparedwiththedatapresentedaboveinTable3reportingthewatercraftrespondentsusedmostoftenthroughoutthe2009season,there appearsvariationoccurringonpublicholidayweekends.Wherealmost30percentofrespondentsreportedusingtheir“speedboat/skiboats” mostoften(43.7%)throughoutthe2009season,lessthan30percent(29.6%)ofthistypeofboatingtrafficwasrecorded.Alternately,lessthan 10percent(7.5%)ofrespondentstothesurveyidentifiedPWCastheprimarywatercraftoverthe2009season,whereastheycomprisedalittle lessthan50%(46.9)ofthetotalboattrafficobservedoverthepublicholidayperiods.  Table4.BoatType&ActivityObservations BoatType(%,n) Dunlap McQueeney Placid Nolte Wood Gonzales AllLakes Speedboat/Skiboat 27.5(22) 25.0(593) 34.2(593) 38.0(38) 14.7(10) 24.6(15) 29.6(1,353) Houseboat 1.3(1) .2(5) .2(3) 0 0 021.3(13) .2(8) PWC 14.1(11) 46.4(1,100) 51.1(886) 32.0(101) 42.6(29) 054.1(33) 46.9(2,140) Inflatable 1.3(1) 3.3(8) .2(4) 5.1(16) 13.2(9) 0 2.1(59) Fishing/Bassboat 6.3(5) .2(5) 1.9(33) 9.5(30) 23.5(16) 0 2.7(122) Wakeboardboat 35.0(28) 18.2(431) 7.3(126) 9.2(29) 0 0 13.5(614) Rowboat/Canoe/Kayak 0 .1(4) .1(2) .3(3) 0 0 .2(9) Sailboat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pontoonboat 10.0(8) 7.2(7.2) 4.4(76) 0 5.9(4) 0 5.9(269) Highperformanceboat 0 0(2) .1(1) 0 0 0 .1(3) Deckboat 5.0(4) .3(6) 0 0 0 0 .2(10) Gamewarden 0 0 .5(8) 0 0 0 .2(8) Paddle 0 .7(16) .1(1) .3(1) 0 0 .4(18) Other 0 0 .1(1) .3(1) 0 0 0(2) 

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Table4.BoatType&ActivityObservations(cont.) Activity(%,n) Cruising 55.1(43) 78.1(815) 75.9(1,012) 42.9(115) 74.6(44) 0 72.2(2,029) Skiing 5.1(4) 2.0(21) 1.4(19) 4.9(13) 0 17.6(3) 2.1(60) Fishing 1.3(1) 0(1) 0 0 0 0 .1(2) Wakeboarding 29.5 2.9(30) 3.1(41) 4.9(13) 3.4(2) 64.7(11) 4.3(120) Tubing/inflatable 9.0(7) 9.6(100) 19.5(260) 47.4(127) 22.0(13) 17.6(3) 18.2(510) Waterballoonfighting 0 5.3(55) 0 0 0 0 2.0(55) Racing 0 0 .1(2) 0 0 0 .1(2) Parasail 0 0(1) 0 0 0 0 0(1) Parade 0 2.0(21) 0 0 0 0 .7(21)  

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ConstraintstoBoating  Whilemostrespondents(83.0%)indicatedbeingactiveboaters,lessthanathird(31.4%)indicatedthat theyboatedasoftenastheywouldlike(seeTable5below).Respondentswhoindicatedthattheydid notboatasoftenastheywouldlikeweretheninstructedtoindicatetheirlevelofagreementwitha seriesofstatementsthatreflectedpotentialreasonsfornotboating.Factorsthatboaterscitedas reasonsfornotboatingasoftenastheywouldprefertendedtocenteronthesocialconditionextanton thelakes: x “It’stoocrowded”–Almost60percentagreement(57.7%). x “Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe”–Justover50percent(51.8%)agreement. x “Attimes,thewateristoorough”–Justover50percent(54.7%)agreement. x “Otherboatersareinconsiderate”–Fortypercent(40.7%)agreement.

 

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Table5.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 31.4(174)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflect    factorsthatinhibityourabilitytoboatasoftenasyouwould 

like?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly youropinion) Disagree Disagree  1 2 3 4 5 M SD Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 70.6 16.7 7.3 3.1 2.3 1.5 .93 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 60.8 22.6 9.9 5.5 1.3 1.6 .96 c. It’stoohotinsummer 51.4 24.5 14.8 8.6 1.0 1.8 1.0 d. It’stoocrowded 13.4 13.1 15.7 36.1 21.6 3.4 1.3 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 61.4 21.4 7.3 6.3 3.7 1.7 1.1 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 32.5 20.7 25.4 18.3 3.1 2.4 1.2 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 10.6 15.2 22.4 35.3 16.5 3.3 1.2 h. TheLakeistooshallow 23.2 25.3 24.8 18.8 7.8 1.6 1.2 i. Poorwaterquality 25.6 31.6 22.5 17.2 3.1 2.4 1.4 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 13.1 20.9 25.3 29.0 11.7 3.1 1.2 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 41.6 20.5 19.7 10.0 8.2 2.2 1.3 l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 26.0 20.2 18.9 28.3 6.6 2.7 1.3 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 23.3 28.3 25.7 35.3 7.3 2.9 1.3 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 50.3 30.8 14.2 4.5 .3 1.7 .9 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 51.7 27.3 15.7 2.1 3.1 1.8 1.0 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 14.4 15.4 15.4 30.6 24.1 3.3 1.4 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 23.1 28.6 26.0 14.2 7.9 2.6 1.3

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UseofAreaLakes  Consistentwiththeirrepresentationinoursample,respondentsindicatedthatLakeMcQueeneywas theirprimarylake(47.9%)andthelaketheymostfrequentlyused(47.2%)withanaverageof 32days(M=32.0)ofboatingoverthe2009season.LakesDunlapandPlacidwerethenextmostpopular with19percent(18.8%and19.0%,respectively)citingthelakesastheirprimarylakesandafurther20 percent(20.8%and20.6%,respectively)indicatingthelakesweretheirmostcommonlyused.These respondentsaveragedbetween15(15.4forDunlap)and17daysofboatingforthe2009season.  Table6.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 92.0(497)  (yes,%,n  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeDunlap 20.8(137) 15.4,32.2 18.8 LakeMcQueeney 48.8(315) 32.0,47 47.9 LakePlacid 20.6(136) 17.0,35.1 19.0 MeadowLake(Nolte) 3.9(26) 5.4,22.6 3.9 LakeGonzales(H4) 2.7(18) 1.6,12.5 1.6 LakeWood(H5) 4.7(31) 1.6,6.7 4.2 CanyonLake 13.8(91) 2.4,7.6 1.8 Other 4.4(29) .1,.2 2.8 Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) 10.0,34.9,0 

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LakeAttachment  Overall,respondentsexpressedstrongattachmenttothearealakes(seeTable7).Whiletheyexpressed agreementwithmostofthestatementsenjoymentandtheopportunitytospendtimewithfamilyand friendswerekeytotheirlakeaffection.  Table7.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly ConsideringLakeXpleaseindicatehowyoufeel Disagree Disagree aboutthelakebyrespondingtoeachofthe statementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. LakeXisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatI 3.9 1.1 2.4 9.0 17.3 36.0 35.2 enjoymost b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake 2.3 6.4 13.8 33.8 43.7 4.1 1.0 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketo 3.4 1.3 7.6 17.0 25.0 23.8 26.7 do d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 3.8 7.2 21.7 34.6 32.7 3.9 1.1 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 2.5 6.0 18.3 36.5 36.7 4.0 1.0 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcan 3.4 1.1 5.9 12.7 35.2 25.7 20.6 bemyself g. Ireallyenjoythelake .8 .8 5.7 39.4 53.4 4.4 .7 h. Thelakemeansalottome 1.5 1.5 9.1 36.8 51.1 4.3 .8 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsme 4.4 .8 1.3 1.9 .2 34.3 53.4 tobondwithmyfamilyandfriends j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththe 4.1 1.0 1.5 4.9 16.0 32.3 45.3 lake

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  PerceptionsofSettingDensity  Ingeneral,respondentsexpressedconcernoverthelevelandtypeofuseoccurringonthestudylakes(seeTable8): x Sixtysixpercent(66.1%)ofrespondentswouldhavelikedtohaveseenfewerpeopleonthelake. x Whilealmost53percent(52.7)ofrespondentsindicatedthenumberofpeopletheyencounteredthroughoutthe2009boatingseason wasaboutwhattheyhadexpected,morethan35percent(35.6%)indicatedseeingmorethantheyhadexpected. x Whileapproximately30percent(30.4%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatthenumberofpeopletheyhadseenonthestudylakeshadno effectontheirenjoyment,almost60percent(59.4%)indicatedthatthelevelofusehaddetractedfromtheirenjoyment. x Therewassomeconcernamongrespondentsrelatingtosafetyinlightofthenumberofboatsonthelakeandthebehaviorofother boaters.Approximatelyeightpercent(7.8)indicatedthatitwas“notatallsafe”duetothenumberofboatersonthelakeandafurther 10percent(10.4%)indicatedthatiswas“notatallsafe”becauseofthebehaviorofotherboaters. x Whilealittleover30percentofrespondentsdidnotfeelcrowdedbythelevelofuseonthelakes,almost40percent(39.1%)expressed someconcernandafurther21percent(21.2%)expressedelevatedconcern.  Table8.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeopleyou Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD encounteredonyourvisitstoLakeXforthe2009 tohave tohave manynor tohave tohaveseen season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew alotless more more people lesspeople people people people 1.0 2.9 30.1 34.9 31.2 3.9 .9 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawonthelake Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD comparewithwhatyouexpectedtoseeonyour thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI visitstoLakeXforthe2009season?(%) expected expected expected expected expected 1.8 9.9 52.7 15.1 20.5 3.0 .6 

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Table8.PerceptionsofSettingDensity(cont.) Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawaffectyour Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M SD overallenjoymentofyourvisitstoyLakeXforthe lottomy littleto onmy alittle lotfrommy 2009season?(%) enjoyment my enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment 3.6 6.5 30.4 38.4 21.0 3.7 1.0 InlightofthenumberofboatsyousawonLakeX Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M1 SD thisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufeltwhile safe safe safe boating(%) 7.8 19.9 41.0 23.4 7.9 3.0 1.0 InlightofthebehaviorofotherboatersonLakeX Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD thisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufeltwhile safe safe safe boating 10.4 22.1 41.5 21.5 4.6 2.9 1.0 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyoudescribe Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  theboatingconditionsoutonthelakeduringyour crowded crowded crowded crowded visitstoyourLakeXforthe2009season?(%) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD 3.5 3.5 4.9 9.6 18.1 22.4 16.7 11.8 9.4 5.8 2.0 1Basedonresponses1through4Table

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PerceptionsofSocialConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatetheirlevelofagreementwithaseriesofstatementsexamining thesocialconditionsonthestudylakesforthe2009boatingseason(seeTable9below).Areasof concerninclude: x Thesizeofboaters’wakes(“Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes”)–65percent(65.2%) expressingagreement. x Thebehaviorofotherboaters(“Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e., unsafespeeds,dangerousbehaviors,etc.)”–Sixtyfourpercent(64.2%)expressingagreement. x Themusicplayedfromboats(“Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic”)–46percent (46.4%)expressingagreement. x Thebehaviorofpersonalwatercraftoperators(“Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcutting tooclosetomyboat”)–Alittleover50percent(51.5%)expressingagreement.

Areasthatreceivedmixedlevelsofagreementinclude; x Boatersavoidedfavoredpartsofthelakeinresponsetothecrowdedconditions(“Iavoidedmy favoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere”)–Over40percent(40.9%) disagreedwiththestatementwhereasalmost35percent(34.4%)expressedagreement. x Theleveloflawenforcementonthelakes(“Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolson thelake”)–Whileover32percent(32.5%)indicatedthatlawenforcementonthelakewas inadequate,53percent(53.0%)indicateditwasadequate. x Boaters’perceptionsofrisk(“Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk”)–Whileover32 percentof(32.0%)respondentsindicatedthatthelevelofriskassociatedwithboatinginsome areasofthelakewasnotproblematic,45percent(45.1%)ofsamplediffered–indicatingthat boatingonsomeoftheareasofthelakewasrisky.

WhileTable9doeshighlightsomeareasofconcern,thedataalsoillustratethatrespondentsremain satisfiedwiththe2009boatingseasonexpressingstronglevelsofagreementwithmeasuresoftheir enjoyment(item“a”)andthemoneytheyinvestedinthe2009boatingseason(item“e”)waswellworth theinvestment. 

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Table9.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutyourboatingexperienceonLakeX.Foreach Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly statement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsaboutyour Disagree Disagree visitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 2.0 4.6 15.7 56.7 21.0 3.9 0.9 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 14.1 26.8 24.7 22.5 11.9 2.9 1.2 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition 4.8 14.9 20.3 49.1 10.9 3.5 1.0 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 6.8 16.3 24.1 31.9 20.9 3.4 1.2 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 1.2 3.0 20.6 51.8 23.4 3.9 0.8 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 13.1 19.4 14.5 38.3 14.7 3.2 1.3 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 42.8 36.4 15.6 2.6 2.6 1.9 1.0 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 11.8 20.2 22.8 33.7 11.4 3.1 1.2 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 29.5 36.2 27.1 5.9 1.4 2.1 1.0 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 19.0 33.1 24.6 15.8 7.4 2.6 1.2 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 7.8 12.3 14.7 31.8 33.4 3.7 1.3 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 13.1 33.7 23.1 20.7 9.4 2.8 1.2 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 5.2 13.0 17.6 36.4 27.8 3.7 1.2 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 20.3 36.5 19.5 12.7 11.0 2.6 1.3 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 7.6 20.5 25.5 24.3 22.1 3.3 1.2 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 26.5 33.3 23.5 11.0 5.6 2.4 1.1 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 11.2 19.8 17.4 29.1 22.4 3.3 1.3 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 15.8 19.8 22.6 22.4 19.2 3.1 1.3 experience  

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CopingwithAdverseConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatehowtheywouldrespondtopotentialobstaclesrelatedtotheirboatingactivity.Respondents’ agreementwithindicatorsoftemporaldisplacement(i.e.,alteringthetimingoftheirboatingactivity)suggestthatthemostprominentobstacle boatersfaceonthelakesisrelatedtothelevelofuse.Incopingwith“crowded”conditions,respondentsindicatedadjustingthetimingoftheir boating(items“b”and“e”),avoidedcertainareasofthelake(item“f”)ortheysimplyadjustedtotheconditionencountered(item“c”and“j”).  Table10.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonLakeX Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofLakeX 55.4 5.7 18.7 14.3 5.9 2.1 1.4 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeXinthefuture,Iwouldboatatearlier 17.0 8.1 18.1 32.1 24.6 3.4 1.4 and/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 17.0 11.7 28.0 31.8 11.4 3.1 1.3 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 42.9 12.2 26.9 11.4 6.7 2.3 1.3 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeXinthefuture,Iwouldboatonthe 21.2 8.0 16.3 33.0 21.6 3.3 1.4 weekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 24.0 10.6 21.5 25.5 18.4 3.0 1.4 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 27.2 14.6 30.8 19.2 8.2 2.7 1.3 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoLakeX 84.6 6.3 6.7 .8 1.7 1.3 0.8 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 70.4 9.0 11.3 7.3 2.1 1.6 1.1 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 20.9 8.2 32.5 25.3 13.1 3.0 1.3 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 58.9 14.7 19.1 5.2 2.1 1.8 1.1 l. Boatedlessoften 34.0 11.0 19.6 23.8 11.6 2.7 1.4 

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PerceptionofPhysicalConditions  Forthemostpart,respondentsweresatisfiedwiththephysicalconditionofthelake(seeTable11).Issuesthatwereofsomeconcernincluded factorsthatweretheproductofthebehaviorofothers.Forexample: x “Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats”–Almost16percent(16.7%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther41 percent(41.7%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem” x “Erosionofshoreline”–Almost20percent(19.6%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”and30percent(30.1%)consideredthis tobea“bigproblem”. x “Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft”–Almost23percent(22.9%)indicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther24percent (24.6%)notedreferredtothisasa“bigproblem”. x “Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft”–Twentypercent(20.4%)indicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther23 percent(22.9%)notedthistobea“bigproblem”.  Table11.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        to    a    

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem comment Unable helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonLakeX?(%) 1 1 2 3 4 5 M  SD a. Litteronshoreline 22.3 31.4 26.7 13.7 5.9 2.3 1.0 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 34.4 24.9 23.2 9.9 7.6 2.1 1.0 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 46.9 12.4 13.1 7.6 20.0 1.8 1.0 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 26.3 20.2 22.9 24.6 5.9 2.5 1.2 e. Enginenoise 37.0 25.0 21.2 11.8 5.0 2.1 1.1 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 60.1 13.3 8.6 4.2 13.7 1.5 0.9 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 31.2 22.8 19.4 10.5 16.0 2.1 1.0 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake 42.9 11.2 14.7 13.9 17.3 2.0 1.2 i. Erosionofshoreline 20.8 20.2 19.6 30.1 9.3 2.6 1.2 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 16.4 18.4 16.4 41.7 7.1 2.9 1.2 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 29.1 21.3 20.4 22.9 6.3 2.4 1.2 

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Table11.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions(cont.) l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 69.5 7.6 6.5 8.2 8.2 1.5 1.0 m. Thespeedofotherboaters 25.7 27.4 24.6 17.1 5.3 2.3 1.1 n. Fishhabitat 45.6 12.0 15.6 10.3 16.5 1.9 1.1 o. Habitatforbirds 50.7 13.3 12.8 6.9 16.2 1.7 1.0 p. Wildlifehabitat 49.5 13.3 13.7 6.7 16.8 1.7 1.0 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 47.4 16.2 13.9 15.8 6.7 2.0 1.2 r. Aquaticvegetation 37.8 21.8 17.3 14.8 8.2 2.1 1.1 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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LakeManagementPreferences  Withregardtoissuesrelatedtothemanagementofrecreationalboatingonthestudylakes, respondents’preferencesvaried(seeTable12).Strongestsupportwasexpressedformanagingissues thatareoutsidethejurisdictionoflakeauthoritiesorthatarelogisticallylessfeasible: x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft(e.g.,jetskis)”– Over80percent(80.5%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich,morethan50percent (50.7%)indicated“strongsupport”. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersandwakeboarders”–80 percent(80.0%)ofrespondentsofferedsupportforthislaw,ofwhich,morethan50percent (52.3%)expressedstrongsupport. x “Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft”ͲOver80percent(84.5%)ofrespondents expressedsupport,ofwhich,morethan50percent(50.8%)indicated“strongsupport”. x “Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth”ͲOver70percent(72.1%)ofrespondentsexpressed support,ofwhich,almost50percent(47.3%)indicated“strongsupport”.  Activitiesreceivingslightlylesssupportincluded: x “Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations”–62percent(62.4%)of respondentsexpressedsupport. x “Trainingforallwatercraftoperators”Ͳ62percent(62.0%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport. x “Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Justunder60percent(59.0%)expressedsupport.  Issuesthatreceivedoppositionincluded: x “Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake”–Fortytwopercent(42.0%)ofrespondents opposedtheproposition. x “Installmorepublicboatramps”–Almost80percent(78.6%)opposedtheproposition,of which,66percent(66.2%)“stronglyopposed”. x “Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes”–Alittleover70percent (71.2%)opposedtheproposition,ofwhich,55percent(55.0%)indicated“stronglyoppose”. 

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Table12.ManagerialIssues          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonLakeXforthe2009season,howdoyou Strongly Strongly feelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 22.6 19.4 20.6 23.0 14.4 1.9 1.5 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 22.6 19.4 20.6 23.0 14.4 2.9 1.4 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 8.0 7.4 22.3 33.3 29.1 3.7 1.2 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 44.5 21.0 19.8 9.4 5.2 2.1 1.2 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 14.8 18.0 21.6 23.2 22.2 3.2 1.4 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 24.7 15.5 19.5 17.5 22.9 3.0 1.5 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 21.8 16.6 27.2 20.8 13.6 2.9 1.3 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 4.4 5.0 10.2 29.7 50.7 4.2 1.1 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 2.2 4.6 8.8 33.7 50.8 4.3 1.0 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 6.0 5.0 9.0 27.7 52.3 4.2 1.2 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 6.0 9.4 22.6 30.1 31.9 3.7 1.2 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 7.6 8.8 24.6 32.2 26.8 3.6 1.2 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 25.2 18.2 20.0 12.2 24.4 2.9 1.5 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 27.8 20.6 20.8 16.4 14.4 2.7 1.4 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 66.2 12.4 6.6 8.2 6.6 1.8 1.3 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 55.0 16.2 14.8 7.4 6.6 1.9 1.3 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 6.8 5.6 15.6 24.8 47.3 4.0 1.2

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Almost45percent(44.7%)ofrespondentsindicatedhavingtakenaboatersafetyoreducationclass(see Table13).  Sixtypercent(60.5%)ofrespondentsindicatedthat“tougherrestrictions”wererequiredtolimitthesize ofwakesgeneratedbysomewatercraft.Ofthosewhoindicatedtheneedfortougherrestrictions, banningtheuseoffatsackswasmostpreferredwith50percent(50.4)indicatingtheoptiontobethe1st priorityamongthefouralternatives.(i.e.,banningtheuseoffatsacks,creatinglargernoͲwakezones, banningtheuseofPWCs,andbanningwakeboardingboats).  Respondentswerealsoaskedwhetherornottheyfeltthelakesshouldbemanagedtosupportavariety ofrecreationactivities.Alittleover60percent(62.3%)indicatedthatlakesshouldsupportvarious activities.Whilealloftheactivitieslisted(i.e.,waterskiing,wakeboarding,PWC,towinginflatables) receivedstrongsupport(forthoseindicating“yes”tothepreviousquestion)withmorethan70percent advocatingtheiravailability,respondentswerealmostunanimousintheirsupportofwaterskiing (94.0%).  Table13.ManagementPreferences   a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 44.7(213) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 60.5(288) LakeXtolimitthesizeofwakesgeneratedbysome st nd watercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n) Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 50.4(126) 20.4(51) 2.0 1.2 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 31.1(83) 25.1(67) 2.4 1.3 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 17.2(43) 12.4(31) 3.2 1.3 BanwakeboardingboatsonLakeX. 27.1(70) 15.5(40) 2.8 1.4 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageLakeXto 62.3(292) supportavarietyofrecreationalboatingactivities? (yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforLakeX? Waterskiing 94.0(280) Wakeboarding 73.4(196) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 76.4(217) TowingInflatables 71.1(197)

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ShorelineProperty  Almosttwothirds(66.2%)ofrespondentswereshorelinepropertyowners.Onaverage,theyindicated havingownedtheirhomefor16years(M=16.3)with57percent(57.1%)indicatingthattheirlakeshore propertywastheirprimaryresidence.Forthoseforwhotheirlakehomewasasecondaryresidence, theyaveraged16(M=16.3)visitsoverthe2009season.  Over90percent(92.3%)ofshorelinepropertyownersalsoindicatedowningadock,bulkheadorslip.Of these,45percent(45.7%)indicatedthattheirbulkhead/dock/sliphadbeendamagedbyboating activitiesoccurringonthelakeresultinginanaveragecostofrepairofaround$11,377.  Table14.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeX(yes,n,%) 66.2(309) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonLakeX(M,SD) 16.3,14.8 c. IsyourhomeonLakeXyourprimaryresidence?(yes,n,%) 57.1(177) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduring 16.3,14.8 thepast12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonLakeXhaveabulkhead,dockorslip? 92.3(134) (yes,n,%) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamaged 45.7(134) fromboatingactivitiesontheLakeinthelast3years?(yes,n,%) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD) $11,377.28,$23,442.99  

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PublicMeetingSurveyFindings  AttheconclusionofthepublicmeetingheldattheMcQueeneyLionsClubonMarch27,2010, attendeeswererequestedtocompleteaattendeeswererequestedtocompleteashortsurveylisting ninepropositionsforrestrictingusesontheGBRAlakes.Thesepropositionsemergedfromthelarger surveyoftheboatingpublic(discussedabove)andreflectedissuesthatwereofconcerntoboaters(see Table15below).Atotalof81surveyswerecompleted.Attendeeswerepresentedthesurveyfollowing ashortpresentationofthestudyfindingsbytheTexasA&Mcontractorandaquestions/answersession managedbyGBRApersonnel.  Inthesurvey,respondentswererequestedtoindicatetheirsupportforrestrictinguseforcertain activitiesyearround,onpublicholidayweekend,ortheJuly4thpublicholidayweekendonly.Foritems “h”and“I,respondentswereonlygiventheopportunitytoexpresssupport/oppositionsforrestrictions onpublicholidayweekends.  Weobservedstrongestsupportrestrictinguseyearroundonitems”a”through“g”: a. “Banningwatercraftwithsleepingquarters”–Almost57percent(56.8%)expressedsupport. b. “Banninghighperformanceboats(e.g.,“cigaretteboats”)–Over80percent(80.2%)expressed support. c. “Banningtheuseofairboats”–Sixtythreepercent(63.0%)expressedsupport. d. “BanningtheuseofwakeͲcreationdevices(e.g.,dropplates,thefillingofbladders)”–Almost60 percent(59.3%)expressedsupport. e. “Limitingthelengthofboatspermittedonthelakestobeequaltoorlessthan24feetͲAlmost 60percent(59.3%)expressedsupport. f. “Banningpontoonplanes”–Almost50percent(49.4%)expressedsupport. g. “Banninghouseboats”–Fiftyfivepercent(55.6%)expressedsupport.  Forthequestionsexaminingsupportforrestrictionsontheuseofpersonalwatercraft(PWC’s)and towinginflatables,therewaslessconsensus.FortheuseofPWC’s,ofrespondentswhorespondedto thesequestions,therewasgeneralsupportforrestrictingPWC’sonbothpublicholidayweekends (44.4%support,22.2%oppose)andtheJuly4thpublicholidayweekendalone(45.7%support,22.2% oppose).However,fortherestrictionoftowinginflatables,supportwasdividedforbothallpublic holidayweekends(33.3%support,35.8%oppose)andtheJuly4thpublicholidayweekendalone(39.5% support,33.3%oppose). 

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Table15.PublicMeetingSurvey “Consideringyourownexperiencesonthestudylakes(Dunlap,McQueeney,Placid,Nolte,GonzalesandWood)andthestudyfindings,we wouldliketoknowhowyoufeelaboutpotentialactionsaimedatensuringthepublic’ssafetyandenjoymentofthelakes.Pleaseindicateyour supportoroppositiontothefollowingpropositionsbycheckingtheappropriatecirclebelow.   Pleasecheckyoursupport/oppositionFORALLTHREEPERIODS;yearround,publicholidayweekends,andtheJuly4th weekendalone  YearRound Onpublicholidayweekendsonly OntheJuly4weekendonly N=81 Support Oppose Noopinion Support Oppose Noopinion Support Oppose Noopinion a. Banningwatercraftwith 56.8(46) 12.3(10) 29.6(24) 61.7(50) 11.1(9) 27.2(22) 59.3(48) 11.1(9) 28.4(23) sleepingquarters b. Banninghighperformanceboats 80.2(65) 12.3(10) 4.9(4) 85.2(69) 12.3(10) 1.2(1) 84.0(68) 11.1(9) 3.7(3) (e.g.,“cigaretteboats”) c. Banningtheuseofairboats 63.0(51) 16.0(13) 19.8(16) 63.0(51) 14.8(12) 19.8(16) 61.7(50) 13.6(11) 21.0(17) d. BanningtheuseofwakeͲ creationdevices(e.g.,drop 59.3(48) 25.9(21) 6.2(5) 65.4(53) 24.7(20) 6.2(5) 65.4(53) 23.5(19) 6.2(5) plates,thefillingofbladders) e. Limitingthelengthofboats permittedonthelakestobe 59.3(48) 23.5(19) 12.3(10) 63.0(51) 21.0(17) 13.6(11) 61.7(50) 21.0(17) 13.6(11) equaltoorlessthan24feet f. Banningpontoonplanes 49.4(40) 30.9(25) 13.6(11) 53.1(43) 29.6(24) 9.9(8) 51.9(42) 29.6(24) 11.1(9) g. Banninghouseboats 55.6(45) 19.8(16) 19.8(16) 59.3(48) 18.5(15) 19.8(16) 56.8(46) 18.5(15) 19.8(16) h. Banningthepullingof inflatables(e.g.,watertoys, NotApplicable 44.4(36) 22.2(18) 6.2(5) 45.7(37) 22.2(18) 7.4(6) tubes) i. Banningtheuseofpersonal NotApplicable 33.3(27) 35.8(29) 3.7(3) 39.5(32) 33.3(27) 4.9(4) watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) Note:Somerespondentsdidnotchecksupport,opposeornoopinion.Consequently,percentagesdonotaddto100.Therewereatotalof81 respondents.

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FINDINGS–LAKESPECIFIC  LAKEDUNLAP  Respondents’PersonalInformation  AsdisplayedbelowinTable16,overall,thesamplewascomprisedofrespondentswhowereolder (M=55.7years),welleducated(71.6%withcollegedegrees),white(91.3%)men(79.2%).Whilealmost 60percent(58.3%)wereemployedfulltime,almost30percent(29.1%)indicatedbeingretired.Last, householdincomeswererelativelyhighwithtwothirdsoftheLakeDunlapsample(66.0%)of respondentsreportingincomesinexcessof$100,000.  Table16.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 55.7,11.1  Gender(%,n) Male 79.2(80) Female 20.8(21) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless 0 9thto11thgrade 0 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 9.8(10) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 18.6(19) 16years(collegegraduate) 8.8(9) 17+years(somegraduatework) 27.5(28) Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 35.3(36) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 2.9(3) White,notHispanic 91.3(95) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican 0 NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 2.9(3) AsianorPacificIslander 0 Other 2.9(3) EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 58.3(60) Homemaker 2.9(3) Employed,parttime 2.9(3) Retired,butworkingfulltime 4.9(5) Retired,workingparttime 12.6(13) Retired,notworking 16.5(17) Unemployed 0 Student 0 Other 1.9(2) 

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Table16.HouseholdInformation(cont.) HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 0 $25,000Ͳ$49,999 9.1(8) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 9.1(8) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 15.9(14) $100,000Ͳ$149,999 27.3(24) $150,000Ͳ$199,999 11.4(10) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 6.8(6) $250,000–$299,999 11.4(10) $300,000ormore 9.1(8)   BoatingExperience  Mostrespondents(89.2%)indicatedbeingactiveboaterswithextensiveexperience(M=27.0years)(see Table17).Themostpopularwatercraftusedonthelakewasaspeed/skiboat(46.8%)followedby pontoonboats(34.2%),personalwatercraft(26.1%),andfishing/bassboats(24.3%).  Intermsofrespondentspreferredactivities,cruisingwascitedmostfrequently(40.6%)followedby skiing(18.8%)andwakeboarding(12.9%).Respondentstendedtoenjoythelakeingroupsoffourtofive (M=4.5)consistingoffamilyandfriends(55.2%).  Table17.ExperienceCharacteristics   Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 89.2(99) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 27.0,16.0 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 41.0,47.8 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) Number eachboatyouuse. Used M,SD Speedboat,skiboat 46.8(52) .6,.5 Fishingorbassboat 24.3(27) .4,.5 Pontoonboat 34.2(38) .5,.5 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 20.7(23) .3,.5 Wakeboardboat 19.8(22) .3,.5 Highperformanceboat 1.8(2) .1,.2 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 26.1(29) .4,.5 Other(Pleasespecify 10.8(12) .2,.4 

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Table17.ExperienceCharacteristics(cont.) Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 33.7(34) Fishingorbassboat 12.9(13) Pontoonboat 21.8(22) Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 1.0(1) Wakeboardboat 14.9(15) Highperformanceboat 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 9.9(10) Other(Pleasespecify 5.9(6) Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 18.8(19) Cruising 40.6(41) Wakeboarding 12.9(13) Towinginflatables/watertoys 5.0(5) Fishing 11.9(12) Racingupanddownthelake 7.9(8) Other 3.0(3) Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 4.5,2.1 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself 2.9(3) Family 29.5(31) Multiplefamilies 1.9(2) Familyandfriends 55.2(58) Friends 8.6(9) Organizedoutinggroup 1.0(1) Businessassociates 0 Other 1.0(1) 

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RespondentswererequestedtoindicatefactorstheylikedmostaboutLakeDunlap.Thecharacteristics citedasbeingmostenjoyableonLakeDunlapconcernedthefunandrelaxingopportunitiesaffordedby thelake(n=22)inadditiontoitsconvenience(n=22).Opportunitiestospendtimewithfriendsand family(n=20)andenjoyfavoredpastimes(n=18)werealsonoted.  Table18.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeDunlap Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Affective(Escape,tranquility,peaceful,getaway,solitude,relaxed,fun) 22 best 1. Convenience(Location,liveclosetothelake;easyaccess,ownproperty) 22 about 2. Socialbonding(withfriends,family,meetingpeople) 20 your 3. Activities(swimming,fishing,boating,wakeboarding,pontoonboatcruising,skiing, 18 visitsto cruising,entertainment;picnic,birdwatching,etc.) Lake 4. Beingoutdoors,enjoyoutdoors/nature,Enjoyaestheticsofnature/landscape 10 Dunlap? 4. Water/Lake(beautiful,calm,clean,beingbythewater/lake,constantwaterlevel, 10 easypaddling)   CharacteristicsthatrespondentsindicatedlikingleastaboutLakeDunlapprimarilyconcerned:(1)water quality(n=28),(2)thebehaviorofotherboaters(n=28),andthehighvolumeofuseofpublicholiday weekends(n=26).  Table19.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeDunlap Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Waterquality(vegetation–e.g.,algaegrowth,hydroplant,lilypads;obstacles– 28 least e.g.,debris,floatingtrash;scummysurface;dirtywater;gravelbedsacross/under about thewater;sewercomesintoit;siltedareas;NBUdumpingsewerwaterinlake) your 1. Behaviorofothers/drivers(inconsiderate,inexperienced,dangerous,discourteous, 28 visitsto drunk,noisy) Lake 2. Boattraffic,Crowded,holidaycrowds 26 Dunlap? 3. Jetskiers,waverunners,PWCs 12 4. Wakeboardboats 9 

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ConstraintstoBoating  Whilemostrespondents(89.2%)indicatedbeingactiveboaters,onlyathird(33.6%)indicatedthattheyboatedasoftenastheywouldlike(see Table20below).Respondentswhoindicatedthattheydidnotboatasoftenastheywouldlikeweretheninstructedtoindicatetheirlevelof agreementwithaseriesofstatementsthatreflectedpotentialreasonsfornotboating.Factorsthatboaterscitedasreasonsfornotboatingas oftenastheywouldprefertendedtocenterontimeconstraintsandthesocialconditionextantonthelakes: x “Workcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingonthelake”–Justover50percent(50.7%)inagreement. x “Inolongerhaveenoughtime”–Fortytwopercent(42.7%)inagreement. x “It’stoocrowded”–Over45percentagreement(45.9%). x “Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe”–Justover43percent(43.8%)agreement. x “Otherboatersareinconsiderate”–Almost40percent(38.6%)inagreement.  Table20.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 33.6(37)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflectfactorsthatinhibityourability    toboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects 

youropinion) Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly  Disagree Disagree Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 71.6 14.9 9.5 2.7 1.4 1.5 0.9 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 62.2 23.0 10.8 4.1 0 1.6 0.8 c. It’stoohotinsummer 52.7 13.5 20.3 13.5 0 1.9 1.1 d. It’stoocrowded 14.9 16.2 23.0 32.4 13.5 3.1 1.3 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 56.8 29.7 6.8 4.1 2.7 1.7 1.0 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 42.5 23.3 15.1 16.4 2.7 2.1 1.2 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 9.6 19.2 27.4 31.5 12.3 3.2 1.2 h. TheLakeistooshallow 33.8 28.4 21.6 12.2 4.1 2.2 1.2 i. Poorwaterquality 22.7 24.0 18.7 30.7 4.0 2.7 1.2 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 18.7 20.0 22.7 25.3 13.3 3.0 1.3 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 44.0 30.7 18.7 5.3 1.3 1.9 1.0 

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Table20.ConstraintstoBoating(cont.) l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 18.7 21.3 17.3 36.0 6.7 3.0 1.3 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 16.0 21.3 12.0 44.0 6.7 3.0 1.3 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 54.1 27.0 13.5 5.4 0 1.7 0.9 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 50.7 26.7 17.3 2.7 2.7 1.8 1.0 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 21.3 24.0 13.3 25.3 16.0 2.9 1.4 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 25.7 23.0 18.9 20.3 12.2 2.7 1.4

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UseofAreaLakes  RespondentsindicatedthatLakeDunlapwastheirprimarylake(98.9%)andthelaketheymost frequentlyused(97.1%)withanaverageofover47days(M=47.7)ofboatingoverthe2009season(see Table21).  Table21.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 90.6(96)  (yes,%,n)  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeMcQueeney 4.3(12) 1.5,2.9 .4(1) LakeDunlap 97.1(268) 47.7,51.7 98.9(272) LakePlacid 4.7(13) 1.0,2.2 .4(1) MeadowLake(Nolte) .4(1) .1,.5 0 LakeGonzales(H4) .4(1) 0,0 0 LakeWood(H5) .7(2) .1,.4 0 CanyonLake 10.5(29) 2.3,5.0 0 Other 2.5(7) 3.1,10.0 .4(1) Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) 16.3,44.3,0

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LakeAttachment  Overall,respondentsexpressedstrongattachmenttoLakeDunlap(seeTable22).Whiletheyexpressedagreementwithmostofthestatements, enjoymentandtheopportunitytospendtimewithfamilyandfriendswerekeytotheirlakeaffection.  Table22.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree Disagree ConsideringDunlappleaseindicatehowyoufeelaboutthelakebyrespondingtoeachof thestatementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DunlapisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatIenjoymost 1.0 9.5 20.0 31.4 38.1 4.0 1.0 b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake 1.9 8.6 21.0 29.5 39.0 4.0 1.1 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketodo 4.8 17.1 23.8 28.6 25.7 3.5 1.2 d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 2.9 8.7 30.8 30.8 26.9 3.7 1.1 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 1.9 9.6 25.0 30.8 32.7 3.8 1.1 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcanbemyself 7.7 11.5 42.3 22.1 16.3 3.3 1.1 g. Ireallyenjoythelake 0.0 1.0 4.8 41.0 53.3 4.5 0.6 h. Thelakemeansalottome 1.0 1.9 7.6 43.8 45.7 4.3 0.8 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsmetobondwithmyfamilyandfriends 0.0 2.9 9.5 35.2 52.4 4.4 0.8 j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththelake 2.9 5.7 15.2 37.1 39.0 4.0 1.0

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Boater’sStartingLocation  MostrespondentsbeganboatingfromZones2(22.1%)and3(26.9%)(seeFigure7).  Figure7.NormalStartingLocation

 

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TravelingUpstream  ThefarthestupstreamboatersreportedvisitingwasZone5(70.9%)(seeFigure8).  Figure8.FarthestTraveledUpstream

  

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TravelingDownstream  ThefarthestdownstreamboaterswouldtravelwastoZone1(79.8%)(seeFigure9).  Figure9.FarthestTraveledDownstream

 

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AreasWhereBoatersSpentMostTime  BoatersspentmosttimeinZones2(28.0%),3(24.0%)and4(21.3%)(seeFigure10).  Figure10.AreaSpentMostTime

 

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AreasAvoided  Areasthatboatersavoidedweresituatedatpointsfarthestdownstream(Zone1,35.0%)andupstream (Zone5,36.7%)(seeFigure11).Themostcommonlycitedreasonrespondentsreportedforavoiding theseareasconcernedsubmergedobstacles(e.g.,stumps,sandbars,etc.)(seeTable23below).Other commonlyreportedissuesincludedthenarrownessofthelake(insomeareas)andboattraffic.  Figure11.AreasAvoided

   

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Table23.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeDunlap FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Obstacles(stumps;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbarunder 25 water) 2. Narrow 15 3. Boattraffic 11 4. Shallow(nosign) 4 4. Unsafe 4 

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AreasBoaters’feltUnsafe  Areasthatrespondentsfeltwereunsafewere,again,pointfarthestupstream(Zone5,35.7%)and downstream(Zone1,21.4%).Reasonsthatrespondentsreportedtheseareastobesafeprimarily focusedonthenarrownessofthelakeandsubmergedobstacles(e.g.,stumps,sandbars,etc.)(seeTable 24below).  Figure12.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe

   

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Table24.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Narrow 19 2. Obstacles(e.g.,stumps;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbar 17 underwater) 3. Behaviorofotherboaters 11 4. Boattraffic 10 5. Unsafe 7  

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  PerceptionsofSettingDensity  Ingeneral,respondentsexpressedsomeconcernoverthelevelandtypeofuseoccurringonLakeDunlap(seeTable25): x Overtwothirds(69.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldhavelikedtohaveseenfewerpeopleonthelake. x Whileover47percent(47.6%)ofrespondentsindicatedthenumberofpeopletheyencounteredthroughoutthe2009boatingseason wasaboutwhattheyhadexpected,morethan46percent(46.6%)indicatedseeingmorethantheyhadexpected. x Morethantwothirdsofrespondents(68.0%)reportedthatthenumberofpeopletheysawhaddetractedfromtheirboating experience.Alternately,alittlelessthanaquarter(24.3%)indicatedthatthenumberofpeopletheyhadseenhadnoeffectontheir enjoyment. x Therewassomeconcernamongrespondentsrelatingtosafetyinlightofthenumberofboatsonthelakeandthebehaviorofother boaters.Approximately40percentindicatedthatLakeDunlapwasmoderatelysafeinlightof(a)thenumberofboatsseenthroughout the2009season(39.2%)and(b)thebehaviorofotherboaters(40.2%). x Almost45percent(44.1%)indicatedfeeling“moderatelycrowded”andafurther13percent(13.7%)reportedfeeling“extremely crowded”.  

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Table25.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeople Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD youencounteredonyourvisitstoDunlapfor tohave tohave manynor tohave tohave the2009season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew seenalot  more more people lesspeople lesspeople people people  0.0 1.9 29.1 40.8 28.2 3.9 0.8 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawon Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD thelakecomparewithwhatyouexpectedto thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI seeonyourvisitstoDunlapforthe2009 expected expected expected expected expected season?(%) 0.0 5.8 47.6 17.5 29.1 3.7 1.0 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousaw Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M1 SD affectyouroverallenjoymentofyourvisits lottomy littletomy onmy alittle lotfrommy toyDunlapforthe2009season?(%) enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment 1.9 5.8 24.3 51.5 16.5 3.7 0.9 Inlightofthenumberofboatsyousawon Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD Dunlapthisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyou safe safe safe feltwhileboating(%) 4.9 27.5 39.2 25.5 2.9 2.9 0.9 Inlightofthebehaviorofotherboaterson Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD Dunlapthisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyou safe safe safe feltwhileboating 8.8 26.5 40.2 22.5 2.0 2.8 0.9 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyou Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  describetheboatingconditionsoutonthe crowded crowded crowded crowded lakeduringyourvisitstoyourDunlapforthe 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD 2009season?(%) 2.0 2.9 7.8 12.7 16.7 22.5 21.6 9.8 3.9 5.7 1.8 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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PerceptionsofSocialConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatetheirlevelofagreementwithaseriesofstatementsexamining thesocialconditionsonLakeDunlapforthe2009boatingseason(seeTable26below).Areasofconcern include: x Thebehaviorofotherboaters(“Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e., unsafespeeds,dangerousbehaviors,etc.)”–Over75percent(75.7%)expressedagreement. x Themusicplayedfromboats(“Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic”)–Sixtytwo percent(62.6%)expressingagreement. x Thesizeofboaters’wakes(“Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes”)–Sixtytwopercent(62.3%) expressingagreement. x Boatersencroachingonotherspace(“OtherboatscamecloserthanIlike”)–Fiftysevenpercent (57.6%)expressingagreement. x Waterquality(“Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color)”)–Fiftysix percent(56.6%)expressingagreement.

Areasthatreceivedmixedlevelsofagreementinclude; x Boatersavoidedfavoredpartsofthelakeinresponsetothecrowdedconditions(“Iavoidedmy favoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere”)–Over43percent(43.4%) disagreedwiththestatementwhereasalittleover30percent(30.3%)expressedagreement. x Theconditionofthelake(“Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition”)– Whileover46percent(46.5%)wereinagreementwiththisstatement,over30percent(30.3%) thoughtotherwise. x Theleveloflawenforcementonthelakes(“Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolson thelake”)–Whilealmost50percent(49.5%)indicatedthatlawenforcementonthelakewas adequate,morethan34percent(34.4%)indicateditwasinadequate. x Boaters’perceptionsofrisk(“Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk”)–Whileover30 percentof(30.3%)respondentsindicatedthatthelevelofriskassociatedwithboatinginsome areasofthelakewasnotproblematic,46percent(46.4%)ofsamplediffered–indicatingthat boatingonsomeoftheareasofthelakewasrisky. x Thepresenceofnuisanceaquaticvegetation(“Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g., extensivehydrillaandhyacinthgrowth)”)–44percent(44.0%)wereinagreement,whereas32 percent(32.0%)didnotfindthevegetationproblematic. x Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraft(“Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththe qualityofmyboatingexperience”)–Whileover36percent(36.3)ofrespondentsdisagreedwith thisstatement,over40percent(40.4%)wereinagreement.

WhileTable26doeshighlightsomeareasofconcern,thedataalsoillustratethatrespondentsremain satisfiedwiththe2009boatingseasonexpressingstronglevelsofagreementwithmeasuresoftheir enjoyment(item“a”)andthemoneytheyinvestedinthe2009boatingseason(item“e”)waswellworth theinvestment.

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Table26.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutyourboatingexperienceonLakeDunlap.For Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly eachstatement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsabout Disagree Disagree yourvisitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 1.0 5.1 16.2 55.6 22.2 3.9 0.8 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 14.1 29.3 26.3 22.2 8.1 2.8 1.2 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition 7.1 23.2 23.2 38.4 8.1 3.2 1.1 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 5.1 20.2 17.2 31.3 26.3 3.5 1.2 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 1.0 3.0 20.2 51.5 24.2 3.9 0.8 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 19.2 15.2 16.2 34.3 15.2 3.1 1.4 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 43.9 37.8 14.3 2.0 2.0 1.8 .9 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 10.1 20.2 23.2 33.3 13.1 3.2 1.2 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 27.3 41.4 21.2 9.1 1.0 2.1 1.0 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 11.2 39.8 28.6 14.3 6.1 2.6 1.1 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 7.1 16.3 14.3 23.5 38.8 3.7 1.3 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 7.1 20.2 16.2 31.3 25.3 3.5 1.3 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 3.0 14.1 7.1 44.4 31.3 3.9 1.1 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 4.0 28.0 24.0 24.0 20.0 3.3 1.2 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 3.0 15.2 19.2 29.3 33.3 3.7 1.2 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 26.3 34.3 25.3 8.1 6.1 2.3 1.1 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 8.1 20.2 17.2 29.3 25.3 3.4 1.3 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 12.1 24.2 23.2 23.2 17.2 3.1 1.3 experience  

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CopingwithAdverseConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatehowtheywouldrespondtopotentialobstaclesrelatedtotheirboatingactivity.Respondents’ agreementwithindicatorsoftemporaldisplacement(i.e.,alteringthetimingoftheirboatingactivity)suggestthatthemostprominentobstacle boatersfaceonthelakesisrelatedtothelevelofuse.Incopingwith“crowded”conditions,respondentsindicatedadjustingthetimingoftheir boating(items“b”and“e”),avoidedcertainareasofthelake(item“f”)ortheysimplyadjustedtotheconditionencountered(item“c”and“j”).  Table27.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonDunlap Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofDunlap 52.4 7.8 19.4 11.7 8.7 2.2 1.4 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonDunlapinthefuture,Iwouldboatatearlier 17.3 4.8 21.2 36.5 20.2 3.4 1.3 and/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 12.5 17.3 32.7 30.8 6.7 3.0 1.1 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 45.5 13.9 25.7 9.9 5.0 2.1 1.2 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonDunlapinthefuture,Iwouldboatonthe 23.3 7.8 15.5 35.0 18.4 3.2 1.4 weekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 25.0 9.6 21.2 26.0 18.3 3.0 1.5 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 24.0 10.6 29.8 29.8 5.8 2.8 1.3 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoDunlap 86.4 7.8 2.9 0.0 2.9 1.3 0.8 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 68.0 10.7 10.7 9.7 1.0 1.7 1.1 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 17.5 8.7 35.9 23.3 14.6 3.1 1.3 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 56.7 12.5 26.0 3.8 1.0 1.8 1.0 l. Boatedlessoften 37.5 8.7 23.1 20.2 10.6 2.6 1.4 

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PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions  Forthemostpart,respondentsweresatisfiedwiththephysicalconditionofthelake(seeTable28).Issuesthatwereofsomeconcernincluded factorsthatweretheproductofthebehaviorofothers.Forexample: x “Litteronshoreline”–Morethanaquarter(25.5%)ofrespondentsindicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther35percent (35.7%)indicateditbeinga“bigproblem” x “Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft”–Morethan26percent(26.3%)indicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther33 percent(33.3%)notedreferredtothisasa“bigproblem”. x “Erosionofshoreline”–Alittleover15percent(15.2%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”andover40percent(41.4%) consideredthistobea“bigproblem”. x “Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats”–While11percent(11.1%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”,almosthalfthe sample(49.5%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem”. x “Thespeedofotherboaters”–Alittleover26percent(26.5%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther23percent (23.5%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem”. x “Aquaticvegetation”–Morethan16percent(16.3%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther32percent(32.7%) consideredthistobea“bigproblem”.  

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Table28.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        to    a    

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem comment Unable helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonDunlap?(%) 1 1 2 3 4 5 M  SD a. Litteronshoreline 10.2 26.5 25.5 35.7 2.0 2.9 1.0 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 27.6 25.5 28.6 15.3 3.1 2.3 1.1 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 34.3 18.2 15.2 17.2 15.2 2.2 1.2 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 18.2 21.2 26.3 33.3 1.0 2.8 1.1 e. Enginenoise 30.3 30.3 25.3 13.1 1.0 2.2 1.0 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 62.6 16.2 5.1 6.1 10.1 1.5 0.9 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 29.3 19.2 21.2 13.1 17.2 2.2 1.1 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake 44.4 11.1 17.2 14.1 13.1 2.0 1.2 i. Erosionofshoreline 20.2 18.2 15.2 41.4 5.1 2.8 1.2 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 19.2 16.2 11.1 49.5 4.0 2.9 1.2 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 37.8 23.5 19.4 18.4 1.0 2.2 1.1 l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 79.8 6.1 5.1 6.1 3.0 1.4 0.8 m. Thespeedofotherboaters 21.4 27.6 26.5 23.5 1.0 2.5 1.1 n. Fishhabitat 46.9 17.3 12.2 9.2 14.3 1.8 1.0 o. Habitatforbirds 46.9 18.4 13.3 7.1 14.3 1.8 1.0 p. Wildlifehabitat 45.9 18.4 153 5.1 15.3 1.8 1.0 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 55.1 16.3 13.3 13.3 2.0 1.8 1.1 r. Aquaticvegetation 23.5 23.5 16.3 32.7 4.1 2.6 1.2 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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ChangesOverthePastFiveYears  Themostfrequentlycited“positivechange”respondentsreportseeingonLakeDunlapoverthepast5 yearsreferredtoimprovinglakemaintenance(n=10);e.g.,removalofhazards/obstacles(seeTable29).  Table29.PositiveChangeonLakeDunlapOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanypositive n changesatLakeDunlapinthe 22.2(22) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Betterlakemaintenance(Aestheticimprovement; 10 changes? cleaner;lessvegetation;bettermonitoring(removingor marking)ofhazardandobstacles–e.g.,vegetation,trash, stumps,fallentree;morebulkheads;betterqualityof construction(e.g.,boatrampwidenedandimproved overall);rebuildingafterthefloods;betterwaterquality; morebulkheads;moresigns)  2. Betterlawenforcement(Increasedpresenceoflaw 4 enforcement/gamewardens;betterregulation; restrictionsofspeed,others,towinginflatableunderthe bridge)  3. Moreresidentinvolvement(i.e.,mosthomeshave 2 improvedwaterfront)  4. Leadershipoflakeorganizations(GBRAHASTAKENA 2 MOREACTIVEROLL,TheonͲgoingeffortsofthePreserve LakeDunlapAssociation,anenvironmentalgroup.Also GBRAisdoingabetterjobofcontrollingwaterlevelssince thefloodsof1998and2002.)  5. Publicaccessisbetter 1  Negativechangesoccurringoverthepastfiveyearsthatwerenotedbyrespondentswereissuesrelated towaterquality(n=30)andanincreaseinthenumberandsizeofboats(n=19)(seeTable30).  Table30.NegativeChangeonLakeDunlapOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanynegative n changesatLakeDunlapinthe 62.6(62) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Worseninwaterquality(trash,vegetation,debris,rocks) 30 changes? 2. Increaseinthenumberandsizeofboats 19  3. Worseninglakecondition(erosionof 13 waterfront/bulkhead/land,depthreduction,causedby flood,silt)  4. IncreaseinthenumberandspeedofPWC 10  5. IncreaseinthenumberandspeedofWakeboats 5

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LakeManagementPreferences  Withregardtoissuesrelatedtothemanagementofrecreationalboatingonthestudylakes, respondents’preferencesvaried(seeTable31).Strongestsupportwasexpressedformanagingissues thatareoutsidethejurisdictionoflakeauthoritiesorthatarelogisticallylessfeasible: x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft(e.g.,jetskis)”– Over85percent(85.8%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich,morethan54percent (54.5%)indicated“strongsupport”. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersandwakeboarders”–Almost 80percent(79.0%)ofrespondentsofferedsupportforthislaw,ofwhich,morethan50percent (51.0%)expressedstrongsupport. x “Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft”–Eightythreepercent(83.0%)of respondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich,53percent(53.0%)indicated“strongsupport”.  Prospectiveactionsreceivingslightlylesssupportincluded: x “Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations”–Sixtyfourpercent (64.0%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport. x “Citeboaterswhosemusiccanbeheardwithin100feet”–Fiftythreepercent(53.5%)of respondentsexpressedagreementwiththisstatement. x “Trainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Fiftyninepercent(59.6%)ofrespondentsexpressed support. x “Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Justover60percent(60.6%)expressedsupport. x “Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth”–Sixtyonepercent(61.0%)ofrespondentsexpressed agreementwiththisstatement.  Issuesthatreceivedoppositionincluded: x “Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake”–Eighttwopercent(82.0%)ofrespondents opposedtheproposition,ofwhich64percent(64.0%)expressedstrongopposition. x “Installmorepublicboatramps”–Eightyonepercent(81.0%)opposedtheproposition,of which,71percent(71.0%)“stronglyopposed”. x “Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes”–Seventyonepercent(71.0%) opposedtheproposition,ofwhich,56percent(56.0%)indicated“stronglyoppose”. x “Expandthenumberofmarinaslips”–Over76percent(76.8%)ofrespondentsopposedthe proposition,ofwhichalittlelessthan50percent(48.5%)expressedstrongopposition. 

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 Table31.ManagerialIssue          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonDunlapforthe2009season,howdoyou Strongly Strongly feelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 64.0 18.0 8.0 5.0 5.0 1.7 1.1 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 28.3 22.2 20.2 16.2 13.1 2.6 1.4 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 6.0 9.0 21.0 30.0 34.0 3.8 1.2 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 48.5 28.3 12.1 8.1 3.0 1.9 1.1 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 13.1 18.2 15.2 22.2 31.3 3.4 1.4 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 26.3 20.2 19.2 16.2 18.2 2.8 1.5 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 19.2 23.2 24.2 25.3 8.1 2.8 1.2 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 0.0 6.1 8.1 31.3 54.5 4.3 0.9 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 0.0 7.0 10.0 30.0 53.0 4.3 0.9 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 6.0 5.0 10.0 28.0 51.0 4.1 1.2 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 3.0 13.1 24.2 23.2 36.4 3.8 1.2 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 4.0 13.1 22.2 31.3 29.3 3.7 1.1 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 24.5 24.5 21.4 11.2 18.4 2.7 1.4 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 30.3 26.3 18.2 17.2 8.1 2.5 1.3 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 71.0 10.0 6.0 8.0 5.0 1.7 1.2 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 56.0 15.0 14.0 10.0 5.0 1.9 1.2 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 11.0 9.0 19.0 29.0 32.0 3.6 1.3

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RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreasofLakeDunlap  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateareasofthelakewheretheywouldliketosee activities/watercraftrestricted;i.e.designatedareasforactivitiesand/orwatercraft(seeFigure13).The piechartsbelowindicatetheZonestowhichrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldliketosee activities/watercraftrestricted(i.e.,Zoneswheretheseactivities/watercraftshouldonlybepermitted). Asdisplayed,therewaslittlezonalvariationinrespondents’preferences.Theuseofpersonalwatercraft andtowinginflatabletoyswerethewatercraft/activitiesthatrespondentsmoststronglypreferredtobe restricted.Therewas,however,littleconsensusontheareastowhichtheywouldlikethese activities/watercraftrestricted.  Figure13.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas

 

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AdditionalManagementPreferences  Over46percent(46.5%)ofrespondentsindicatedhavingtakenaboatersafetyoreducationclass(see Table32).  Sixtytwopercent(62.2%)ofrespondentsindicatedthat“tougherrestrictions”wererequiredtolimitthe sizeofwakesgeneratedbysomewatercraft.Ofthosewhoindicatedtheneedfortougherrestrictions, banningwakeboardingwasmostpreferredwith41percent(41.7%)indicatingtheoptiontobethe1st priorityamongthefouralternatives(i.e.,banningtheuseoffatsacks,creatinglargernoͲwakezones, banningtheuseofPWCs,andbanningwakeboardingboats).Banningtheuseoffatsacks(36.4%)was thenextmostpreferred“1stpriority”followedbythecreationoflargernoͲwakezones(29.3%).  Respondentswerealsoaskedwhetherornottheyfeltthelakesshouldbemanagedtosupportavariety ofrecreationactivities.Alittleover56percent(56.1%)indicatedthatlakesshouldsupportvarious activities.Whilealloftheactivitieslisted(i.e.,waterskiing,wakeboarding,PWC,towinginflatables) receivedstrongsupport(amongthoseindicating“yes”tothepreviousquestion)withmorethan70 percentadvocatingtheiravailability,respondentswerealmostunanimousintheirsupportof waterskiing(98.0%)andtheuseofpersonalwatercraft(92.3%).Wakeboardingreceivedtheleast support(67.4%).  Table32.ManagementPreferences a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 46.5(46) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 62.2(61) LakeDunlap(H5)tolimitthesizeofwakesgenerated st nd bysomewatercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n) Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 36.4(20) 23.6(13) 2.3 1.3 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 29.3(17) 27.6(16) 58 53 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 16.7(9) 14.8(8) 3.2 1.4 BanwakeboardingboatsonDunlap. 41.7(25) 10(6) 2.5 1.5 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageDunlapto 56.1(55) supportavarietyofrecreationalboatingactivities? (yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforDunlap? Waterskiing 98.1(51) Wakeboarding 67.4(31) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 92.3(48) TowingInflatables 84.3(43)

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PerceptionsofRegulationonLakeDunlap  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateiftheyfeltmorecontrolswererequiredtopreventconflicts occurringbetweenlakeusers.Alittleover35percent(35.4%)indicated,“yes,”morecontrolswere required.Ofthoseindicating“yes”,morelawenforcementtomanagespeedwascitedmostoften (n=21).  Table33.ControlstoPreventConflicts Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsare neededonLakeDunlapto preventconflictsfrom 35.4(35) occurringbetweenlakeusers? (yes,%,n) Whatconflicts? Howshouldtheybemanaged? 1.Speeders(6) 1.Morerestriction/lawenforcement(evenduringholidays, weekend,night;fine;morepresenceofgamewarden/patrol, controlnoise,wake,pollution;zonerestriction;proximity betweenboats)(21) 2.Otherboaters(7) 2.License/Agelimit/training/education(5) 3.Wakeboard(4) 3.Speedlimit(1) 4.Wake(4) 3.Boatsize,weight,quantitylimit(1) 5.PWCs(3) 3.Restriction/moreregulationonwakeboard(1) 3.Restriction/moreregulationonhighspeedboat(1)  Forthoseanswering“yes”tothequestionofwhetherornotmorecontrolsrequired,respondentswere alsorequestedtoindicatewhatcontrolsmightbeneededtopreventdamagetotheenvironment. Erosionofshorelinewasnotedasthemostcommondamage(n=21).Tomanagetheseissues, respondentssuggestedcreatingnowakezonesandcontrollingboaters’speedmostoften(n=8).  Table34.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededon LakeDunlaptopreventdamagetothe 38.8(38) environmentbyboaters?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofdamage? Howshouldtheybecontrolled? 1.Erosionofwaterfront,shoreline(21) 1.Nowakezone;wakecontrol;speedcontrol (nearshoretoreduceerosion;installfloatation devicestorestrictspeedanddistancefrom shorelineincertainareas)(8) 2.Wakes(15) 2.Restrictpollution(2) 3.Wakeboard(5) 3.Limitwakeboardboats(2) 4.Trash(5) 4.Limitsize,weightofboats(1) 5.Bigboats(4) 5.Moretrashcansatramps(1)

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ServiceProvision  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatewhetherornottheyfeltthattheservicescurrentlyofferedon LakeDunlapwereadequate.Alittleover27percent(27.3%)indicatedthatadditionalservicesshouldbe offered.Ofthose,mostfrequentlycitedsuggestionsincludedadditionalgasstations(n=17)andfood outlets(n=10).  Table35.ServiceProvision AretherecertainfacilitiesorservicesthatshouldbeofferedonLakeDunlapthatare 27.3,27 currentlynotavailable?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofservicesorfacilities? n 1. Gas 17 2. Food 10 3. restroom 4 4. access 3 5. publicarea(i.e.,publicpark) 1 6. bettercommunication(i.e.,A"hotline"tocalltoreportviolations) 1 7. lakemaintenance(i.e.,Thebottomofthelakeneedstobeclearedofstumpsorvery  1 clearlymarkedsoboatersknowwheretogo...andfishermanknowwheretheycango)  8. Services (i.e., The lake really needs a small commercial marina to refule and repair boats                 rightatthewater'sedge.CheckouttheOldGuadalupeCattleCompanyboathouse  acrossfromsouthbank.Itwouldbeperfect!) 1

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ShorelineProperty  Almost90percent(89.7%)ofrespondentswereshorelinepropertyowners.Onaverage,theyindicated havingownedtheirhomefor17years(M=17.2)with60percent(60.9%)indicatingthattheirlakeshore propertywastheirprimaryresidence.Forthoseforwhomtheirlakehomewasasecondaryresidence, theyaveraged65(M=65.6)visitsoverthe2009season.  Over90percent(93.1%)ofshorelinepropertyownersalsoindicatedowningadock,bulkheadorslip.Of these,47percent(47.0%)indicatedthattheirbulkhead/dock/sliphadbeendamagedbyboating activitiesoccurringonthelakeresultinginanaveragecostofrepairofaround$8,155.Largewakesfrom boatswasthemostcommonlycitedreasonforthedamage(n=27).  Table36.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeDunlap(yes,n,%) 89.7(87) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonDunlap(M,SD) 17.2,14.9 c. IsyourhomeonDunlapyourprimaryresidence?(yes,%,n) 60.9(53) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduringthepast 65.6,72.2 12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonDunlaphaveabulkhead,dockorslip?(yes,%,n) 93.1(81) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamagedfromboating 47.0(39) activitiesontheLakeinthelastthreeyears?(yes,%,n) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD) $8,155,$13,784 Causeofdamage MostCited  Big/constantwake(erosionfromlargewake;bywatercraftespeciallyboats; behindthebulkhead)(27) Erosion(7) Boats(Speed/distance;nomentionofwake)(3) 

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LAKEMcQUEENEY  Respondents’PersonalInformation  AsdisplayedbelowinTable37,overall,thesamplewascomprisedofrespondentswhowereolder (M=57.8years),verywelleducated(80.1%withcollegedegrees),white(94.7%)men(72.2%).Whilejust underhalf(48.9%)wereemployedfulltime,over30percent(32.2%)indicatedbeingretired.Last, householdincomeswererelativelyhighwithoverthreequartersoftheLakeMcQueeneysample (76.7%)reportingincomesinexcessof$100,000.  Table37.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 57.8,11.1 Gender(%,n) Male 72.2(161) Female 27.8(62) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless 0 9thto11thgrade 0 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 3.5(8) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 16.4(37) 16years(collegegraduate) 11.5(26) 17+years(somegraduatework) 35.4(80) Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 33.2(75) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 1.3(3) White,notHispanic 94.7(215) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican .9(2) NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 0 AsianorPacificIslander 3.1(3.1) EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 48.9(111) Homemaker 6.2(14) Employed,parttime 3.5(8) Retired,butworkingfulltime 4.4(10) Retired,workingparttime 10.6(24) Retired,notworking 21.6(49) Unemployed .4(1) Student .4(1) Other 4.9(9) 

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Table37.HouseholdInformation(cont.) HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 1.5(3) $25,000Ͳ$49,999 3.0(6) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 9.9(20) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 8.9(18) $100,000Ͳ$149,999 18.3(37) $150,000Ͳ$199,999 14.9(30) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 7.9(16) $250,000–$299,999 5.9(12) $300,000ormore 29.7(60)   BoatingExperience  Mostrespondents(89.5%)indicatedbeingactiveboaterswithextensiveexperience(M=26.3years)(see Table38).Themostpopularwatercraftusedonthelakewasaspeed/skiboat(60.5%)followedbythe useofpersonalwatercraft(22.1%),thetowingofinflatablesbehindotherboats(18.8%)andpontoon boats(18.5%).  Intermsofrespondentspreferredactivities,cruisingwascitedmostfrequently(47.2%)followedby skiing(30.4%)andthenwakeboarding(10.0%).Respondentstendedtoenjoythelakeingroupsoffour tofive(M=4.5)consistingoffamilyandfriends(54.0%).  Table38.ExperienceCharacteristics   Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 89.5(247) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 26.3,17.1 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 54.51,57.0 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) Number eachboatyouuse. Used M,SD Speedboat,skiboat 60.5(167) 1.1,2.5 Fishingorbassboat 14.5(40) .6,2.4 Pontoonboat 18.5(51) .4,.7 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 18.8(52) .7,.9 Wakeboardboat 15.9(44) .3,.5 Highperformanceboat 2.2(6) .1,.2 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 22.1(61) 1.0,1.0 Other(Pleasespecify 8.7(24) .8,2.3 

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Table38.ExperienceCharacteristics(cont.) Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 57.0(142) Fishingorbassboat 6.8(17) Pontoonboat 12.0(30) Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 0 Wakeboardboat 11.2(28) Highperformanceboat 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 7.6(19) Other(Pleasespecify 5.2(13) Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 30.4(76) Cruising 47.2(118) Wakeboarding 10.0(25) Towinginflatables/watertoys 2.0(5) Fishing 6.0(15) Racingupanddownthelake 4.4(11) Other 0 Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 4.5,2.0 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself .8(2) Family 33.6(89) Multiplefamilies 3.8(10) Familyandfriends 54.0(143) Friends 5.3(14) Organizedoutinggroup 2.6 Businessassociates 0 Other 0 

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RespondentswererequestedtoidentifyfactorstheylikedmostaboutLakeMcQueeney.The characteristicstheycitedasbeingmostenjoyableonthelakeweretheopportunitytospendtimewith friendsandfamily(n=75),thefunandrelaxingopportunitiesaffordedbythelake(n=62)andthe opportunitytoenjoyafavoredpastime(n=53).  Table39.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeMcQueeney Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlikebest 2. SocialBonding(e.g.,spendingtimewithfriendsandfamily) 75 aboutyour 3. Affective(e.g.,fun,enjoyment,exciting,thrill) 62 visitstoLake 4. Activities(e.g.,beingabletoenjoyfavoredpasttimes) 53 McQueeney? 5. Nature/Outdoor(e.g.,gettingoutside,beingclosetonature) 43 6. Convenience(e.g.,accessibility) 40   CharacteristicsthatrespondentsindicatedlikingleastaboutLakeMcQueeneyprimarilyconcerned:(1) thevolumeofboattraffic–especiallyonholidayweekends(n=111),(2)thebehaviorofotherboaters (n=50),andpersonalwatercraft(n=41).  Table40.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeMcQueeney Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlikeleast 2. Boattraffic(e.g.,toomanyboats,toomanyboatsonpublicholidays) 111 aboutyour 3. Behaviorofothers(e.g.,boatersareinconsiderate,dangerous) 50 visitstoLake 4. PWCs(e.g.,jetskis,waverunners) 41 McQueeney? 5. Wakeboardboats(e.g.,throwtoolargeofawake) 21 6. Waterquality 16 

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ConstraintstoBoatingonLakeMcQueeney  Whilemostrespondents(89.5%)indicatedbeingactiveboaters,onlyalittleover25percent(26.9%) indicatedthattheyboatedasoftenastheywouldlike(seeTable41below).Respondentswhoindicated thattheydidnotboatasoftenastheywouldlikeweretheninstructedtoindicatetheirlevelof agreementwithaseriesofstatementsthatreflectedpotentialreasonsfornotboating.Factorsthat boaterscitedasreasonsfornotboatingasoftenastheywouldprefertendedtocenteronthesocial conditionsextantonthelakesandothercommitments: x “It’stoocrowded”–Seventytwopercent(72.0%)ofrespondentsexpressedagreement. x “Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe”–Alittleunder60percent(59.1%)ofrespondents expressedagreement. x “Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough”–Over70percent(71.8%)ofthesamplewerein agreement.  Onfouritems,respondentsdisagreedontheextentoftheissueconstrainingtheboatingbehavior: x “Thelakeistooshallow”–perhapsafunctionofwhererespondentsreside,36percent(36.2%) ofrespondentsagreedwiththisstatementandalmost37percent(36.7%)disagreed. x “Otherboatersareinconsiderate”–Fortyfourpercent(44.7%)ofrespondentswerein agreementandover26percent(26.5%)disagreed. x Whilepotentiallyaproductoftheiremploymentstatus(e.g.,employedvs.retired),respondents alsocitedtimeasafactorconstrainingtheirboatingbehavior.Whileover50percent(51.6%) disagreedwiththestatement–“Inolongerhaveenoughtime”–thirtytwo(32.2%)indicated thatthiswasaconstrainingfactor.Additionally,almost40percent(39.4%)citedwork commitments(“WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake”)asaconstraining factor,46percent(46.7%)indicatedthatthiswasnotconstraining.

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Table41.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 26.9(29)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflectfactorsthatinhibityourability    toboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects 

youropinion) Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly  Disagree Disagree Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 72.8 16.7 6.1 3.3 1.1 1.4 0.8 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 63.3 23.9 8.9 3.9 0 1.5 0.8 c. It’stoohotinsummer 51.1 24.4 14.4 8.9 1.1 1.8 1.0 d. It’stoocrowded 8.8 8.8 10.4 43.4 28.6 3.7 1.2 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 66.7 18.3 6.7 3.3 5.0 1.6 1.1 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 28.9 18.9 28.3 20.0 3.9 2.5 1.2 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 8.3 12.2 20.4 39.8 19.3 3.5 1.2 h. TheLakeistooshallow 13.9 22.8 27.2 25.6 10.6 3.0 1.2 i. Poorwaterquality 22.1 35.9 25.4 13.3 3.3 2.4 1.1 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 8.3 18.2 28.7 33.1 11.6 3.2 1.1 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 44.4 12.2 24.4 8.3 10.6 2.3 1.4 l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 32.2 19.4 16.1 28.3 3.9 2.5 1.3 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 27.8 18.9 13.9 32.2 7.2 2.7 1.4 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 51.4 33.0 14.0 1.7 0 1.7 0.8 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 53.3 25.6 14.4 2.2 4.4 1.8 1.1 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 6.1 7.7 14.4 34.8 37.0 3.9 1.2 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 19.9 32.6 28.2 14.9 4.4 2.5 1.1

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UseofAreaLakes  AlmostallrespondentsindicatedthatLakeMcQueeneywastheirprimarylake(98.9%)andthelakethey mostfrequentlyused(97.1%)withanaverageofover47days(M=47.7)ofboatingoverthe2009season (seeTable42).  Table42.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 90.6(96)  (yes,%,n)  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeDunlap 4.3(12) 1.5,2.9 .4(1) LakeMcQueeney 97.1(268) 47.7,51.7 98.9(272) LakePlacid 4.7(13) 1.0,2.2 .4(1) MeadowLake(Nolte) .4(1) .1,.5 0 LakeGonzales(H4) .4(1) 0,0 0 LakeWood(H5) .7(2) .1,.4 0 CanyonLake 10.5(29) 2.3,5.0 0 Other 2.5(7) 3.1,10.0 .4(1) Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) 16.3,44.3,0

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LakeAttachment  Overall,respondentsexpressedstrongattachmenttoLakeMcQueeney(seeTable43)Whiletheyexpressedagreementwithmostofthe statements,enjoymentandtheopportunitytospendtimewithfamilyandfriendswerekeytotheirlakeaffection.  Table43.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree Disagree ConsideringLakeMcQueeneypleaseindicatehowyoufeelaboutthelakebyrespondingto eachofthestatementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. LakeMcQueeneyisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatIenjoymost 1.9 10.2 13.6 37.7 36.6 4.0 1.0 b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake .8 3.8 9.8 36.2 49.4 4.3 0.9 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketodo 7.6 17.0 23.9 23.1 28.4 3.5 1.3 d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 3.4 5.7 18.5 33.2 39.2 4.0 1.1 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 2.3 3.8 14.0 37.7 42.3 4.1 0.9 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcanbemyself 5.7 10.9 34.3 26.8 22.3 3.5 1.1 g. Ireallyenjoythelake .8 .8 3.8 38.9 55.8 4.5 0.7 h. Thelakemeansalottome 1.1 .4 7.2 35.8 55.5 4.4 0.7 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsmetobondwithmyfamilyandfriends 1.1 1.5 7.5 32.1 57.7 4.4 0.8 j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththelake .4 3.0 12.5 33.3 50.8 4.3 0.8

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Boater’sStartingLocation  Consistentwiththelocationofboaters’shorelineproperty,thestartingpointforrespondentswas spreadbetweenZones2through5(total=87.0%)(seeFigure14).  Figure14.NormalStartingLocation



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TravelingUpstream  ThefarthestupstreamrespondentsreportedvisitingwasZones5(38.2%)and6(47.7%)(seeFigure15).  Figure15.FarthestTraveledUpstream

  

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TravelingDownstream  ThefarthestdownstreamboaterswouldtravelwastoZone1(82.0%)(seeFigure16).  Figure16.FarthestTraveledDownstream

 

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AreasWhereBoatersSpentMostTime  TheareasrespondentsindicatedspendingmosttimewerespreadbetweenZones2through5 (total=85.6%)(seeFigure17).  Figure17.AreaSpentMostTime

  

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AreasAvoided  AreasthatboatersavoidedweresituatedatpointsfarthestupstreaminZone6(60.3%)(seeFigure18). Themostcommonlycitedreasonsrespondentsreportedforavoidingtheseareasconcernedinadequate depth(n=111)(seeTable44below).   Figure18.AreasAvoided

   

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Table44.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeMcQueeney FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Shallow 111 2. Boattraffic 27 3. Narrow 27 4. Obstacles 18 5. Waterquality 8

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AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe  AreasthatrespondentsfeltunsafeweresituatedfarthestupstreaminZones4(19.7%),Zone5(21.9%), andZone6(30.3%)(seeFigure19).Reasonsthatrespondentsreportedtheseareastobeunsafe includedthelake’snarrowness(n=37),thevolumeofboattraffic(n=37),andtheinadequatedepthin someareas(n=37)(seeTable45).  Figure19.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe

   

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Table45.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Narrow 37 2. Boattraffic 37 3. Shallow 37 4. Behaviorofothers13 13 5. Jetskis11 11 

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  PerceptionsofSettingDensity  Ingeneral,respondentsexpressedsomeconcernoverthelevelandtypeofuseoccurringonLakeMcQueeney(seeTable46): x Almostthreequarters(74.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldhavelikedtohaveseenfewerpeopleonthelake. x Whileover55percent(55.4%)ofrespondentsindicatedthenumberofpeopletheyencounteredthroughoutthe2009boatingseason wasaboutwhattheyhadexpected,33percent(33.0%)indicatedseeingmorethantheyhadexpected. x Sixtythreepercent(63.0%)ofrespondentsreportedthatthenumberofpeopletheysawhaddetractedfromtheirboatingexperience. Alternately,27percent(27.0%)indicatedthatthenumberofpeopletheyhadseenhadnoeffectontheirenjoyment. x Therewassomeconcernamongrespondentsrelatingtosafetyinlightofthenumberofboatsonthelakeandthebehaviorofother boaters.Morethan40percentindicatedthatLakeMcQueeneywasmoderatelysafeinlightof(a)thenumberofboatsseenthroughout the2009season(43.6%)and(b)thebehaviorofotherboaters(43.2%).Additionally,approximately10percentofrespondentsindicated thatthelakewas“notatallsafe”inlightofthevolumeofuse(8.0%)andthebehaviorofotherboaters(11.4%). x Over45percent(45.6%)indicatedfeeling“moderatelycrowded”andafurther26percent(26.0%)reportedfeeling“extremely crowded”.  Table46.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeopleyou Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD encounteredonyourvisitstoLakeMcQueeneyfor tohave tohave manynor tohave tohaveseen the2009season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew alotless  more more people lesspeople people people people  .4 1.5 24.0 39.3 34.7 4.1 .8 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawonthelake Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD comparewithwhatyouexpectedtoseeonyour thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI visitstoLakeMcQueeneyforthe2009season?(%) expected expected expected expected expected .8 10.9 55.4 15.9 17.1 3.4 .9 

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Table46.PerceptionsofSettingDensity(cont.)  Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawaffectyour Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M1 SD overallenjoymentofyourvisitstoyLake lottomy littleto onmy alittle lotfrommy McQueeneyforthe2009season?(%) enjoyment my enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment 4.2 5.7 27.0 39.5 23.5 3.7 1.0 InlightofthenumberofboatsyousawonLake Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD McQueeneythisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyou safe safe safe feltwhileboating(%) 8.0 20.1 43.6 21.6 6.8 3.0 1.0 InlightofthebehaviorofotherboatersonLake Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD McQueeneythisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyou safe safe safe feltwhileboating 11.4 23.1 43.2 18.9 3.4 2.8 1.0 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyoudescribe Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  theboatingconditionsoutonthelakeduringyour crowded crowded crowded crowded visitstoyourLakeMcQueeneyforthe2009season? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD (%) .8 1.2 1.2 7.8 17.5 26.1 19.5 13.2 12.8 6.4 1.6 1Basedonresponses1through4

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PerceptionsofSocialConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatetheirlevelofagreementwithaseriesofstatementsexamining thesocialconditionsonLakeMcQueeneyforthe2009boatingseason(seeTable47below).Areasof concerninclude: x Boatersencroachingonotherspace(“OtherboatscamecloserthanIlike”)–Justunder60 percent(59.9%)expressedagreement. x Thewakesthrownbypassingboats(“Otherboatscreatedmassivewakes”)–Over70percent (72.5%)expressedagreement. x Thebehaviorofotherboaters(“Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e., unsafespeeds,dangerousbehaviors,etc.)”–Overtwothirds(68.1%)expressedagreement.

Areasthatreceivedmixedlevelsofagreementinclude; x Boatersavoidedfavoredpartsofthelakeinresponsetothecrowdedconditions(“Iavoidedmy favoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere”)–Whilealittleover35 percent(35.7%)disagreedwiththestatement,almost40percent(39.4%)expressedagreement. x Theleveloflawenforcementonthelakes(“Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolson thelake”)–Whileover50percent(51.0%)indicatedthatlawenforcementonthelakewas adequate,morethan32percent(32.9%)indicateditwasinadequate. x Boaters’perceptionsofrisk(“Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk”)–While46 percent(46.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatthelevelofriskassociatedwithboatinginsome areasofthelakewasproblematic,30percent(30.3%)ofsamplediffered–indicatingthat boatingonthelakewasnotrisky. x Thelevelofamplifiedmusic(“Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic”)–While slightlymorethan42percent(42.2%)ofrespondentsexpressedconcernoverthenoisefrom otherboaters’stereos,27percent(27.7%)didnotconsiderthistobeproblematic. x Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraft(“Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththe qualityofmyboatingexperience”)–Whilemorethan42percent(42.8)ofrespondentsagreed withthisstatement,over32percent(32.6%)disagreed.

WhileTable47doeshighlightsomeareasofconcern,thedataalsoillustratethatrespondentsremain satisfiedwiththe2009boatingseasonexpressingstronglevelsofagreementwithmeasuresoftheir enjoyment(item“a”),theconditionofthelake(item“c”),andthemoneytheyinvestedinthe2009 boatingseason(item“e”)waswellworththeinvestment.

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Table47.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutboatingexperienceonyourLakeMcQueeney.For Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly eachstatement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsabout Disagree Disagree yourvisitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 1.2 5.6 13.7 60.6 18.9 3.9 0.8 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 11.2 24.5 24.9 24.9 14.5 3.1 1.2 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition 3.6 10.4 21.7 52.2 12.0 3.6 1.0 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 5.6 12.0 22.5 38.2 21.7 3.6 1.1 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 1.2 2.8 22.5 52.2 21.3 3.9 0.8 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 10.8 22.1 16.1 39.0 12.0 3.2 1.2 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 45.2 34.7 14.5 2.8 2.8 1.8 1.0 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 9.7 20.6 23.8 35.5 10.5 3.2 1.2 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 31.6 35.6 27.5 4.5 .8 2.1 0.9 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 20.2 33.5 28.2 12.5 5.6 2.5 1.1 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 4.5 9.7 13.4 39.3 33.2 3.9 1.1 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 12.1 37.9 26.2 18.1 5.6 2.7 1.1 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 4.4 11.7 15.7 38.7 29.4 3.8 1.1 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 25.8 40.7 17.7 10.1 5.6 2.3 1.1 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 7.6 20.1 30.1 23.3 18.9 3.3 1.2 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 23.4 32.7 24.6 14.5 4.8 2.4 1.1 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 9.3 19.8 17.7 29.4 23.8 3.4 1.3 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 15.3 17.3 24.6 21.0 21.8 3.2 1.4 experience  

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CopingwithAdverseConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatehowtheywouldrespondtopotentialobstaclesrelatedtotheirboatingactivity.Respondents’ agreementwithindicatorsoftemporaldisplacement(i.e.,alteringthetimingoftheirboatingactivity)suggestthatthemostprominentobstacle boatersfaceonthelakesisrelatedtothelevelofuse.Incopingwith“crowded”conditions,respondentsindicatedadjustingthetimingoftheir boating(items“b”and“e”),avoidedcertainareasofthelake(item“f”)ortheysimplyadjustedtotheconditionencountered(item“c”and“j”).  Table48.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonLakeMcQueeney Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofLakeMcQueeney 60.1 5.3 14.4 14.1 6.1 2.0 1.4 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeMcQueeneyinthefuture,Iwouldboatat 13.5 10.2 15.0 33.8 27.4 3.5 1.3 earlierand/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 17.0 10.9 25.7 35.1 11.3 3.1 1.3 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 44.9 13.6 22.3 11.7 7.5 2.2 1.3 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeMcQueeneyinthefuture,Iwouldboaton 18.0 7.5 12.8 36.5 25.2 3.4 1.4 theweekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 22.7 10.2 20.8 26.5 19.7 3.1 1.4 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 27.2 14.0 30.2 17.4 11.3 2.7 1.3 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoLakeMcQueeney 87.2 5.3 4.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 0.7 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 75.4 9.1 9.5 4.5 1.5 1.5 0.9 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 20.8 9.1 31.3 27.2 11.7 3.0 1.3 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 62.5 15.5 15.2 4.9 1.9 1.7 1.0 l. Boatedlessoften 31.4 12.1 17.8 24.6 14.0 2.8 1.5 

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PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions  Forthemostpart,respondentsweresatisfiedwiththephysicalconditionofthelake(seeTable49).Issuesthatwereofsomeconcernincluded factorsthatweretheproductofthebehaviorofothers.Forexample: x “Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats”–Almost20percent(19.4%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”,andafurther41 percent(41.8%)ofthesampleconsideredthistobea“bigproblem”. x “Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft”–Slightlylessthan20percent(19.8%)ofrespondentsindicatedthistobea“moderate problem”andafurther28percent(28.4%)referredtothisasa“bigproblem”. x “Erosionofshoreline”–Relatedtothesizeofwakesthrownbypassingboats,17percent(17.8%)ofrespondentssuggestedthisissue wasa“moderateproblem”andanadditional25percent(25.7%)indicatedthatthiswasa“bigproblem”.

Otherissuesthatwerelessproblematicbutofsomeconcerntorespondentsincluded: x “Litteronshoreline”–Almost30percent(29.3%)consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurthersevenpercent(6.9%) consideredthistobeabigproblem. x “Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft”–Almostaquartofthesample(24.7%)ofrespondentsindicatedthisissuetobea“moderate problem”andafurther19percent(19.0%)percentsuggestedthiswasa“bigproblem”. x “Thespeedofotherboaters”–Over20percent(21.6%)ofrespondentsindicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther 14percent(14.2%)indicateditbeinga“bigproblem”. x “Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore”–While14percent(13.8%)ofrespondentsconsideredthistobea“moderate problem”andafurther20percent(20.7%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem”.  

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Table49.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        to    a    

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem comment Unable helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonLakeMcQueeney?(%) 1 1 2 3 4 5 M  SD a. Litteronshoreline 22.0 32.8 29.3 6.9 9.1 2.2 0.9 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 39.0 24.2 19.0 6.5 11.3 1.9 1.0 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 47.2 9.1 14.3 4.8 24.7 1.7 1.0 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 24.7 21.6 24.7 19.0 10.0 2.4 1.1 e. Enginenoise 37.2 26.0 20.3 8.2 8.2 2.0 1.0 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 55.4 11.3 10.8 5.2 17.3 1.6 0.9 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 35.7 21.3 17.0 7.8 18.3 2.0 1.0 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake 48.1 10.8 12.1 8.2 20.8 1.8 1.1 i. Erosionofshoreline 21.7 23.0 17.8 25.7 11.7 2.5 1.2 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 9.9 19.8 19.4 41.8 9.1 3.0 1.1 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 24.6 18.5 19.8 28.4 8.6 2.6 1.2 l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 69.0 6.0 6.0 7.8 11.2 1.5 1.0 m. Thespeedofotherboaters 22.8 33.2 21.6 14.2 8.2 2.3 1.0 n. Fishhabitat 45.5 10.4 13.9 10.8 19.5 1.9 1.1 o. Habitatforbirds 48.9 12.1 13.4 7.4 18.2 1.7 1.0 p. Wildlifehabitat 47.2 12.1 13.4 7.8 19.5 1.8 1.0 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 38.8 18.1 13.8 20.7 8.6 2.2 1.2 r. Aquaticvegetation 42.0 20.3 18.6 6.9 12.1 1.9 1.0 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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ChangesOverthePastFiveYears  Over35percent(36.1%)ofrespondentsreportedseeingpositivechangeonLakeMcQueeneyoverthe previousfiveyears.Themostfrequentlycited“positivechange”respondentsreportedseeingoverthe past5yearsreferredtobetterlakemaintenance(n=29;e.g.,removalofhazards/obstacles)and minimizingpublicaccess(n=16)(seeTable50).  Table50.PositiveChangeonLakeMcQueeneyOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanypositive n changesatLakeMcQueeney 36.1(84) inthelastfiveyears?(yes,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Betterlakemaintenance 29 changes? x Aestheticimprovement;cleaner;lessvegetation; bettermonitoring(removingormarking)ofhazard andobstacles–e.g.,vegetation,trash,stumps, fallentree;morebulkheads;betterqualityof construction(e.g.,boatrampwidenedand improvedoverall);rebuildingafterthefloods; betterwaterquality;morebulkheads;moresigns  2. Reduced/limitedaccess(Eliminationof(public)boatramp 16 orlimited(public)access(whichispositivegiventhesize ofthelake)  3. Betterlawenforcement 10 x Increasedpresenceoflawenforcement/game wardens;betterregulation;restrictionsofspeed, others,towinginflatableunderthebridge  4. Leadershipoflakeorganizations/GBRA/FOLM/ 8 x Beingmoreactiveandresponsive;FOLMdoing goodjobͲe.g.,informinglakecondition  4. MoreinvolvedandproͲactiveresidents 8 x Improvementtoprivatepropertybyowners; Improvedwaterfrontsandlakefrontproperty homes   

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Almosthalf(48.9%)ofthesampleindicatedhavingseennegativechangeoccuroverthepastfiveyears. Themostcitedissueofconcernwastheincreaseinthenumberandsizeofwatercraft(n=54)(seeTable 51).  Table51.NegativeChangeonLakeMcQueeneyOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanynegative n changesatLakeMcQueeney 48.9(115) inthelastfiveyears?(yes,%, n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Increaseinthenumberandsizeofboats 54 changes? 2. Worseinlakecondition(erosionof 17 waterfront/bulkhead/land,depthreduction,causedby flood,silt)  3. Woreinwaterquality(trash,vegetation,debris,rocks) 15  4. Behaviorofothers(dangerous/inexperienced/Increasein 14 underageoperators)  5. Increaseinwakeboats 14  

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LakeManagementPreferences  Withregardtoissuesrelatedtothemanagementofrecreationalboatingonthestudylakes, respondents’preferencesvaried(seeTable52).Strongestsupportwasexpressedformanagingissues thatareoutsidethejurisdictionoflakeauthoritiesorthatarelogisticallylessfeasible: x “Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations”–Almost65percent (64.6%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft(e.g.,jetskis)”– Almost80percent(79.9%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich,almosthalf(49.0%) indicated“stronglysupport”. x “Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft”–Almost86percent(85.9%)ofrespondents supportedthisproposition,ofwhich,morethan50percent(51.4%)offeredstrongsupport. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersandwakeboarders”–Over80 percent(83.0%)ofrespondentsofferedsupportforthisproposition,ofwhich,almost55 percent(54.8%)expressedstrongsupport. x “Trainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Sixtythreepercent(63.0%)ofrespondentsexpressed support,ofwhich,32percent(32.5%)indicated“stronglysupport”. x “Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Almost60percent(59.3%)percentof respondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich27percent(27.0%)checked“stronglysupport”.  Prospectiveactionsreceivingmixedsupportincluded: x “Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces”–Whileover40percent(40.3%)of respondentsexpressedsupportfortheproposition,morethan38percent(38.4%)opposed. x “Citeboaterswhosemusiccanbeheardwithin100feet”–Whileover40percent(41.4%)of respondentsexpressedsupportforthisproposition,morethan32percent(32.6%)opposed. x “Establish“offlimits”zonestoprotectsensitiveresources”–Morethan38percent(38.7%)of respondentsopposedthisactionand31percent(31.1%)expressedsupport. x “Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays”–Thirtyeightpercent(38.6%)ofrespondents opposedtheproposedaction,whereas40percent(40.1%)supportedtheproposition. x “Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays)”–Almost45percent (44.6%)opposedthepropositionandalittleover33percent(33.8%)supportedtheidea.  Issuesthatreceivedoppositionincluded: x “Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake”–Morethan80percent(82.4%)opposedthe propositionwithmorethan68percent(68.7%)expressingstrongopposition. x “Installmorepublicboatramps”–Morethan80percent(83.1%)opposedtheproposition,of which,almost70percent(69.8%)“stronglyopposed”. x “Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes”–Morethanthreequartersof thesample(76.2%)opposedtheproposition,ofwhich,61percent(61.3%)indicated“strongly oppose”.

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Table52.ManagerialIssue          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonLakeMcQueeneyforthe2009season, Strongly Strongly howdoyoufeelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 68.7 13.7 5.2 5.6 6.8 1.7 1.2 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 19.4 19.0 21.4 24.6 15.7 3.0 1.4 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 8.0 6.4 20.9 36.1 28.5 3.7 1.2 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 48.8 20.6 19.4 7.7 3.6 2.0 1.1 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 14.5 18.1 26.1 23.3 18.1 3.1 1.3 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 24.6 14.1 18.1 19.4 23.8 3.0 1.5 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 24.6 14.1 30.2 19.8 11.3 2.8 1.3 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 4.8 6.4 8.8 30.9 49.0 4.1 1.1 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 20.0 4.4 7.6 34.5 51.4 4.3 0.9 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 4.8 5.2 6.9 28.2 54.8 4.2 1.1 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 6.0 8.0 22.9 30.5 32.5 3.8 1.2 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 8.9 7.3 24.6 32.3 27.0 3.6 1.2 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 22.5 16.1 21.3 12.0 28.1 3.1 1.5 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 24.9 19.7 21.7 16.9 16.9 2.8 1.4 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 69.8 13.3 5.6 5.6 5.6 1.6 1.2 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 61.3 14.9 14.5 4.8 4.4 1.8 1.1 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 2.8 2.8 9.2 24.5 60.6 4.4 1.0

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RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreasofLakeMcQueeney  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateareasofthelakewheretheywouldlikeactivities/watercraft restricted;i.e.designatedareasforactivitiesand/orwatercraft(seeFigure20).Thepiechartsbelow indicatetheZonestowhichrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldliketoseeactivities/watercraft restricted(i.e.,Zoneswheretheseactivities/watercraftshouldonlybepermitted).Asdisplayed,there waslittlezonalvariationinrespondents’preferences.Theuseofpersonalwatercraftandtowing inflatabletoyswerethewatercraft/activitiesthatrespondentsmoststronglypreferredtoberestricted. Therewas,however,littleconsensusontheareastowhichtheywouldliketheseactivities/watercraft restricted.  Figure20.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas

 

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AdditionalManagementPreferences  Almost50percent(48.5%)ofrespondentsindicatedhavingtakenaboatersafetyoreducationclass(see Table53).  Sixtythreepercent(63.2%)ofrespondentsindicatedthat“tougherrestrictions”wererequiredtolimit thesizeofwakesgeneratedbysomewatercraft.Ofthosewhoindicatedtheneedfortougher restrictions,banningtheuseof“fatsacks”wasmostpreferredwithmorethan55percent(55.5%) indicatingtheoptiontobethe1stpriorityamongthefouralternatives(i.e.,banningtheuseoffatsacks, creatinglargernoͲwakezones,banningtheuseofPWCs,andbanningwakeboardingboats).Creating largernoͲwakezones(24.6%)wasthenextmostcommonlycheckedpriorityfollowedbybanning wakeboardingoutright(21.7%).  Respondentswerealsoaskedwhetherornottheyfeltthelakesshouldbemanagedtosupportavariety ofrecreationactivities.Over60percent(62.3%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatlakesshouldsupport variousactivities.Whilealloftheactivitieslisted(i.e.,waterskiing,wakeboarding,PWC,towing inflatables)receivedstrongsupport(amongthoseindicating“yes”tothepreviousquestion)withmore than70percentadvocatingtheiravailability,respondentsexpressedstrongestsupportforwaterskiing (97.3%)followedbywakeboarding(76.6%).  Table53.ManagementPreferences a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 48.5(112) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 63.2(146) LakeMcQueeneytolimitthesizeofwakesgenerated st nd bysomewatercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n)

Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 55.5(71) 16.4(21) 1.9 1.1 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 24.6(33) 28.4(38) 2.5 1.2 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 15.5(20) 10.1(13) 3.3 1.3 BanwakeboardingboatsonLakeMcQueeney. 21.7(28) 15.5(20) 2.9 1.3 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageLake 62.3(142) McQueeneytosupportavarietyofrecreational boatingactivities?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforLakeMcQueeney? Waterskiing 97.3(145) Wakeboarding 76.6(105) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 75.5(108) TowingInflatables 73.4(102)

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PerceptionsofRegulationonLakeMcQueeney  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateiftheyfeltmorecontrolswererequiredtopreventconflicts occurringbetweenlakeusers.Alittleover32percent(32.5%)indicated,“yes,”morecontrolswere required.Ofthoseindicating“yes”,morelawenforcementtomanagespeedwascitedmostoften (n=26)inresponsetothebehaviorofotherboaters(n=12).  Table54.ControlstoPreventConflicts Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededon LakeMcQueeneytopreventconflicts 32.5(78) fromoccurringbetweenlakeusers?(yes, %,n) Whatconflicts? Howshouldtheybemanaged? 1.Otherboaters(noisy,unsafedriving, 1.Morerestriction/lawenforcement(evenduring drinking;reckless;Underagedrivers;too holidays,weekend,night;fine;morepresenceofgame close)(12) warden/patrol,controlnoise,wake,pollution;zone restriction;proximitybetweenboats; allowpictures/moviesfromcitizenstobeenough "proof"forconviction;keepboaters.pwcfromtooclose encountersonthewater;differentrestrictionfor home/boatownersandvisitors;PWC's,blatterboats, watertoysshouldbemanagedbythosewhoownland onthelake;Physicalseparationofdifferentboating activitiesespeciallyduringpeaksummerseasonand holidayweekend;IwouldliketoseeaonewaylakeͲall boatsgoonewayandboatingandfishingondifferent days.)(26)  2.PWCs(e.g.,skis,waverunners)(10) 2.Restriction/moreregulationonPWCs,jetskis,(GBRA shouldsettherulesandguidelinefortheskijump)(11) 3.Wakeboard(8) 3.License/Agelimit/training/education(6) 4.Inflatabletoys,tubes,towable(4) 4.Restriction/moreregulationonwakeboard(5) 5.Wake(3) 5.Restriction/moreregulationoninflatabletoys,tubes (4)  

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Respondentswerealsorequestedtoindicateifthefeltmorecontrolswererequiredtopreventdamage totheenvironment.Alittleover30percent(31.2%)indicated“yes”.Forthoseanswering“yes”tothe questionofwhetherornotmorecontrolsrequired,respondentswerealsorequestedtoindicatewhat controlsmightbeneededtopreventdamagetotheenvironment.Controlsofboaters’wakes(n=9)to manageshorelinedamage/erosionwascitedmostoften(n=36).  Table55.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededon LakeMcQueeneytopreventdamagetothe 31.2(73) environmentbyboaters?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofdamage? Howshouldtheybecontrolled? 1.Erosionofwaterfrontandshoreline(36) 1.Nowakezone;wakecontrol;speedcontrol (nearshoretoreduceerosion;installfloatation devicestorestrictspeedanddistancefrom shorelineincertainareas)(9) 2.Wakes(21) 2.Limitsizeandweightofboats(5) 3.Wakeboard(8) 3.Limitwakeboard(1) 4.Behaviorofothers(7) 4.ͲͲ 5.Trash(6) 5.ͲͲ   ServiceProvision  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatewhetherornottheyfeltthattheservicescurrentlyofferedon LakeMcQueeneywereadequate.Lessthanaquarter(23.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatadditional servicesshouldbeoffered.Ofthose,themostfrequentlycitedsuggestionsincludedadditionalgas stations(n=26)andfoodoutlets(n=15).  Table56.ServiceProvision AretherecertainfacilitiesorservicesthatshouldbeofferedonLakeMcQueeneythatare 23.0(54) currentlynotavailable?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofservicesorfacilities? n 1. GasStation 26 2. Foodserviceareas(convenientstore;restaurants;driveͲin;public) 15 3. Rampaccess/marina(mostsaidneedpublicones,better,more) 15 4. Morelawenforcement 4 5. Service(Batterycharging,repair;rental;baitshop 3 6. Betterlakemaintenance(Controlwaterquality;dredging,lowerwater;Signforhazards; 3 moretrashcan)  3 7. Bettercommunication(Hotlinetoreportviolations;Training;Education;guidelines)

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ShorelineProperty  Almost60percent(58.4%)ofrespondentswereshorelinepropertyowners.Onaverage,theyindicated havingownedtheirhomefor15years(M=15.1)withover50percent(51.5%)indicatingthattheir lakeshorepropertywastheirprimaryresidence.Forthoseforwhomtheirlakehomewasasecondary residence,theyaveragedover77(M=77.7)visitsoverthe2009season.  Almost95percent(94.7%)ofshorelinepropertyownersalsoindicatedowningadock,bulkheadorslip. Ofthese,almost50percent(48.4%)indicatedthattheirbulkhead/dock/sliphadbeendamagedby boatingactivitiesoccurringonthelakeresultinginanaveragecostofrepairofaround$16,419.Wakes fromboatswasthemostcommonlycitedreasonforthedamage(n=41).  Table57.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeMcQueeney(yes,n,%) 58.4(132) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonLakeMcQueeney(M,SD) 15.1,14.9 c. IsyourhomeonLakeMcQueeneyyourprimaryresidence?(yes,%,n) 51.5(68) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduringthepast 77.7,45.1 12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonLakeMcQueeneyhaveabulkhead,dockorslip? 94.7(125) (yes,%,n) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamagedfromboating 48.4(61) activitiesontheLake?(yes,%,n) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD) $16,419,$32,040 Causeofdamage MostCited  Big/constantwake(erosionfromlargewake;bywatercraftespeciallyboats; behindthebulkhead)(41) 

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LAKEPLACID  Respondents’PersonalInformation  AsdisplayedbelowinTable58,overall,thesamplewascomprisedofrespondentswhowereolder (M=55.9years),welleducated(69.0%withcollegedegrees),white(92.0%)men(75.8%).Whilemore thanhalfwereemployedfulltime(55.4%),over30percent(30.7%)indicatedbeingretired.Last, householdincomeswererelativelyhighwithtwothirdsoftheLakeDunlapsample(66.7%)of respondentsreportingincomesinexcessof$100,000.  Table58.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 55.9,12.5 Gender(n,%) Male 75.8(75) Female 24.2(24) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless 1.0(1) 9thto11thgrade 0 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 4.0(4) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 26.0(26) 16years(collegegraduate) 17.0(17) 17+years(somegraduatework) 25.0(25) Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 27.0(27) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 2.0(2) White,notHispanic 92.0(92) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican 2.0(2) NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 0 AsianorPacificIslander 4.0(4) EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 55.4(56) Homemaker 4.0(4) Employed,parttime 5.0(5) Retired,butworkingfulltime 1.0(1) Retired,workingparttime 5.9(6) Retired,notworking 24.8(25) Unemployed 0 Student 1.0(1) Other 3.0(3) 

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Table58.HouseholdInformation(cont.) HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 2.2(2) $25,000Ͳ$49,999 8.6(8) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 12.9(12) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 9.7(9) $100,000Ͳ$149,999 28.0(26) $150,000Ͳ$199,999 6.5(6) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 8.6(8) $250,000–$299,999 3.2(3) $300,000ormore 20.4(19)   BoatingExperience  Mostrespondents(87.2%)indicatedbeingactiveboaterswithextensiveexperience(M=24.6years)(see Table59).Themostpopularwatercraftusedonthelakewasaspeed/skiboat(62.1%)followedby pontoonboats(43.4%),fishing/bassboats(42.6%),personalwatercraft(36.4%),andthetowingof inflatablesbehindotherboats(32.4%).  Intermsofrespondentspreferredactivities,cruisingwascitedmostfrequently(54.1%)followedby skiing(21.4%)andwakeboarding(9.2%).Respondentstendedtoenjoythelakeingroupsoffourtofive (M=4.3)consistingoffamilyandfriends(56.2%).  Table59.ExperienceCharacteristics Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 87.2(95) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 24.6,16.9 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 44.7,51.5 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) Number eachboatyouuse. Used M,SD Speedboat,skiboat 62.1(54) .62,.5 Fishingorbassboat 42.6(29) .49,.6 Pontoonboat 43.4(33) .43,.5 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 32.4(22) .41,.6 Wakeboardboat 18.3(13) .18,.4 Highperformanceboat 3.2(2) .03,.2 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 36.4(24) .64,.8 Other(Pleasespecify 18.2(10) .38,.7 

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Table59.ExperienceCharacteristics(cont.) Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 40.6(39) Fishingorbassboat 17.7(17) Pontoonboat 19.8(19) Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 0 Wakeboardboat 10.4(10) Highperformanceboat 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 6.2(6) Other(Pleasespecify 5.2(5) Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 21.4(21) Cruising 54.1(53) Wakeboarding 9.2(9) Towinginflatables/watertoys 4.1(4) Fishing 6.1(6) Racingupanddownthelake 4.1(4) Other 1.0(1) Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 4.3,2.0 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself 4.8(5) Family 31.4(33) Multiplefamilies 1.9(2) Familyandfriends 56.2(59) Friends 3.8(4) Organizedoutinggroup 0 Businessassociates 0 Other 1.9(2) 

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RespondentswererequestedtoindicatefactorstheylikedmostaboutLakePlacid.Thecharacteristics theycitedasbeingmostenjoyableonLakePlacidconcernedthefunandrelaxingopportunitiesafforded bythelake(n=29),theopportunitytoenjoyafavoredpastime(n=24),andopportunitiestospendtime withfriendsandfamily(n=17).  Table60.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakePlacid Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Affective(Escape,tranquility,peaceful,getaway,solitude,relaxed,fun) 29 best 2. Activities(swimming,fishing,boating,wakeboarding,pontoonboatcruising,skiing, 24 about cruising,entertainment;picnic,birdwatching,etc.) your 3. Socialbonding(withfriends,family,meetingpeople) 17 visitsto 4. Water/Lake(beautiful,calm,clean,beingbythewater/lake,constantwaterlevel, 15 Lake easypaddling) Placid? 5. Nature/outdoors(Beingoutdoors,enjoyoutdoors/nature,Enjoyaestheticsof 13 nature/landscape   CharacteristicsthatrespondentsindicatedlikingleastaboutLakeDunlapprimarilyconcerned:(1)the volumeofboattraffic–especiallyonholidayweekends(n=36),(2)personalwatercraft(n=28),andthe behaviorofotherboaters(n=21).  Table61.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakePlacid Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Boattraffic,crowded,holidaycrowds 36 least 2. Jetskiers,waverunners,PWCs(e.g.,racingjetskiersdoingdonuts!!!) 28 about 3. Behaviorofothers/drivers(inconsiderate,inexperienced,dangerous,discourteous, 21 your drunk,noisy) visitsto 4. Wakeboardboats 9 Lake 5. Wakecreatedbyothers 5 Placid? 

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ConstraintstoBoatingonLakePlacid  Whilemostrespondents(87.2%)indicatedbeingactiveboaters,onlyalittleover25percent(26.9%)indicatedthattheyboatedasoftenasthey wouldlike(seeTable62below).Respondentswhoindicatedthattheydidnotboatasoftenastheywouldlikeweretheninstructedtoselect theirlevelofagreementwithaseriesofstatementsthatreflectedpotentialreasonsfornotboating.Factorsthatboaterscitedasreasonsfornot boatingasoftenastheywouldprefertendedtocenteronthesocialconditionsextantonthelakeandothercommitments: x “It’stoocrowded”–Over57percentagreement(57.3%). x “Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe”–Over55percent(55.9%)agreement. x “Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough”–Over50percent(53.3%)inagreement. x “Otherboatersareinconsiderate”–Fortythreepercent(43.6%)inagreement. x “Workcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingonthelake”–Fortythreepercent(43.6%)inagreement.  

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Table62.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 26.9(29)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflectfactorsthatinhibityourability    toboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects 

youropinion) Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly  Disagree Disagree Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 73.8 18.8 5.0 1.2 1.2 1.4 0.8 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 70.4 19.8 4.9 2.5 2.5 1.5 0.9 c. It’stoohotinsummer 54.3 32.1 11.1 2.5 0 1.6 0.8 d. It’stoocrowded 17.1 14.6 11.0 30.5 26.8 3.4 1.5 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 68.4 17.7 308 6.3 3.8 1.6 1.1 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 38.0 22.8 24.1 12.7 2.5 2.2 1.2 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 14.3 11.9 17.9 34.5 21.4 3.4 1.3 h. TheLakeistooshallow 34.2 38.0 20.3 6.3 1.3 2.0 1.0 i. Poorwaterquality 40.3 35.1 18.2 6.5 0 1.9 0.9 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 16.7 21.8 17.9 28.2 15.4 3.0 1.3 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 47.4 21.8 12.8 11.5 6.4 2.1 1.3 l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 26.0 22.1 27.3 16.9 7.8 2.6 1.3 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 23.1 14.1 19.2 33.3 10.3 2.9 1.4 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 53.8 30.8 6.4 9.0 0 1.7 0.9 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 62.3 26.0 6.5 2.6 2.6 1.6 0.9 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 15.6 18.2 13.0 39.0 14.3 3.2 1.3 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 33.8 35.1 24.7 5.2 1.3 2.2 1.6

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UseofAreaLakes  RespondentsindicatedthatLakePlacidwastheirprimarylake(100.0%)andthelaketheymost frequentlyused(93.6%)withanaverageofover36days(M=36.2)ofboatingoverthe2009season(see Table63).  Table63.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 90.6(96)  (yes,%,n  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeDunlap 6.4(7) .6,1.4Ͳ LakeMcQueeney 16.4(18) 2.7,5.6Ͳ LakePlacid 93.6(103) 36.2,45.7 100.0(107) MeadowLake(Nolte) 3.6(4) .8,3.4Ͳ LakeGonzales(H4) 1.8(2) .1,.5Ͳ LakeWood(H5) 1.8(2) .1,.5Ͳ CanyonLake 11.8(13) 1.0,3.2Ͳ Other 3.6(4) 1.7,5.2Ͳ Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) 8.1,27.2,0

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LakeAttachment  Overall,respondentsexpressedstrongattachmenttoLakePlacid(seeTable64).Whiletheyexpressedagreementwithmostofthestatements, enjoymentandtheopportunitytospendtimewithfamilyandfriendswerekeytotheirlakeaffection.  Table64.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree Disagree ConsideringLakePlacidpleaseindicatehowyoufeelaboutthelakebyrespondingtoeach ofthestatementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. LakePlacidisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatIenjoymost 1.0 6.7 20.0 37.1 35.2 4.0 1.0 b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake 1.9 10.7 13.6 29.1 44.7 4.0 1.1 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketodo 4.8 16.3 26.0 25.0 27.9 3.5 1.2 d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 2.9 5.8 19.2 42.3 29.8 3.9 1.0 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 1.0 5.8 17.3 40.4 35.6 4.0 0.9 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcanbemyself 2.9 15.4 31.7 27.9 22.1 3.5 1.1 g. Ireallyenjoythelake 0 0 4.8 38.5 56.7 4.5 0.6 h. Thelakemeansalottome 0 2.9 8.7 32.7 55.8 4.4 0.8 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsmetobondwithmyfamilyandfriends 0 1.9 7.7 39.4 51.0 4.4 0.7 j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththelake 1.0 7.6 18.1 26.7 46.7 4.1 1.0

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Boater’sStartingLocation  MostrespondentsbeganboatinginZone1(61.8%)(seeFigure21).  Figure21.NormalStartingLocation

  

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TravelingUpstream  ThefarthestupstreamboatersreportedvisitingwasZone3(71.3%)(seeFigure22).  Figure22.FarthestTraveledUpstream

  

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TravelingDownstream  ThefarthestdownstreamboaterstraveledwastoZone1(87.0%)(seeFigure23).  Figure23.FarthestTraveledDownstream

  

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AreasWhereBoatersSpendMostTime  BoatersspentmosttimeinZones1(50.8%),and2(32.5%)(seeFigure24).  Figure24.AreaSpentMostTime

 

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AreasAvoided  AreasthatboatersavoidedweresituatedatpointsfarthestupstreaminZone3(55.3%)and2(31.9%) (seeFigure25).Themostcommonlycitedreasonsrespondentsreportedforavoidingtheseareas concernedinadequatedepthandsubmergedobstacles(e.g.,stumps,sandbars,etc.)(seeTable65 below).  Figure25.AreasAvoided

   

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Table65.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakePlacid FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Shallow(nosign) 20 2. Obstacles(STUMPS;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbarunder 14 water) 3. Boattraffic 7 4. Narrow 6 5. Unsafe 4 

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AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe  AreasthatrespondentsfeltunsafewereprimarilysituatedinZone2(44.9%).Additionally,overa quarterofrespondentsalsoexpressedconcerninZone1(28.6%)andZone3(26.5%).Reasonsthat respondentsreportedtheseareastobeunsafeprimarilyfocusedonthevolumeofboattraffic,the narrownessofthelake,andtheinadequatedepthinsomeareas.  Figure26.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe

   

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Table66.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Boattraffic 14 2. Narrow 12 3. Shallow 12 4. Obstacles(STUMPS;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbarunder 9 water) 5. Jetskiers,waverunners,PWCs(e.g.,racingjetskiersdoingdonuts!!!) 9  

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  PerceptionsofSettingDensity  Ingeneral,respondentsexpressedsomeconcernoverthelevelandtypeofuseoccurringonLakePlacid(seeTable67): x Almosttwothirds(62.1%)ofrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldhavelikedtohaveseenfewerpeopleonthelake. x Whileover45percent(45.3%)ofrespondentsindicatedthenumberofpeopletheyencounteredthroughoutthe2009boatingseason wasaboutwhattheyhadexpected,40percent(40.0%)indicatedseeingmorethantheyhadexpected. x Fiftyeightpercent(58.2%)ofrespondentsreportedthatthenumberofpeopletheysawhaddetractedfromtheirboatingexperience. Alternately,athird(34.0%)indicatedthatthenumberofpeopletheyhadseenhadnoeffectontheirenjoyment. x Therewassomeconcernamongrespondentsrelatingtosafetyinlightofthenumberofboatsonthelakeandthebehaviorofother boaters.Approximately40percentindicatedthatLakePlacidwasmoderatelysafeinlightof(a)thenumberofboatsseenthroughout the2009season(40.2%)and(b)thebehaviorofotherboaters(39.2%).Additionally,approximately10percentofrespondentsindicated thatthelakewas“notatallsafe”inlightofthevolumeofuse(10.8%)andthebehaviorofotherboaters(11.8%). x Approximately30percent(31.3%)indicatedfeeling“moderatelycrowded”andafurther25percent(25.2%)reportedfeeling“extremely crowded”.  Table67.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeopleyou Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD encounteredonyourvisitstoLakePlacidforthe tohave tohave manynor tohave tohaveseen 2009season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew alotless more more people lesspeople people people people 1.0 2.9 34.0 29.1 33.0 3.9 .9 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawonthelake Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD comparewithwhatyouexpectedtoseeonyour thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI visitstoLakePlacidforthe2009season?(%) expected expected expected expected expected 3.2 11.6 45.3 12.6 27.4 3.0 .71 

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Table67.PerceptionsofSettingDensity(cont.) Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawaffectyour Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M1 SD overallenjoymentofyourvisitstoyLakePlacidfor lottomy littleto onmy alittle lotfrommy the2009season?(%) enjoyment my enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment 1.9 5.8 34.0 33.0 25.2 3.7 1.0 InlightofthenumberofboatsyousawonLake Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD Placidthisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufelt safe safe safe whileboating(%) 10.8 17.6 40.2 25.5 5.9 3.0 1.1 InlightofthebehaviorofotherboatersonLake Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD Placidthisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufelt safe safe safe whileboating 11.8 21.6 39.2 24.5 2.9 2.9 1.0 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyoudescribe Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  theboatingconditionsoutonthelakeduringyour crowded crowded crowded crowded visitstoyourLakePlacidforthe2009season?(%) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD 4.0 6.1 5.1 9.1 19.2 19.2 12.1 14.1 11.1 5.8 2.1 1Basedonresponses1through4

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PerceptionsofSocialConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatetheirlevelofagreementwithaseriesofstatementsexamining thesocialconditionsonLakePlacidforthe2009boatingseason(seeTable68below).Areasofconcern include: x Boatersencroachingonotherspace(“OtherboatscamecloserthanIlike”)–Fiftypercent (50.0%)expressedagreement. x Thewakesthrownbypassingboats(“Otherboatscreatedmassivewakes”)–Twothirds(66.7%) expressedagreement. x Thebehaviorofotherboaters(“Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e., unsafespeeds,dangerousbehaviors,etc.)”)–Twothirds(66.0%)expressedagreement. x Themusicplayedfromboats(“Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic”)–Fiftyfour percent(54.1%)expressedagreement. x Personalwatercraftoperatorscuttingtooclose(“Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcutting tooclose”)–Sixtytwopercent(62.0%)expressedagreement.

Areasthatreceivedmixedlevelsofagreementinclude; x Boatersavoidedfavoredpartsofthelakeinresponsetothecrowdedconditions(“Iavoidedmy favoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere”)–While37percent (37.7%)disagreedwiththestatementanadditional37percent(36.8%)expressedagreement. x Theleveloflawenforcementonthelakes(“Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolson thelake”)–Whileover57percent(57.6%)indicatedthatlawenforcementonthelakewas adequate,morethan36percent(36.3%)indicateditwasinadequate. x Boaters’perceptionsofrisk(“Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk”)–Whileover50 percent(51.6%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatthelevelofriskassociatedwithboatinginsome areasofthelakewasproblematic,28percent(28.3%)ofthesamplediffered–indicatingthat boatingonthelakewasnotrisky. x Thenoisefromotherboaters’engines(“Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud”)–While 38percent(38.0%)ofrespondentsexpressedconcernoverotherthenoisefromotherboaters’ engines,47percent(47.0)didnotconsiderthistobeproblematic. x Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraft(“Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththe qualityofmyboatingexperience”)–Whilemorethan50percent(51.0)ofrespondentsagreed withthisstatement,over30percent(31.0%)disagreed.

WhileTable68doeshighlightsomeareasofconcern,thedataalsoillustratethatrespondentsremain satisfiedwiththe2009boatingseasonexpressingstronglevelsofagreementwithmeasuresoftheir enjoyment(item“a”),theconditionofthelake(item“c”),andthemoneytheyspentinthe2009boating season(item“e”)waswellworththeinvestment. 

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Table68.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutboatingexperienceonyourLakePlacid.Foreach Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly statement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsaboutyour Disagree Disagree visitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 4.1 2.0 16.3 54.1 23.5 3.9 0.9 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 15.3 22.4 25.5 23.5 13.3 3.0 1.3 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition 0 15.2 13.1 59.6 12.1 3.7 0.9 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 6.0 13.0 31.0 28.0 22.0 3.5 1.1 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 1.0 3.1 14.3 55.1 26.5 4.0 0.8 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 13.1 23.2 6.1 40.4 17.2 3.3 1.3 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 39.2 40.2 15.5 1.0 4.1 1.9 1.0 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 12.1 16.2 20.2 36.4 15.2 3.3 1.3 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 28.6 35.7 30.6 3.1 2.0 2.1 0.9 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 19.0 28.0 15.0 22.0 16.0 2.9 1.4 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 11.1 11.1 11.1 30.3 36.4 3.7 1.4 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 21.2 42.4 22.2 12.1 2.0 2.3 1.0 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 7.0 5.0 22.0 34.0 32.0 3.8 1.2 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 25.5 44.9 20.4 7.1 2.0 2.2 1.0 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 8.2 18.4 19.4 27.6 26.5 3.5 1.3 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 27.3 34.3 17.2 11.1 10.1 2.4 1.3 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 11.0 15.0 12.0 38.0 24.0 3.5 1.3 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 14.0 17.0 18.0 28.0 23.0 3.3 1.4 experience  

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CopingwithAdverseConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatehowtheywouldrespondtopotentialobstaclesrelatedtotheirboatingactivity.Respondents’ agreementwithindicatorsoftemporaldisplacement(i.e.,alteringthetimingoftheirboatingactivity)suggestthatthemostprominentobstacle boatersfaceonthelakesisrelatedtothelevelofuse.Incopingwith“crowded”conditions,respondentsindicatedtheyadjustedthetimingof theirboating(items“b”and“e”),avoidedcertainareasofthelake(item“f”)ortheysimplyadjustedtotheconditionencountered(item“c”).  Table69.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonLakePlacid. Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofLakePlacid 51.4 2.9 22.9 20.0 2.9 2.2 1.3 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakePlacidinthefuture,Iwouldboatatearlier 16.2 5.7 16.2 31.4 30.5 3.5 1.4 and/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 21.9 7.6 28.6 27.6 14.3 3.0 1.3 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 42.9 9.5 30.5 10.5 6.7 2.3 1.3 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakePlacidinthefuture,Iwouldboatonthe 20.0 9.5 20.0 25.7 24.8 3.3 1.4 weekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 23.8 11.4 21.9 27.6 15.2 3.0 1.4 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 33.0 19.4 29.1 15.5 2.9 2.4 1.2 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoLakePlacid 84.6 5.8 7.7 0 1.9 1.3 0.8 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 74.8 5.8 7.8 7.8 3.9 1.6 1.2 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 58.3 16.5 17.5 4.9 2.9 2.9 1.4 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 58.3 16.5 17.5 4.9 2.9 1.8 1.1 l. Boatedlessoften 33.3 10.5 18.1 28.6 9.5 2.7 1.4 

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PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions  Forthemostpart,respondentsweresatisfiedwiththephysicalconditionofthelake(seeTable70). Issuesthatwereofsomeconcernincludedfactorsthatweretheproductofthebehaviorofothers.For example: x “Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft”–Over18percent(18.6%)ofrespondentsindicatedthis issuetobea“moderateproblem”andafurther35percent(35.1%)percentsuggestedthiswasa “bigproblem”. x “Erosionofshoreline”–Twentythreepercent(23.5%)ofrespondentssuggestedthisissuewasa “moderateproblem”andanadditional33percent(33.7%)indicatedthatthiswasa“big problem”. x “Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats”–While14percent(14.3%)consideredthistobea “moderateproblem”,over40percentthesample(41.8%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem”.

Otherissuesthatwerelessproblematicbutofsomeconcerntorespondentsincluded: x “Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake”–Justunder30percent(28.9%)indicatedthatis issuewasamoderateproblemandafurther11percent(11.3%)indicatedtheissuetobea“big problem.” x “Enginenoise”–Twentythreepercent(23.5%)ofrespondentsnotedthistobea“moderate problem”andafurther18percent(18.4%)indicateda“bigproblem”. x “Debrisatlaunchramps”–Almost20percent(19.6%)ofrespondentsindicatedthisissuetobe a“moderateproblem”and15percent(15.5%)checked“bigproblem.” x “Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake”–Fifteenpercent(15.5%)ofrespondents indicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther22percent(22.7%)indicateditbeinga “bigproblem”. x “Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft”–Slightlylessthan24percent(23.7%)of respondentsindicatedthistobea“moderateproblem”andafurther17percent(17.5%) referredtothisasa“bigproblem”. x “Thespeedofotherboaters”–Over30percent(30.9%)ofrespondentsconsideredthistobea “moderateproblem”andafurther16percent(16.5%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem”.

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Table70.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        a  

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem

helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonLakePlacid?(%) 1 2 3 4 a. Litteronshoreline 39.2 34.0 17.5 6.2 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 32.0 24.7 28.9 11.3 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 63.9 11.3 6.2 4.1 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 26.8 17.5 18.6 35.1 e. Enginenoise 38.8 17.3 23.5 18.4 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 68.8 12.5 8.3 1.0 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 24.7 27.8 19.6 15.5 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake 38.1 9.3 15.5 22.7 i. Erosionofshoreline 19.4 15.3 23.5 33.7 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 22.4 15.3 14.3 41.8 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 28.9 23.7 23.7 17.5 l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 72.2 8.2 5.2 7.2 m. Thespeedofotherboaters 30.9 18.6 30.9 16.5 n. Fishhabitat 43.3 10.3 19.6 12.4 o. Habitatforbirds 53.1 10.2 13.3 7.1 p. Wildlifehabitat 53.1 10.2 15.3 6.1 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 55.7 12.4 15.5 10.3 r. Aquaticvegetation 47.9 26.0 14.6 6.2 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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ChangesOverthePastFiveYears  Almost30percent(29.9%)reportedseeingpositivechangeoverthepreviousfiveyears.Themost frequentlycited“positivechange”respondentsreportseeingonLakePlacidoverthepast5years referredtobetterlakemaintenance(n=9;e.g.,removalofhazards/obstacles)andlawenforcement (n=8)(seeTable71).  Table71.PositiveChangeonLakePlacidOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanypositive n changesatLakePlacidinthe 29.9(29) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Betterlakemaintenance:Aestheticimprovement;cleaner; 9 changes? lessvegetation;bettermonitoring(removingormarking) ofhazardandobstacles–e.g.,vegetation,trash,stumps, fallentree;morebulkheads;betterqualityofconstruction (e.g.,boatrampwidenedandimprovedoverall); rebuildingafterthefloods;betterwaterquality;more bulkheads;moresigns  2. Betterlawenforcement:Increasedpresenceoflaw 8 enforcement/gamewardens;betterregulation; restrictionsofspeed,others,towinginflatableunderthe bridge  3. Moreresidentinvolvement 4  4. Betterbehaviorofothers 3  5. Reduced/limitedaccess(Eliminationof(public)boatramp 2 orlimited(public)access(whichispositivegiventhesize  ofthelake  6. Leadershipoflakeorganizations/GBRA/FOLM 2  

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Over50percent(53.1)ofthesampleindicatedhavingseennegativechangeoccuroverthepastfive years.Mostoftencitedbyrespondentswereissuesrelatedtoincreasesinthenumberandsizeof watercraft(n=23)andthebehaviorofotherboaters(n=14)(seeTable72).  Table72.NegativeChangeonLakePlacidOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanynegative n changesatLakePlacidinthe 53.1(51) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Increaseinthenumberandsizeofboats 23 changes? 2. Behaviorsofothers(dangerous/inexperienced/Increase 14 inunderageoperators  3. Worseninglakecondition(erosionof 9 waterfront/bulkhead/land,depthreduction,causedby flood,silt)  4. IncreaseinthenumberandspeedofPWCks 9  5. Worseningwaterquality(trash,vegetation,debris,roc 6   

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LakeManagementPreferences  Withregardtoissuesrelatedtothemanagementofrecreationalboatingonthestudylakes, respondents’preferencesvaried(seeTable73).Strongestsupportwasexpressedformanagingissues thatareoutsidethejurisdictionoflakeauthoritiesorthatarelogisticallylessfeasible: x “Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations”–Sixtyfivepercent (65.0%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft(e.g.,jetskis)”– Eightyonepercent(81.0%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich,55percent(55.0%) indicated“stronglysupport”. x “Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft”–Eightysixpercent(86.0%)ofrespondents supportedthisproposition,ofwhich,50percent(50.0%)offeredstrongsupport. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersandwakeboarders”–Almost 80percent(78.0%)ofrespondentsofferedsupportforthispropostition,ofwhich,morethan50 percent(52.0%)expressedstrongsupport. x “Trainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Sixtysixpercent(66.0%)ofrespondentsexpressed support,ofwhich,30percent(30.0%)indicated“stronglysupport”. x “Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Over60percent(62.0%)percentofrespondents expressedsupport,ofwhich26percent(26.0%)checked“stronglysupport”.  Prospectiveactionsreceivingmixedsupportincluded: x “Citeboaterswhosemusiccanbeheardwithin100feet”–Fiftythreepercent(53.6%)of respondentsexpressedagreementwiththisstatementand31percent(31.4%)opposed. x “Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly”–almost40percent(39.8%)support theactionwhereasover36percent(36.7%)opposed. x “Establish“offlimits”zonestoprotectsensitiveresources”–Thirtyeightpercent(38.0%)of respondentsopposedthisactionand36percent(36.0%)expressedsupport. x “Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays”–Fortysixpercent(46.0%)ofrespondents opposedtheproposedaction,whereas41percent(41.0%)supportedtheproposition. x “Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays)”–Almost47percent (46.5%)opposedthepropositionand34percent(34.4%)supportedtheidea.  Issuesthatreceivedoppositionincluded: x “Installmorepublicboatramps”–Eightypercent(80.0%)opposedtheproposition,ofwhich,67 percent(67.0%)“stronglyopposed”. x “Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes”–75percent(75.0%)opposed theproposition,ofwhich,53percent(53.0%)indicated“stronglyoppose”. 

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 Table73.ManagerialIssue          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonLakePlacidforthe2009season,howdo Strongly Strongly youfeelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 55.0 16.0 5.0 18.0 6.0 2.0 1.4 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 26.0 18.0 15.0 30.0 11.0 2.8 1.4 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 8.0 6.0 21.0 38.0 27.0 3.7 1.2 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 41.0 16.0 28.0 10.0 5.0 2.2 1.2 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 15.2 16.2 15.2 28.3 25.3 3.3 1.4 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 24.5 12.2 23.5 14.3 25.5 3.0 1.5 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 19.0 19.0 26.0 17.0 19.0 3.0 1.4 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 5.0 1.0 13.0 26.0 55.0 4.3 1.1 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 3.0 4.0 7.0 36.0 50.0 4.3 1.0 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 7.0 4.0 11.0 26.0 52.0 4.1 1.2 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 6.0 6.0 22.0 36.0 30.0 3.8 1.1 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 7.0 5.0 26.0 36.0 26.0 3.7 1.1 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 28.0 18.0 13.0 13.0 28.0 3.0 1.6 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 30.3 16.2 19.2 18.2 16.2 2.7 1.5 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 67.0 13.0 7.0 11.0 2.0 1.7 1.1 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 53.0 22.0 10. 8.0 7.0 1.9 1.3 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 13.1 9.1 27.3 21.2 29.3 3.4 1.3

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RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreasofLakeDunlap  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateareasofthelakewheretheywouldliketosee activities/watercraftrestricted;i.e.designatedareasforactivitiesand/orwatercraft(seeFigure27).The piechartsbelowindicatetheZonestowhichrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldliketosee activities/watercraftrestricted(i.e.,Zoneswheretheseactivities/watercraftshouldonlybepermitted). Asdisplayed,therewaslittlezonalvariationinrespondents’preferences.Theuseofpersonalwatercraft andtowinginflatabletoyswerethewatercraft/activitiesthatrespondentsmoststronglypreferredtobe restricted.Therewas,however,littleconsensusontheareastowhichtheywouldlikethese activities/watercraftrestricted.  Figure27.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas

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AdditionalManagementPreferences  Alittlelessthanathird(37.8%)ofrespondentsindicatedhavingtakenaboatersafetyoreducationclass (seeTable74).  Sixtyonepercent(61.2%)ofrespondentsindicatedthat“tougherrestrictions”wererequiredtolimitthe sizeofwakesgeneratedbysomewatercraft.Ofthosewhoindicatedtheneedfortougherrestrictions, banningtheuseof“fatsacks”wasmostpreferredwithmorethan60percent(60.8%)indicatingthe optiontobethe1stpriorityamongthefouralternatives(i.e.,banningtheuseoffatsacks,creatinglarger noͲwakezones,banningtheuseofPWCs,andbanningwakeboardingboats).CreatinglargernoͲwake zones(44.6%)wasthenextmostcommonlycheckedpriorityfollowedbybanningwakeboarding outright(21.6%).  Respondentswerealsoaskedwhetherornottheyfeltthelakeshouldbemanagedtosupportavariety ofrecreationactivities.Almosttwothirds(65.3%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatthelakeshouldsupport variousactivities.Whilealloftheactivitieslisted(i.e.,waterskiing,wakeboarding,PWC,towing inflatables)receivedstrongsupport(amongthoseindicating“yes”tothepreviousquestion)withmore than60percentadvocatingtheiravailability,respondentsexpressedstrongestsupportforwaterskiing (90.9%)followedbywakeboarding(74.6%).  Table74.ManagementPreferences a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 37.8(37) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 61.2(60) LakePlacidtolimitthesizeofwakesgeneratedby st nd somewatercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n) Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 60.8(31) 21.6(11) 1.7 1.0 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 44.6(25) 16.1(9) 2.2 1.3 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 17.3(9) 11.5(6) 3.1 1.3 BanwakeboardingboatsonLakePlacid. 21.6(11) 23.5(10.9) 2.8 1.3 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageLakePlacidto 65.3(62) supportavarietyofrecreationalboatingactivities? (yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforLakePlacid? Waterskiing 90.9(60) Wakeboarding 74.6(44) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 69.5(41) TowingInflatables 60.0(36)

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PerceptionsofRegulationonLakePlacid  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateiftheyfeltmorecontrolswererequiredtopreventconflicts occurringbetweenlakeusers.Alittleover35percent(35.4%)indicated,“yes,”morecontrolswere required.Ofthoseindicating“yes”,morelawenforcementtomanagespeedwascitedmostoften (n=12).  Table75.ControlstoPreventConflicts Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededon LakePlacidtopreventconflictsfrom 35.4(35) occurringbetweenlakeusers?(yes,%,n) Whatconflicts? Howshouldtheybemanaged? 1.PWCs(4) 1.Morerestriction/lawenforcement(evenduring holidays,weekend,night;fine;morepresenceofgame warden/patrol,controlnoise,wake,pollution;zone restriction;proximitybetweenboats)(12) 2.Wakeboard(3) 2.RegulationonPWCs(7) 2.Toocrowded(3) 3.License/Agelimit/training/education(5) 3.Otherboaters(2) 4.Speedlimit(3) 4.Speeders(1) 4.Regulationonwakeboard(3)  Forthoseanswering“yes”tothequestionofwhetherornotmorecontrolsrequired,respondentswere alsorequestedtoindicatewhatcontrolsmightbeneededtopreventdamagetotheenvironment. Controlsofboaters’wakestomanageshorelinedamage/erosionwascitedmostoften(n=19).  Table76.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededon LakePlacidtopreventdamagetothe 38.8(38) environmentbyboaters?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofdamage? Howshouldtheybecontrolled? 1.Erosionofshorelineandwaterfronts(19) 1.Nowakezone;wakecontrol;speedcontrol(12) 2.Wakes(9) 2.Limitwakeboard(5) 3.Wakeboard(7) 3.Limitsize/weightofboats(2) 4.Wakes(5) 4.Restricttraffic(1) 5.Trash(4) 5.others(i.e.,Allenvironmentalprotectionshould beused)(1)   

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ServiceProvision  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatewhetherornottheyfeltthattheservicescurrentlyofferedon LakeDunlapwereadequate.Alittleover32percent(32.3%)indicatedthatadditionalservicesshouldbe offered.Ofthose,mostfrequentlycitedsuggestionsincludedadditionalgasstations(n=21)andfood outlets(n=11).  Table77.ServiceProvision AretherecertainfacilitiesorservicesthatshouldbeofferedonLakePlacidthatare 32.3(31) currentlynotavailable?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofservicesorfacilities? n 1. Gasstations 21 2. Foodservice(e.g.,restaurants,kiosks) 11 3. Greatpublicaccess 4 4. Improvedlakemaintenance 2 5. Morerestrooms 2

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ShorelineProperty  Alittleover70percent(70.1%)ofrespondentswereshorelinepropertyowners.Onaverage,they indicatedhavingownedtheirhomefor18years(M=18.2)withalmost60percent(59.4%)indicatingthat theirlakeshorepropertywastheirprimaryresidence.Forthoseforwhomtheirlakehomewasa secondaryresidence,theyaveraged65(M=65.1)visitsoverthe2009season.  Over90percent(94.2%)ofshorelinepropertyownersalsoindicatedowningadock,bulkheadorslip.Of these,43percent(43.3%)indicatedthattheirbulkhead/dock/sliphadbeendamagedbyboating activitiesoccurringonthelakeresultinginanaveragecostofrepairofaround$6,295.Wakesfrom boatswasthemostcommonlycitedreasonforthedamage(n=25).  Table78.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeWood(yes,n,%) 70.1(68) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonLakePlacid(M,SD) 18.2,14.6 c. IsyourhomeonLakePlacidyourprimaryresidence?(yes,n,%) 59.4(41) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduringthepast 65.1,42.8 12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonLakePlacidhaveabulkhead,dockorslip?(yes,n,%) 94.2(65) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamagedfromboating 43.3(29) activitiesontheLake?(yes,n,%) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD) $6,295.45,$6,145.88 Causeofdamage MostCited  Wakesfromboats(25) Others(i.e.,95%ofitfromGBRAlettingoutallthewaterafterfloods!5% wakedamage;Sinkageunderminingbulkheadover;weather)(3) 

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LAKENOLTE  Respondents’PersonalInformation  AsdisplayedbelowinTable79,overall,thesamplewascomprisedofrespondentswhowereolder (M=55.0years),welleducated(75.0%withcollegedegrees),white(95.0%)men(70.0%).While40 percent(40.0%)wereemployedfulltime,40percent(40.0%)alsoindicatedbeingretired.Last, householdincomeswereaboveaveragewithjustunderhalf(47.4%)reportingincomesinexcessof $100,000.  Table79.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 55.0,15.8 Gender(%,n) Male 70.0(14) Female 30.0(6) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless 0 9thto11thgrade 0 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 10.0(2) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 15.0(3) 16years(collegegraduate) 20.0(4) 17+years(somegraduatework) 20.0(4) Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 35.0(7) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 5.0(1) White,notHispanic 95.0(19) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican 0 NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 0 AsianorPacificIslander 0 EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 40.0(8) Homemaker 5.0(1) Employed,parttime 5.0(1) Retired,butworkingfulltime 5.0(1) Retired,workingparttime 15.0(3) Retired,notworking 25.0(5) Unemployed 0 Student 0 Other 5.0(1) 

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Table79.HouseholdInformation(cont.) HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 0 $25,000Ͳ$49,999 10.5(2) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 21.1(4) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 21.1( $100,000Ͳ$149,999 10.5(2) $150,000Ͳ$199,999 5.3(1) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 0 $250,000–$299,999 21.1(4) $300,000ormore 10.5(2)   BoatingExperience  Mostrespondents(86.4%)indicatedbeingactiveboaterswithextensiveexperience(M=26.1years)(see Table80).Themostpopularwatercraftusedonthelakewasafishingorbassboat(45.5%)followedby personalwatercraft(36.4%),andpontoonboats(31.8%).  Intermsofrespondentspreferredactivities,cruisingwascitedmostfrequently(31.6%)followedby wakeboarding(26.3%).Respondentstendedtoenjoythelakeingroupsofthreetofour(M=3.7) consistingoffamilyandfriends(52.4%).  Table80.ExperienceCharacteristics Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 86.4(19) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 26.1,15.1 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 55.2,69.0 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) Number eachboatyouuse. Used M,SD Speedboat,skiboat 13.6(3) .2,.4 Fishingorbassboat 45.5(10) .6,.5 Pontoonboat 31.8(7) .4,.5 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 25.0(7) .3,.4 Wakeboardboat 18.2(4) .2,.4 Highperformanceboat 4.5(1) .1,.3 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 36.4(8) .7,.9 Other(Pleasespecify 18.2(4) .3,.6 

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Table80.ExperienceCharacteristics(cont.) Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 5.3(1) Fishingorbassboat 36.8(7) Pontoonboat 15.8(3) Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 0 Wakeboardboat 21.1(4) Highperformanceboat 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 21.1(4) Other(Pleasespecify 0 Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 5.3(1) Cruising 31.6(6) Wakeboarding 26.3(5) Towinginflatables/watertoys 10.5(2) Fishing 15.8(3) Racingupanddownthelake 10.5(2) Other 0 Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 3.7,1.9 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself 9.5(2) Family 33.3(7) Multiplefamilies 0 Familyandfriends 52.4(11) Friends 4.8(1) Organizedoutinggroup 0 Businessassociates 0 Other 0 

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RespondentswererequestedtoidentifyfactorstheylikedmostaboutLakeNolte.Thecharacteristics theycitedasbeingmostenjoyableonthelakewastheabsenceofcrowds(n=7),thewaterquality(n=5) andacombinationofpristinecondition(n=4),andthefunassociatedwithenjoyingfavoredpasttimes (n=4).  Table81.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeNolte Whatdid SixMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Lesscrowded(weekend,latenight) 7 best 2. Water/lake(beautiful,calm,clean,beingbythewater/lake,constantwaterlevel, 5 about easypaddling) your 3. Affective(Escape,tranquility,peaceful,getaway,solitude,relaxed,fun) 4 visitsto 4. Nature/outdoor(Beingoutdoors,enjoyoutdoors/nature,Enjoyaestheticsof 4 Lake nature/landscape)  Nolte? 5. Socialbonding(withfriends,family,meetingpeople) 4 6. Activities(swimming,fishing,boating,wakeboarding,pontoonboatcruising, 4 skiing,cruising,entertainment;picnic,birdwatching,etc.)   CharacteristicsthatrespondentsindicatedlikingleastaboutLakeNolteprimarilyconcernedthewater quality(n=8).  Table82.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeNolte Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Waterquality(vegetation–e.g.,algaegrowth,hydroplant,lilypads;obstacles– 8 least e.g.,debris,floatingtrash;scummysurface;dirtywater;gravelbedsacross/under about thewater;sewercomesintoit;siltedareas;NBUdumpingsewerwaterinlake) your 2. Watercondition(Choppy,Rough;warm,cold,dangerous,stagnant,smell,water; 5 visitsto upstreamlake;lowwaterlevel;toosmallornarrow) Lake 3. Boattraffic 5 Nolte? 4. Wakescreatedbyothers 1 5. PWCs 6. Wakeboardboats 7. Inflatabletoys,tubes 8. Highspeedboats,skiboats 9. Problemwithaccess

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ConstraintstoBoatingonLakePlacid  Whilemostrespondents(86.4%)indicatedbeingactiveboaters,lessthan20percent(18.2%)indicatedthattheyboatedasoftenastheywould like(seeTable83below).Respondentswhoindicatedthattheydidnotboatasoftenastheywouldlikeweretheninstructedtoselecttheirlevel ofagreementwithaseriesofstatementsthatreflectedpotentialreasonsfornotboating.Themostcommonlyreportedreasonfornotboating wasthelackoftime(i.e.,item“k”–64.7%agreeingwiththestatement).  Table83.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 18.2(4)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflectfactorsthatinhibityourability    toboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects 

youropinion) Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly  Disagree Disagree Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 64.7 0 17.6 0 17.6 1.9 1.3 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 52.9 5.9 23.5 17.6 0 2.1 1.2 c. It’stoohotinsummer 41.2 29.4 11.8 11.8 5.9 2.1 1.3 d. It’stoocrowded 23.5 23.5 29.4 23.5 0 2.5 1.1 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 35.3 23.5 17.6 23.5 0 2.3 1.2 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 17.6 17.6 41.2 17.6 5.9 2.8 1.1 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 5.9 23.5 47.1 23.5 0 2.9 0.9 h. TheLakeistooshallow 23.5 11.8 35.3 29.4 0 2.7 1.2 i. Poorwaterquality 29.4 17.6 29.4 17.6 5.9 2.5 1.3 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 11.8 17.6 41.2 29.4 0 2.9 1.0 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 25.0 25.0 6.2 31.2 12.5 2.8 1.5 l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 11.8 5.9 17.6 52.9 11.8 3.5 1.2 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 29.4 0 17.6 52.9 0 2.9 1.3 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 41.2 17.6 29.4 11.8 0 2.1 1.1 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 41.2 23.5 35.3 0 0 1.9 0.9 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 35.3 17.6 23.5 17.6 5.9 2.4 1.3 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 17.6 23.5 35.3 17.6 5.9 2.7 1.2

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UseofAreaLakes  AlmostallrespondentsindicatedthatLakeNoltewastheirprimarylake(100.0%)andthelaketheymost frequentlyused(86.4%)withanaverageof39days(M=39.0)ofboatingoverthe2009season(seeTable 84).  Table84.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 70.0(14)  (yes,%,n  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeDunlap 9.1(2) 5.8,15.0 0 MeadowLake(Nolte) 86.4(19) 39.0,51.7 100.0(22) LakeMcQueeney 22.7(5) 5.4,11.8 0 LakePlacid 31.8(7) 4.1,5.5 0 LakeGonzales(H4) 0 0 0 LakeWood(H5) 4.5(1) .5,1.8 0 CanyonLake 4.5(1) 0 0 Other 0 0 0 Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) .9,2.4,0

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LakeAttachment  Overall,respondentsexpressedstrongattachmenttoLakeNolte(seeTable85).Whiletheyexpressedagreementwithmostofthestatements, enjoymentandtheopportunitytospendtimewithfamilyandfriendswerekeytotheirlakeaffection.  Table85.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree Disagree ConsideringLakeNoltepleaseindicatehowyoufeelaboutthelakebyrespondingtoeach ofthestatementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. LakeNolteisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatIenjoymost 9.1 9.1 22.7 27.3 31.8 3.6 1.3 b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake 13.6 9.1 9.1 45.5 22.7 3.5 1.3 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketodo 22.7 13.6 27.3 9.1 27.3 3.0 1.5 d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 9.1 13.6 22.7 40.9 13.6 3.4 1.2 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 9.1 9.1 22.7 40.9 18.2 3.5 1.2 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcanbemyself 13.6 18.2 36.4 18.2 13.6 3.0 1.2 g. Ireallyenjoythelake 4.5 4.5 9.1 36.4 45.5 4.1 1.1 h. Thelakemeansalottome 9.1 4.5 13.6 31.8 40.9 3.9 1.3 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsmetobondwithmyfamilyandfriends 9.1 9.1 13.6 18.2 50.0 3.9 1.4 j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththelake 9.1 13.6 27.3 18.2 31.8 3.5 1.3

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Boater’sStartingLocation  AlmostallboatersstartedfromeitherZone2(57.1%)or1(38.1%)(seeFigure28).  Figure28.NormalStartingLocation

   

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TravelingUpstream  Twothirds(66.7%)ofrespondentsindicatedtravelingasfarupstreamasZone3(seeFigure29).  Figure29.FarthestTraveledUpstream

   

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TravellingDownstream  AlmostallrespondentsindicatedtravelingdownstreamtoZone1(95.2%)(seeFigure30).  Figure30.FarthestTraveledDownstream

  

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AreasWhereBoatersSpentMostTime  RespondentsspentmosttimeinZones2(51.7%)through1(total=86.2%)(seeFigure31).  Figure31.AreaSpentMostTime

  

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AreasAvoided  AllrespondentsindicatedavoidingZone3(seeFigure32).TheyindicatedtheZonetobetooshallowand containedobstacles(seeTable86below).  Figure32.AreasAvoided

   Table86.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeNolte TwoMostCitedReasons N 1. Shallow 6 2. Obstacles 3 

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AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe  AreasthatrespondentsfeltunsafeweresituatedinZone1(40.0%),and3(40.0%)(seeFigure33). ReasonsthatrespondentsreportedtheseareastobeunsaferelatedtoZone3’sdepth(n=3),submerged obstacles(n=2)andwidth(n=1)andtheboattrafficinZone1(n=1)(seeTable87).  Figure33.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe

   

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Table87.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis FourMostCitedReasons N 1. Shallow 3 2. Obstacles 2 3. Narrow 1 4. Boattraffic 1  

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  PerceptionsofSettingDensity  Ingeneral,respondentsexpressedsomeconcernoverthelevelandtypeofuseoccurringonLakeNolte(seeTable88): x Whilehalfthesample(50.0%)indicatedtherewasneithertoofewoftoomanypeople,alittleover45percent(45.4%)indicatedthat theywouldhavepreferredseeingfewerpeople. x Almost70percent(68.2%)indicatedthatthenumberofpeopletheyhadseenonthelakeoverthe2009seasonwasaboutwhatthey hadexpected.Over22percent(22.7%)indicatedthatthatthenumberofpeopleonthelakewasalittlemorethantheyhadexpected. x While18percent(18.2%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatthenumberofpeopleencounteredoverthe2009seasonaddedlittletotheir enjoyment,36percent(36.4%)indicatedthenumberofpeopleencounteredhadnoeffectontheirenjoymentandafurther22percent (22.7%)indicatedthatthenumberofpeopleencountereddetractedalittlefromtheirexperience. x Overall,thereappearedtobelittleconcernoversafetyinlightoftheuseoccurringonthelake.Thirtysixpercent(36.4%)indicatedthat theythoughtthelakewasmoderatelysafeinlightofthenumberofboatsonthelake.Afurther22percent(22.7%)indicatedthatthey feltthelakewas“extremelysafe”. x Withregardtorespondents’perceptionofsafetyinlightofthebehaviorofotherboaters28percent(28.6%)indicatedfeeling “moderatelysafe”.Lessthanfivepercent(4.8%)indicatedfeeling“notatallsafe”inlightofthebehaviorofotherboaters. x Alittleover42percent(42.8%)indicatedfeeling“notatallcrowded”.  Table88.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeopleyou Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD encounteredonyourvisitstoLakeNolteforthe tohave tohave manynor tohave tohaveseen 2009season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew alotless  more more people lesspeople people people people  0 4.5 50.0 22.7 22.7 3.6 .9 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawonthelake Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD comparewithwhatyouexpectedtoseeonyour thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI visitstoLakeNolteforthe2009season?(%) expected expected expected expected expected 4.5 0 68.2 22.7 4.5 3.2 .8 

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Table88.PerceptionsofSettingDensity(cont.) Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawaffectyour Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M1 SD overallenjoymentofyourvisitstoyLakeNoltefor lottomy littletomy onmy alittle lotfrommy the2009season?(%) enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment 9.1 18.2 36.4 22.7 13.6 3.1 1.2 InlightofthenumberofboatsyousawonLake Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD Noltethisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufelt safe safe safe whileboating(%) 0 18.2 36.4 22.7 22.7 3.5 1.1 InlightofthebehaviorofotherboatersonLake Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD Noltethisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufelt safe safe safe whileboating 4.8 19.0 28.6 38.1 9.5 3.3 1.1 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyoudescribe Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  theboatingconditionsoutonthelakeduringyour crowded crowded crowded crowded visitstoyourLakeNolteforthe2009season?(%) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD 19.0 23.8 19.0 4.8 9.5 19.0 4.8 0 0 3.4 2.0 1Basedonresponses1through4

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PerceptionsofSocialConditions  Overall,thedatapresentedinTable89illustratethatboatersonLakeNoltesawfewareasofconcernregardingrecreationalusesoccurringon thelake.Whiletherewassomeconcernoverthesizeofwakesthrownbyboats(item“k”),waterquality(item“l”),andrecklessboating(item “m”),respondentsindicatedenjoyingtheirlakeexperience.  WhileTable89doeshighlightsomeareasofconcern,thedataalsoillustratethatrespondentsremainsatisfiedwiththe2009boatingseason expressingstronglevelsofagreementwithmeasuresoftheirenjoyment(item“a”),theconditionofthelake(item“c”),andthemoneythey spentduringthe2009boatingseason(item“e”)waswellworththeinvestment.  Table89.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutboatingexperienceonyourLakeNolte.Foreach Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly statement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsaboutyour Disagree Disagree visitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 4.5 0 28.6 28.6 38.1 4.0 1.1 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 33.3 28.6 23.8 9.5 4.8 2.2 1.2 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition... 9.5 14.3 28.6 33.3 14.3 3.3 1.2 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 14.3 28.6 38.1 14.3 4.8 2.7 1.1 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 0 0 19.0 38.1 42.9 4.2 0.8 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 23.8 4.8 23.8 38.1 9.5 3.0 1.4 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 4.09 31.8 27.3 0 0 1.9 0.8 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 27.3 18.2 22.7 22.7 9.1 2.7 1.4 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 19.0 19.0 42.9 14.3 4.8 2.7 1.1 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 22.7 22.7 18.2 31.8 4.5 2.7 1.3 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 13.6 13.6 22.7 18.2 31.8 3.4 1.4 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 14.3 23.8 14.3 33.3 14.3 3.1 1.3 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 4.5 18.2 45.5 22.7 9.1 3.1 1.0 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) 

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Table89.PerceptionsofSocialConditions(cont.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 27.3 27.3 27.3 9.1 9.1 2.5 1.3 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 13.6 18.2 31.8 27.3 9.1 3.0 1.2 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 45.5 18.2 36.4 0 0 1.9 0.9 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 27.3 13.6 31.8 13.6 13.6 2.7 1.4 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 36.4 13.6 18.2 27.3 4.5 2.5 1.4 experience  

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CopingwithAdverseConditions  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatehowtheywouldrespondtopotentialobstaclesrelatedtotheirboatingactivity.Thedatabelow indicatethatrespondentsdidnotconsidercrowdingaseriousissueonthelakeand,consequently,didnotaltertheirboatingactivity.  Table90.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonLakeNolte Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofLakeNolte 42.9 4.8 33.3 19.0 0 2.3 1.2 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeNolteinthefuture,Iwouldboatatearlier 33.3 9.5 38.1 14.3 4.8 2.5 1.2 and/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 14.3 14.3 23.8 33.3 14.3 3.2 1.3 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 33.3 0 42.9 19.0 4.8 2.6 1.3 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeNolteinthefuture,Iwouldboatonthe 42.9 4.8 19.0 33.3 0 2.4 1.4 weekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 35.0 5.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 2.9 1.6 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 28.6 9.5 28.6 23.8 9.5 2.8 1.4 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoLakeNolte 81.0 0 19.0 0 0 1.4 0.8 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 47.6 4.8 33.3 14.3 0 2.1 1.2 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 14.3 9.5 33.3 33.3 9.5 3.1 1.2 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 60.0 10.0 20.0 10.0 0 1.8 1.1 l. Boatedlessoften 38.1 14.3 19.0 23.8 4.8 2.4 1.4  

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PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions  Forthemostpart,respondentsweresatisfiedwiththephysicalconditionofthelake(seeTable91).Issuesthatwereofsomeconcernincluded factorsthatweretheproductofthebehaviorofothers.Forexample: x “Erosionofshoreline”–Fortypercent(40.0%)consideredthistobea“bigproblem”,andafurther35percent(35.0%)ofthesample consideredthistobea“moderateproblem”. x “Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats”–Thirtyfivepercent(35.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthistobe“abigproblem”andafurther 25percent(25.0%)referredtothisasa“moderateproblem”. x “Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft”–Twentyfivepercent(25.0%)ofrespondentssuggestedthisissuewasa“bigproblem”and anadditional40percent(40.0%)indicatedthatthiswasa“moderateproblem”. x “Litteronshoreline”–Twentyfivepercent(25.0%)indicatedthisissuetobea“bigproblem”andanadditional35percent(35.0%) thoughtittobea“moderateproblem”.

Table91.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        to    a    

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem comment Unable helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonLakeNolte?(%) 1 1 2 3 4 5 M  SD a. Litteronshoreline 15.0 25.0 35.0 25.0 0 2.7 1.0 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 40.0 25.0 20. 15.0 0 2.1 1.1 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 45.0 10.0 15.0 10.0 20.0 1.9 1.1 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 45.0 20.0 20.0 15.0 0 2.1 1.1 e. Enginenoise 40.0 25.0 10.0 25.0 0 2.2 1.2 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 70.0 15.0 5.0 0 10.0 1.3 0.6 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 40.0 30.0 25.0 0 5.0 1.8 0.8 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake 45.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 10.0 2.1 1.3 i. Erosionofshoreline 20.0 0 35.0 40.0 5.0 3.0 1.2 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 30.0 5.0 25.0 35.0 5.0 2.7 1.3 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 25.0 10.0 40.0 25.0 0 2.7 1.1 l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 65.0 15.0 5.0 10.0 5.0 1.6 1.0 

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Table91.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions(cont.) m. Thespeedofotherboaters 30.0 25.0 20.0 25.0 0 2.4 1.2 n. Fishhabitat 45.0 10.0 25.0 15.0 5.0 2.1 1.2 o. Habitatforbirds 65.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 5.0 1.6 1.1 p. Wildlifehabitat 65.0 5.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 1.7 1.1 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 50.0 10.0 20.0 15.0 5.0 2.0 1.2 r. Aquaticvegetation 50.0 20.0 20.0 5.0 5.0 1.8 1.0 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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ChangesOverthePastFiveYears  Twentypercent(20.0%)ofrespondentsreportedseeingpositivechangeoverthepreviousfiveyears. Themostfrequentlycited“positivechange”respondentsreportedseeingoverthepast5yearsreferred tobetterlakemaintenance(n=3;e.g.,removalofhazards/obstacles)(seeTable92).  Table92.PositiveChangeonLakeNolteOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanypositive n changesatLakeNolteinthe 20.0(4) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Betterlakemaintenance(i.e.,stumpmarker,more 3 changes? wildlife;Certainpartsoftheshorelinehavebeencleaned upandimprovedzone2mostly)  2. Moreresidentinvolvement(i.e.,restorationofhousing 1 developmentonnorthsidelandbythe123bridge)   Over40percent(42.9%)ofthesampleindicatedhavingseennegativechangeoccuroverthepastfive years.Themostcitedissueofconcernwastheperceiveddeclineinthelakecondition/waterquality (n=9)(seeTable93).  Table93.NegativeChangeonLakeNolteOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanynegative n changesatLakeNolteinthe 42.9(9) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Worseninglakecondition 4 changes? 2. Worseinwaterquality 4  3. Increaseinthenumberandsizeofboats 1  4. Others(i.e.,GBRAlosingcontrolofgateafterflood) 1 

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LakeManagementPreferences  Withregardtoissuesrelatedtothemanagementofrecreationalboatingonthestudylakes, respondents’preferencesvaried(seeTable94).Strongestsupportwasexpressedformanagingissues thatareoutsidethejurisdictionoflakeauthoritiesorthatarelogisticallylessfeasible: x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft(e.g.,jetskis)”– Over85percent(86.4%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport,ofwhich,half(50.0%)indicated “stronglysupport”. x “Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft”–Over85percent(86.4%)ofrespondents supportedthisproposition,ofwhich,half(50.0%)expressedstrongsupport. x “Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersandwakeboarders”–Over80 percent(81.8%)ofrespondentsofferedsupportforthisproposition,ofwhich,over50percent (50.0%)expressedstrongsupport. x “Trainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Alittlelessthan80percent(77.3%)ofrespondents expressedsupport,ofwhich,31percent(31.8%)indicated“stronglysupport”. x “Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators”–Over70percent(72.8%)percentofrespondents expressedsupport,ofwhich36percent(36.4%)checked“stronglysupport”. x “Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth”–Over63percent(63.6%)ofrespondentsexpressed supportwithmorethan22percent(22.7%)expressingstrongsupport.  Prospectiveactionsreceivingmixedsupportincluded: x “Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces”–Whileover30percent(31.8%)of respondentsexpressedsupportfortheproposition,36percent(36.4%)opposed. x “Providemoreaggressiveofenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations”–Whilefortyfive percent(45.4%)ofrespondentsexpressedsupport,27percent(27.2%)opposed. x “Citeboaterswhosemusiccanbeheardwithin100feet”–Whileover40percent(42.8%)of respondentsexpressedsupportforthisproposition,almost40percent(38.1%)opposed. x “Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly”ͲWhileover40percent(40.9%)of respondentsexpressedsupportforthisproposition,morethan40percent(40.9%)opposed. x “Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays”–Thirtyonepercent(31.8%)ofrespondents supportedtheproposedaction,whereas45percent(45.4%)opposedtheproposition. x “Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays)”–Over31percent (31.8%)supportedthepropositionandhalf(50.0%)opposedtheidea. 

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Table94.ManagerialIssue          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonLakeNolteforthe2009season,howdo Strongly Strongly youfeelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 54.5 9.1 9.1 13.6 13.6 2.2 1.6 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 27.3 9.1 31.8 13.6 18.2 2.9 1.5 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 13.6 13.6 27.3 22.7 22.7 3.3 1.4 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 47.6 14.3 9.5 19.0 9.5 2.3 1.5 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 28.6 9.5 19.0 19.0 23.8 3.0 1.6 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 27.3 13.6 18.2 18.2 22.7 3.0 1.6 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 18.2 9.1 18.2 31.8 22.7 3.3 1.4 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 9.1 4.5 0 36.4 50.0 4.1 1.2 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 4.5 0 9.1 36.4 50.0 4.3 1.0 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 9.1 0 9.1 31.8 50.0 4.1 1.2 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 9.1 0 13.6 45.5 31.8 3.9 1.2 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 4.5 9.1 13.6 36.4 36.4 3.9 1.2 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 31.8 13.6 22.7 18.2 13.6 2.7 1.5 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 22.7 27.3 18.2 9.1 22.7 2.8 1.5 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 63.6 4.5 4.5 18.2 9.1 2.0 1.5 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 50.0 9.1 22.7 13.6 4.5 2.1 1.3 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 9.1 0 27.3 40.9 22.7 3.7 1.1

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RestrictingActivities/WatercrafttoSpecificAreasofLakeNolte  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateareasofthelakewheretheywouldliketoactivities/watercraft restricted;i.e.designatedareasforactivitiesand/orwatercraft(seeFigure34).Thepiechartsbelow indicatetheZonestowhichrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldliketoseeactivities/watercraft restricted(i.e.,Zoneswheretheseactivities/watercraftshouldonlybepermitted).Asdisplayed,there waslittlezonalvariationinrespondents’preferences.Theuseofpersonalwatercraft,wakeboarding boats,andtowinginflatabletoyswerethewatercraft/activitiesthatrespondentsmoststrongly preferredtoberestricted.Therewas,however,littleconsensusontheareastowhichtheywouldlike theseactivities/watercraftrestricted.  Figure34.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas

 

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AdditionalManagementPreferences  Thirtysixpercent(36.8%)ofrespondentsindicatedhavingtakenaboatersafetyoreducationclass(see Table95).  While60percent(60.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthat“tougherrestrictions”werenecessary,there waslittleconsensusonthenatureofthoserestrictions.Whilecreatinglargernowakezones(22.7%) receivedstrongestsupport,therewassomesupportforotheractionsaswell.  Respondentswerealsoaskedwhetherornottheyfeltthelakesshouldbemanagedtosupportavariety ofrecreationactivities.Eightypercent(80.0%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatlakesshouldsupport variousactivities.Whilealloftheactivitieslisted(i.e.,waterskiing,wakeboarding,PWC,towing inflatables)receivedstrongsupport(amongthoseindicating“yes”tothepreviousquestion)withmore than60percentadvocatingtheiravailability,respondentsexpressedstrongestsupportforwaterskiing (87.5%)followedbywakeboarding(72.7%)andPWCuse(71.4%).  Table95.ManagementPreferences a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 36.8(7) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 60.0(12) LakeWood(H5)tolimitthesizeofwakesgenerated st nd bysomewatercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n)

Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 9.1(2) 13.6(3) 2.7 1.3 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 22.7(5) 9.1(2) 2.0 1.1 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 13.6(3) 13.6(3) 2.2 1.2 BanwakeboardingboatsonLakeNolte. 13.6(3) 4.5(1) 2.6 1.2 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageLakeNolteto 80.0(16) supportavarietyofrecreationalboatingactivities? (yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforLakeNolte? Waterskiing 87.5(14) Wakeboarding 72.7(8) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 71.4(10) TowingInflatables 61.5(8)

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PerceptionsofRegulationonLakeNolte  Respondentswererequestedtoindicateiftheyfeltmorecontrolswererequiredtopreventconflicts occurringbetweenlakeusers.Alittleover35percent(35.4%)indicated,“yes,”morecontrolswere required.Whilemorelawenforcementtomanagewakeboarding(n=2)wascitedmost,thespeedof otherboaterswasalsoofconcern.  Table96.ControlstoPreventConflicts DoyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededonLakeNoltetoprevent 35.4(35) conflictsfromoccurringbetweenlakeusers?(yes,%,n) Whatconflicts? Howshouldtheybemanaged? 1. Wakeboard(2) 1.Regulationonwakeboarding (1) 2. PWCs(1) 3. Speeders(1) 4. Otherboaters(1) 5. Highspeedboats(1)  6. Wakes(1)   Respondentswerealsorequestedtoindicateifthefeltmorecontrolswererequiredtopreventdamage totheenvironment.Almost40percent(38.8%)indicated“yes”.Forthoseanswering“yes”tothe questionofwhetherornotmorecontrolsrequired,respondentswerealsorequestedtoindicatewhat controlsmightbeneededtopreventdamagetotheenvironment.Themostcommondamagewas shorelineerosion.Controlsofboaters’wakesandboatspeedweremostoftencitedtocontrolthe damage.  Table97.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment DoyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededonLakeNoltetoprevent 38.8(38) damagetotheenvironmentbyboaters?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofdamage? Howshouldtheybecontrolled? 1. Erosionofshoreline,waterfront(2) 1.Nowakezone;wakecontrol; speedcontrol(2) 2. Wakes(1) 2.Limitwakeboard(2) 3. Trash(1) 3.Restricttraffic(1) 4. Bigboats(1) 4.Limitsizeandweightofboats (1) 5. PWCs(1) 5.Others(i.e.,Fenceoff endangeredplantings)(1)  

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ServiceProvision  Respondentswererequestedtoindicatewhetherornottheyfeltthattheservicescurrentlyofferedon LakeNoltewereadequate.Thirtysixpercent(36.4%)ofrespondentsindicatedthatadditionalservices shouldbeoffered.Ofthose,themostfrequentlycitedsuggestionsincludedadditionalboatrentals(n=3) andimprovingpublicaccess(n=3).  Table98.ServiceProvision AretherecertainfacilitiesorservicesthatshouldbeofferedonLakeNoltethatarecurrently 36.4(8) notavailable?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofservicesorfacilities? n 1. Services(i.e.,kayak,canoe,boatandjetskirentals;baitshop;ice;mechanic) 3 2. Access(i.e.,publicaccess;accessforswimmingandfishing) 3 3. Bettercommunication(i.e.,betterwayofreportingboatinginfractions) 2 4. Gas 1 5. Lawenforcement(Perhapsanareaofboatpatrolsonarealakestoprovidesafetyand 1 guidelinestoboatersthattendtobedangeroustoothersandtheenvironment) 6. Food 1 7. Publicareas(i.e.,publicpark)   

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ShorelineProperty  Seventypercent(70.0%)ofrespondentswereshorelinepropertyowners.Onaverage,theyindicated havingownedtheirhomefor10years(M=10.4)withover70percent(71.4%)indicatingthattheir lakeshorepropertywastheirprimaryresidence.Forthoseforwhomtheirlakehomewasasecondary residence,theyaveraged25(M=25.0)visitsoverthe2009season.  Fiftysevenpercent(57.1%)ofshorelinepropertyownersalsoindicatedowningadock,bulkheadorslip. Ofthese,lessthan10percent(9.1%)indicatedthattheirbulkhead/dock/sliphadbeendamagedby boatingactivitiesoccurringonthelake.Erosionandwakesfromboatswerecitedasthereasonforthe damage.  Table99.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeWood(yes,n,%) 70.0(14) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonLakeNolte(M,SD) 10.4,10.3 c. IsyourhomeonLakeNolteyourprimaryresidence?(yes,%,n) 71.4(10) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduringthepast 25.0,8.6 12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonLakeNoltehaveabulkhead,dockorslip?(yes,%,n) 57.1(8) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamagedfromboating 9.1(2) activitiesontheLake?(yes,%,n) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD)Ͳ Causeofdamage MostCited  1. Erosion(1) 2. Wake(i.e.,Anyboatthatcreatesawakecausesdamagethebiggerand thefasterthemoreit'sdamage)(1) 

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LAKESGONZALES(H4)ANDWOOD(H5)  KeyFindingsforLakeWoodandGonzales  OwingtothefewresponsescomingfromboatersonLakesGonzalesandWood,wepresentabrief summaryofthekeyfindings.  Respondents’Characteristics x Respondentswereapproximately60yearsold,male,andaveragedover30yearsofboating experience. x Mostrespondentsindicatedprimarilyusingeitheraspeed/skiboatorafishing/bassboat.  CharacteristicsLikedMost/LeastAboutLakesGonzalesandWood x Elementsthatrespondentslikedmostaboutthelakesincludedthepristine(undeveloped)shoreline, quietandcalmconditions,andtheabilitytoenjoyfavoredboatingactivities. x Issuesrespondentscitedlikingleastmostlyconcernedtheprevalenceofaquaticvegetation, submergedobstacles,andinadequatedepth.Publicaccesswasalsocitedasaconcern.  AreasUsedandAvoided x ForLakeWood,mostrespondentsreportedboatingupstreamfromWoodDaminZones2,3and4. Owingtothedepthandsubmergedobstacles,theareatheymostavoidedwasthemainbasin. x ForLakeGonzales,mostuseoccurredonthenorthernsizeofthemainbasin(Zone2)andfurther upstream(Zones3and4).Owingtothedepthandsubmergedobstacles,Zone1onthesouthern endofthemainbasinwasmostavoided.  PerceptionsofCrowding x Comparedtotheotherlakes,respondentsfromLakeGonzalesandWoodindicatedbeingmuchless crowded.Theyalsoindicatednotbeingasbotheredbyotherboaters.  LakeManagementPreferences x Issuesofmostconcerntorespondentsfrombothlakesconcerned: o Improvingpublicaccess; o Moreenforcementofrulesandregulations; o Establishingaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraftandtowing otherrecreationists; o Requiretrainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft;and o Dredgethelake. 

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LakeGonzales(H4)  Respondents’PersonalInformation  Table100.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 61.4,8.3 Gender(%,n) Male 90.0(9) Female 10.0(1) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless 0 9thto11thgrade 0 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 20.0(2) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 70.0(7) 16years(collegegraduate) 0 17+years(somegraduatework) 0 Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 10.0(1) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 8.3(1) White,notHispanic 91.7(11) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican 0 NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 0 AsianorPacificIslander 0 EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 25.0(3) Homemaker 0 Employed,parttime 0 Retired,butworkingfulltime8.3(1) Retired,workingparttime 16.7(2) Retired,notworking 41.7(5) Unemployed 0 Student 0 Other 8.3(1) HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 10.0() $25,000Ͳ$49,999 10.0(1) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 30.0(3) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 20.0(2) $100,000Ͳ$149,999 0 $150,000Ͳ$199,999 10.0(1) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 0 $250,000–$299,999 10.0(1) $300,000ormore 10.0(1)  

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BoatingExperience  Table101.ExperienceCharacteristics   Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 50.0(6) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 32.1,25.4 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 23.1,45.6 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) M,SD eachboatyouuse. Speedboat,skiboat 15.4(2) .20,.4 Fishingorbassboat 61.5(8) .83,.6 Pontoonboat 7.7(1) .10,.3 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 0 0 Wakeboardboat 0 0 Highperformanceboat 0 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 15.4(2) .22,.4 Other(Pleasespecify 15.4(2) .22,.4 Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 0 Fishingorbassboat 100.0(9) Pontoonboat 0 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 0 Wakeboardboat 0 Highperformanceboat 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 0 Other(Pleasespecify 0 Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 0 Cruising 11.1(1) Wakeboarding 0 Towinginflatables/watertoys 0 Fishing 55.6(5) Racingupanddownthelake 33.3(3) Other 0 Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 4.3,4.5 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself 9.1(1) Family 36.4(4) Multiplefamilies 0 Familyandfriends 36.4(4) Friends 9.1(1) Organizedoutinggroup 0 Businessassociates 9.1(1) Other 0  

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Table102.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeGonzales Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1.Convenience(Location,liveclosetothelake;easyaccess,ownproperty) 5 best 2.Activities(swimming,fishing,boating,wakeboarding,pontoonboatcruising,skiing, 3 about cruising,entertainment,picnic,birdwatching,etc.) yourvisits 3.Socialbonding(withfriends,family,meetingpeople) 1 toLake 3.Lesscrowded(duringweekend,latenight) 1 Gonzales? 3.Nature/outdoors(beingoutdoors,enjoyaestheticsofnature/landscape) 1   Table103.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeGonzales Whatdid FourMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1.Waterquality(vegetation–e.g.,algaegrowth,hydroplant,lilypads;obstacles–e.g., 3 least debris,floatingtrash;scummysurface;dirtywater;gravelbedsacross/underthe about water;sewercomesintoit;siltedareas;NBUdumpingsewerwaterinlake) yourvisits 2.Jetskiers,waverunners,PWCs(e.g.,racingjetskiersdoingdonuts!!!) 1 toLake 2.Behaviorofothers/drivers(inconsiderate,inexperienced,dangerous,discourteous, 1 Gonzales? drunk,noisy) 2.Problemwithaccess(Difficultyusingpublicramporlackofpublicaccess;noboat 1 rampclosetothelakeandtheresidentstherethinkthelakeisaprivatelakeforthem only) 

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Table104.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 9.1(1)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflectfactorsthatinhibityourability    toboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects 

youropinion) Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly  Disagree Disagree Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 70.0 30.0 0 0 0 2.2 1.9 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 40.0 20.0 20.0 10.0 10.0 2.3 1.4 c. It’stoohotinsummer 50.0 10.0 30.0 0 10.0 2.1 1.4 d. It’stoocrowded 50.0 10.0 30.0 10.0 0 2.0 1.2 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 70.0 20.0 0 10.0 0 1.5 1.0 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 50.0 10.0 30.0 10.0 0 2.0 1.2 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 30.0 0 40.0 30.0 0 2.7 1.3 h. TheLakeistooshallow 60.0 0 20.0 20.0 0 2.0 1.3 i. Poorwaterquality 18.2 18.2 36.4 18.2 9.1 2.8 1.3 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 30.0 20.0 30.0 10.0 10.0 2.5 1.4 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 20.0 40.0 20.0 20.0 0 2.4 1.1 l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 20.0 10.0 10.0 50.0 10.0 3.2 1.4 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 20.0 10.0 20.0 40.0 10.0 3.1 1.4 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 60.0 10.0 20.0 10.0 0 1.8 1.1 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 30.0 40.0 30.0 0 0 2.0 0.8 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 50.0 20.0 20.0 0 10.0 2.0 1.3 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 20.0 0 30.0 10.0 40.0 3.5 1.6

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UseofAreaLakes  Table105.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 53.8(7)  (yes,%,n)  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeDunlap 7.7(1) .2,.6Ͳ LakeMcQueeneyͲͲͲ LakePlacid Ͳ Ͳ Ͳ MeadowLake(Nolte)ͲͲͲ LakeGonzales(H4) 69.2(9) 16.9,42.4 81.8(9) LakeWood(H5) 38.5(5) 1.1,3.3 9.1(1) CanyonLake 23.1(3) .3,.7Ͳ Other 15.4(2) 1.0,2.1 9.1(1) Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) 4.3,6.5,1.5

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Table106.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree Disagree ConsideringLakeXpleaseindicatehowyoufeelaboutthelakebyrespondingtoeachofthe statementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. LakeXisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatIenjoymost 0 16.7 16.7 50.0 16.7 3.7 1.0 b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake 8.3 8.3 25.0 33.3 25.0 3.6 1.2 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketodo 0 33.3 41.7 16.7 8.3 3.0 1.0 d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 0 25.0 33.3 25.0 16.7 3.3 1.1 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 0 25.0 25.0 33.3 16.7 3.4 1.1 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcanbemyself 8.3 41.7 16.7 16.7 16.7 2.9 1.3 g. Ireallyenjoythelake 0 0 25.0 50.0 25.0 4.0 0.7 h. Thelakemeansalottome 8.3 0 33.3 33.3 25.0 3.7 1.2 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsmetobondwithmyfamilyandfriends 8.3 0 16.7 50.0 25.0 3.8 1.1 j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththelake 0 8.3 41.7 25.0 25.0 3.7 1.0

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Figure35.NormalStaringLocation 

  

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Figure36.FarthestTraveledUpstream 

  

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Figure37.FarthestTraveledDownstream 

 

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Figure38.AreaSpentMostTime 

  

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Figure39.AreasAvoided 

   Table107.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeGonzales ThreeMostCitedReasons N a. Obstacles(STUMPS;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbarunder 2 water) b. Shallow 2 c. PWCs(e.g.,JetSkis,waverunners) 1 

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Figure40.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe

    Table108.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeGonzales MostCitedReason N 1. Obstacles 3  

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  Table109.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeopleyou Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD encounteredonyourvisitstoLakeXforthe2009 tohave tohave manynor tohave tohaveseen season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew alotless more more people lesspeople people people people  9.1 9.1 72.7 0 9.1 2.9 .9 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawonthelake Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD comparewithwhatyouexpectedtoseeonyour thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI visitstoLakeXforthe2009season?(%) expected expected expected expected expected  15.4 15.4 30.8 0 0 2.3 .8 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawaffectyour Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M1 SD overallenjoymentofyourvisitstoyLakeXforthe lottomy littletomy onmy alittle lotfrommy 2009season?(%) enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment  16.7 8.3 66.7 8.3 0 2.7 .9 InlightofthenumberofboatsyousawonLakeX Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD thisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufeltwhile safe safe safe boating(%)  8.3 0 25.0 33.3 33.3 3.8 1.2 InlightofthebehaviorofotherboatersonLakeX Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD thisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufeltwhile safe safe safe boating  0 0 41.7 25.0 33.3 3.9 .9 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyoudescribe Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  theboatingconditionsoutonthelakeduringyour crowded crowded crowded crowded visitstoyourLakeXforthe2009season?(%)  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD  20.0 10.0 20.0 20.0 30.0 0 0 0 0 3.3 1.6 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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Table110.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutboatingexperienceonyourLakeX.Foreach Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly statement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsaboutyour Disagree Disagree visitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 0 20.0 10.0 50.0 20.0 3.7 1.1 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 20.0 60.0 20.0 0 0 2.0 0.7 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition... 30.0 20.0 10.0 40.0 0 2.6 1.3 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 30.0 40.0 20.0 0 10.0 2.2 1.2 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 0 20.0 10.0 50.0 20.0 3.7 1.1 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 0 10.0 20.0 50.0 20.0 3.8 0.9 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 36.4 36.4 9.1 18.2 0 2.1 1.1 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 36.4 45.5 9.1 9.1 0 1.9 0.9 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 36.4 18.2 27.3 9.1 0 2.4 1.4 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 27.3 36.4 18.2 18.2 0 2.3 1.1 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 27.3 27.3 27.3 9.1 9.1 2.5 1.3 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 9.1 18.2 36.4 27.3 9.1 3.1 1.1 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 18.2 45.5 27.3 9.1 0 2.3 0.9 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 9.1 18.2 0 9.1 63.6 4.0 1.5 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 27.3 36.4 27.3 0 9.1 2.3 1.2 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 54.5 18.2 27.3 0  1.7 0.9 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 45.5 18.2 27.3 0 9.1 2.1 1.3 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 36.4 18.2 18.2 18.2 9.1 2.5 1.4 experience  

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Table111.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonLakeX Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofLakeX 54.5 9.1 27.3 0 9.1 2.0 1.3 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeXinthefuture,Iwouldboatatearlier 36.4 9.1 18.2 27.3 9.1 2.6 1.5 and/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 18.2 18.2 27.3 18.2 18.2 3.0 1.4 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 36.4 0 54.5 9.1 0 2.4 1.1 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeXinthefuture,Iwouldboatonthe 27.3 18.2 36.4 9.1 9.1 2.5 1.3 weekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 18.2 9.1 36.4 18.2 18.2 3.1 1.4 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 9.1 9.1 54.5 9.1 18.2 3.2 1.2 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoLakeX 72.7 9.1 0 0 0 1.5 0.8 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 45.5 0 45.5 9.1 0 2.2 1.2 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 18.2 0 27.3 27.3 27.3 3.5 1.4 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 27.3 9.1 27.3 27.3 9.1 2.8 1.4 l. Boatedlessoften 63.6 9.1 9.1 0 18.2 2.0 1.6  

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Table112.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        to    a    

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem comment Unable helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonLakeX?(%) 1 1 2 3 4 5 M  SD a. Litteronshoreline 25.0 12.5 37.5 25.0 0 2.6 1.2 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 25.0 12.5 37.5 25.0 0 2.6 1.2 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 37.5 25.0 12.5 12.5 12.5 2.0 1.2 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 75.0 12.5 12.5 0 0 1.4 0.7 e. Enginenoise 87.5 0 12.5 0 0 1.2 0.7 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 87.5 0 12.5 0 0 1.2 0.7 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 25.0 37.5 12.5 25.0 0 2.4 1.2 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake  12.5 12.5 62.5 12.5 3.6 0.8 i. Erosionofshoreline 25.0 37.5 37.5 0 0 2.1 0.8 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 37.5 62.5 0 0 0 1.6 0.5 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 62.5 37.5 0 0 0 1.4 0.5 l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 50.0 25.0 12.5 12.5 0 1.9 1.1 m. Thespeedofotherboaters 62.5 25.0 0 12.5 0 1.6 1.1 n. Fishhabitat 50.0 25.0 25.0 0 0 1.8 0.9 o. Habitatforbirds 62.5 12.5 12.5 0 12.5 1.4 0.8 p. Wildlifehabitat 62.5 12.5 0 12.5 12.5 1.6 1.1 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 75.0 0 12.5 0 12.5 1.3 0.8 r. Aquaticvegetation 12.5 0 25.0 62.5 0 3.4 1.1 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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ChangesOverthePastFiveYears  Table113.PositiveChangeonLakeGonzalesOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanypositive 0 changesatLakeGonzalesin  thelastfiveyears?(yes,%,n)   Table114.NegativeChangeonLakeGonzalesOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanynegative n changesatLakeGonzalesin 20.0(2) thelastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Worseinwaterquality 1 changes?  

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LakeManagementPreferences  Table115.ManagerialIssue          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonLakeXforthe2009season,howdoyou Strongly Strongly feelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 18.2 0 45.5 9.1 18.2 4.2 3.8 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 18.2 27.3 18.2 9.1 27.3 3.0 1.5 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 9.1 9.1 36.4 9.1 36.4 3.5 1.4 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 9.1 27.3 45.5 0 18.2 2.9 1.2 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 9.1 27.3 36.4 9.1 18.2 3.0 1.3 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 27.3 9.1 27.3 0 36.4 3.1 1.7 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 27.3 0 27.3 18.2 27.3 3.2 1.6 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 9.1 0 36.4 9.1 45.5 3.8 1.3 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 9.1 0 27.3 27.3 36.4 3.8 1.3 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 18.2 0 9.1 27.3 45.5 3.8 1.5 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 9.1 27.3 9.1 18.2 36.4 3.5 1.5 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 18.2 9.1 36.4 18.2 18.2 3.1 1.4 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 36.4 9.1 27.3 9.1 18.2 2.6 1.6 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 36.4 0 54.5 0 9.1 2.5 1.3 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 30.0 10.0 40.0 10.0 10.0 2.6 1.3 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 20.0 10.0 50.0 0 20.0 2.9 1.4 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 0 0 9.1 18.2 72.7 4.6 0.7

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Figure41.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas 



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Table116.ManagementPreferences   a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 22.2(2) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 22.2(2) LakeWood(H5)tolimitthesizeofwakesgenerated st nd bysomewatercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n)

Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 100.0(1) 0 1.0 0 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 50.0(1) 0 3.0 2.8 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 100.0(1) 0 1.0 0 BanwakeboardingboatsonLakeX. 100.0(1) 0 1.0 0 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageLakeXto 25.0(2) supportavarietyofrecreationalboatingactivities? (yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforLakeX? Waterskiing 50.0(1) Wakeboarding 50.0(1) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 50.0(1) TowingInflatables 50.0(1)

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PerceptionsofRegulationonLakeGonzales  Table117.ControlstoPreventConflicts DoyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededonLakeGonzalesto 9.1(1) preventconflictsfromoccurringbetweenlakeusers?(yes,%,n) Whatconflicts? Howshouldtheybemanaged? 1.Noresponse 1.RegulationonPWCs(1)  Table118.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment Doyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededon LakeGonzalestopreventdamagetothe 9.1(1) environmentbyboaters?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofdamage? Howshouldtheybecontrolled? 1.Noresponse 1.Noresponse  Table119.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment Aretherecertainfacilitiesorservicesthat  shouldbeofferedonLakeGonzalesthat 30.0(3) arecurrentlynotavailable?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofservicesorfacilities?n 1. Foodservice(e.g.,restaurants,kiosks) 2 2. Greatpublicaccess 1 3. GasStation 1 4. Morerestrooms 1

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ShorelineProperty  Table120.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeWood(yes,%,n) 66.7(4) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonLakeX(M,SD) 13.5,7.7 c. IsyourhomeonLakeXyourprimaryresidence?(yes,%,n) 75.0(3) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduringthepast 10.0,0 12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonLakeXhaveabulkhead,dockorslip?(yes,%,n) 75.0(3) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamagedfromboating 0 activitiesontheLake?(yes,%,n) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD)Ͳ Causeofdamage MostCited 

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LakeWood(H5)  Respondents’PersonalInformation  Table121.HouseholdInformation Characteristic Age(years,M,SD) 58.36,17.0 Gender(%,n) Male 70.4(19) Female 29.6(8) Education(%,n) 8thgradeorless 3.7(1) 9thto11thgrade 3.7(1) 12thgrade(highschoolgraduate) 25.9(7) 13Ͳ15years(somecollege 14.8(4) 16years(collegegraduate) 18.5(5) 17+years(somegraduatework) 7.4(2) Masters,Doctoral,orProfessionalDegree 25.9(7) Race/Ethnicity(%,n) Hispanic 3.8(1) White,notHispanic 96.2(25) BlackorAfricanͲAmerican 0 NativeAmericanorAlaskanNative 0 AsianorPacificIslander 0 EmploymentStatus(%,n) Employed,fulltime 44.4(12) Homemaker 0 Employed,parttime 0 Retired,butworkingfulltime 14.8(4) Retired,workingparttime 7.4(2) Retired,notworking 29.6(8) Unemployed 3.7(1) Student 0 Other 0 HouseholdIncome(%,n) Lessthan$25,000 8.3(2) $25,000Ͳ$49,999 29.2(7) $50,000Ͳ$74,999 20.8(5) $75,000Ͳ$99,999 12.5(3) $100,000Ͳ$149,999 25.0(6) $150,000Ͳ$199,999 4.2(1) $200,000Ͳ$249,999 0 $250,000–$299,999 0 $300,000ormore 0 

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BoatingExperience  Table122.ExperienceCharacteristics   Areyouanactiveboateronarealake?(%,n) 51.6(16) Howmanyyearshaveyoubeenboating?(years,M,SD) 31.6,20.1 Howmanydaysdidyouspendboatingoverthelast12months?(days,M,SD) 23.1,45.6 Whattype(s)ofwatercraftdoyouuseonarealakes?Indicatethenumberof %(n) M,SD eachboatyouuse. Speedboat,skiboat 25.8(8) .33,.48 Fishingorbassboat 38.7(12) .71,.75 Pontoonboat 6.5(2) .10,.30 Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 3.2(1) .05,.22 Wakeboardboat 3.2(1) .05,.22 Highperformanceboat 3.2(1) .05,.22 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 6.5(2) .27,.63 Other(Pleasespecify 3.2(1) .05,.22 Whichofthesewatercraftdoyouusemostoften?(%,n) Speedboat,skiboat 23.5(4) Fishingorbassboat 58.8(10) Pontoonboat 5.9(1) Inflatablepulledbehindanotherwatercraft 0 Wakeboardboat 5.9(1) Highperformanceboat 0 PersonalWatercraft(PWC;e.g.,JetSki) 0 Other(Pleasespecify 5.9(1) Whatactivitydoyoumostoftenuseyourboatfor?(%,n)  Skiing 16.7(3) Cruising 38.9(7) Wakeboarding 0 Towinginflatables/watertoys 0 Fishing 22.2(4) Racingupanddownthelake 22.2(4) Other 0 Howmanypeopleareusuallyinyourboatinggroup?(M,SD) 4.9,3.1 Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourboatinggroup? Byyourself 8.7(2) Family 39.1(9) Multiplefamilies 4.3(1) Familyandfriends 34.8(8) Friends 8.7(2) Organizedoutinggroup 4.3(1) Businessassociates 0 Other 0  

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Table123.CharacteristicsMostLikedaboutLakeWood Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Affective(Escape,tranquility,peaceful,getaway,solitude,relaxed,fun) 6 best 2. Nature/outdoors(beingoutdoors,enjoyaestheticsofnature/landscape) 5 about 3. Socialbonding(withfriends,family,meetingpeople) 4 your 4. Activities (swimming, fishing, boating, wakeboarding, pontoon boat cruising, skiing, 3 visitsto           Lake cruising,entertainment;picnic,birdwatching,etc.) Wood? 5. Water/Lake(beautiful,calm,clean,beingbythewater/lake,constantwaterlevel, 2 easypaddling   Table124.CharacteristicsLeastLikedaboutLakeWood Whatdid FiveMostCitedCharacteristics n youlike 1. Waterquality(vegetation–e.g.,algaegrowth,hydroplant,lilypads;obstacles– 6 least e.g.,debris,floatingtrash;scummysurface;dirtywater;gravelbedsacross/under about thewater;sewercomesintoit;siltedareas;NBUdumpingsewerwaterinlake) yourvisits 2. Problemwithaccess(Difficultyusingpublicramporlackofpublicaccess;noboat 5 toLake Wood? rampclosetothelakeandtheresidentstherethinkthelakeisaprivatelakefor themonly) 3. Boattraffic,Crowded,holidaycrowds 3 4. Watercondition(Choppy,Rough;warm,cold,dangerous,stagnant,smell,water; 3 upstreamlake;lowwaterlevel;toosmallornarrow) 5. Costtoaccesslake(thelaunchingfees) 2 

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Table125.ConstraintstoBoating Doyouboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(yes,%,n) 26.7(8)     Pleaseindicatetowhatextentthefollowingstatementsreflectfactorsthatinhibityourability    toboatasoftenasyouwouldlike?(circleonenumberforeachstatementthatbestreflects 

youropinion) Agee Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly  Disagree Disagree Idon’tboatasoftenasIwouldlikebecause…(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. I’mnolongerphysicallyable 43.5 34.8 13.0 0 8.7 2.0 1.2 b. Ican’taffordtogoboating 17.4 34.8 17.4 21.7 8.7 2.7 1.3 c. It’stoohotinsummer 47.8 30.4 8.7 13.0 0 1.9 1.1 d. It’stoocrowded 8.7 26.1 34.8 30.4 0 2.9 1.0 e. IhavenowaytoaccesstheLake 26.1 30.4 21.7 21.7 0 2.4 1.1 f. TheLakeistoonarrow 13.0 26.1 26.1 34.8 0 2.8 1.1 g. Thebehaviorofotherboatersisunsafe 13.0 39.1 13.0 26.1 8.7 2.8 1.2 h. TheLakeistooshallow 8.7 13.0 26.1 21.7 30.4 3.5 1.3 i. Poorwaterquality 13.6 27.3 13.6 40.9 4.5 3.0 1.2 j. Otherboatersareinconsiderate 13.6 45.5 18.2 18.2 4.5 2.5 1.1 k. Publicaccessisinconvenient 9.5 38.1 19.0 14.3 19.0 3.0 1.3 l. Inolongerhaveenoughtime 13.6 31.8 22.7 13.6 18.2 2.9 1.3 m. WorkcommitmentskeepmeawayfromboatingontheLake 9.1 36.4 27.3 22.7 4.5 2.8 1.1 n. Myfamilynolongerhasaninterestinboating 18.2 45.5 31.8 0 4.5 2.3 0.9 o. Shorelineowners/residentsareinconsiderate 22.7 45.5 31.8 0 0 2.1 0.8 p. Attimes,thewatersurfaceistoorough 22.7 36.4 31.8 9.1 0 2.3 0.9 q. There’stoomuchvegetationinthewater 9.1 9.1 27.3 18.2 36.4 3.6 1.3

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UseofAreaLakes  Table126.LakeUsage Doyouhaveapreferredlakeforboating? 79.2(19)  (yes,%,n)  Lakesmost #ofDaysBoating Primarylakefor commonlyused intheLast12 boating(%,n) (%,n) Months(M,SD) LakeDunlap 6.5(2) .2,.5Ͳ LakeMcQueeney 9.7(3) .2,.5Ͳ LakePlacid 9.7(3) .2,.6Ͳ MeadowLake(Nolte) 6.5(2) .1,.5Ͳ LakeGonzales(H4) 16.1(5) 1.3,4.6Ͳ LakeWood(H5) 64.5(20) 7.6,14.1 95.8(23) CanyonLake 19.4(6) .5,1.0Ͳ Other 9.7(3) 1.2,3.2 4.2(1) Howfarbyroaddoyoutraveltothis[lake–GBRAlake](M,SD,Median) 9.5,9.2

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Table127.FeelingsaboutAreaLakes          Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree Disagree ConsideringLakeXpleaseindicatehowyoufeelaboutthelakebyrespondingtoeachofthe statementsbelow.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. LakeXisthebestlakefortheactivitiesthatIenjoymost 18.2 0 31.8 31.8 18.2 3.3 1.3 b. Ihaveastrongemotionalbondtothelake 9.1 4.5 27.3 36.4 22.7 3.6 1.2 c. Ican’timagineabetterlakeforwhatIliketodo 22.7 13.6 27.3 22.7 13.6 2.9 1.4 d. Ifeelthelakeisapartofme 13.6 9.1 22.7 31.8 22.7 3.4 1.3 e. Ifeelastrongsenseofbelongingtothelake 9.1 4.5 36.4 27.3 22.7 3.5 1.2 f. ThelakeisoneofthefewplaceswhereIcanbemyself 4.5 4.5 36.4 31.8 22.7 3.6 1.0 g. Ireallyenjoythelake 4.5 0 22.7 40.9 31.8 4.0 1.0 h. Thelakemeansalottome 4.5 4.5 22.7 40.9 27.3 3.8 1.1 i. Thetimespentboatingonthelakeallowsmetobondwithmyfamilyandfriends 4.5 0 18.2 40.9 36.4 4.0 1.0 j. Iassociatespecialpeopleinmylifewiththelake 4.5 0 27.3 40.9 27.3 3.9 1.0

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Figure42.NormalStaringLocation

  

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Figure43.FarthestTraveledUpstream

  

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Figure44.FarthestTraveledDownstream 

  

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Figure45.AreaSpentMostTime

 

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Figure46.AreasAvoided

   Table128.ReasonsforAvoidingAreasonLakeWood FourMostCitedReasons N 1. Obstacles(STUMPS;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbarunder 3 water) 2. Shallow 3 3. Boattraffic 1 4. Unsafe 1 

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Figure47.AreasBoaters’FeltUnsafe

   Table129.ReasonsBoaters’FeltUnsafeonLakeTravis FiveMostCitedReasons N 1. Shallow 3 2. Obstacles(STUMPS;especiallyunmarkedones;vegetation;rocks;sandbars;gravelbarunder 1 water) 3. Boattraffic 1 4. Behaviorofotherboaters 1 5. PWCs(e.g.,jetskiers,waverunners) 1 

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PerceptionsofLakeConditions  Table130.PerceptionsofSettingDensity  1 2 3 4 5  Howdoyoufeelaboutthenumberofpeopleyou Wouldlike Wouldlike Neithertoo Wouldlike Wouldlike M SD encounteredonyourvisitstoLakeXforthe2009 tohave tohave manynor tohave tohaveseen season?(%) seenalot seenafew toofew seenafew alotless more more people lesspeople people people people 9.5 19.0 47.6 9.5 14.3 3.0 1.14 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawonthelake Alotless Alittleless About Alittle Alotmore M SD comparewithwhatyouexpectedtoseeonyour thanI thanI whatI morethanI thanI visitstoLakeXforthe2009season?(%) expected expected expected expected expected 5.6 16.7 66.7 0 11.1 2.9 .9 Howdidthenumberofpeopleyousawaffectyour Addeda Addeda Noeffect Detracted Detracteda M1 SD overallenjoymentofyourvisitstoyLakeXforthe lottomy littletomy onmy alittle lotfrommy 2009season?(%) enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment frommy enjoyment enjoyment 0 10.0 60.0 20.0 10.0 3.3 .8 InlightofthenumberofboatsyousawonLakeX Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD thisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufeltwhile safe safe safe boating(%) 15.0 5.0 35.0 20.0 25.0 3.4 1.3 InlightofthebehaviorofotherboatersonLakeX Notatall  Moderately  Extremely M SD thisseason,pleaseratehowsafeyoufeltwhile safe safe safe boating 10.0 5.0 50.0 15.0 20.0 3.3 1.2 Usingthefollowingscale,howwouldyoudescribe Notatall Slightly  Moderately Extremely  theboatingconditionsoutonthelakeduringyour crowded crowded crowded crowded visitstoyourLakeXforthe2009season?(%) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD 20.0 0 15.0 20.0 30.0 5.0 0 0 0 4.1 2.1 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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Table131.PerceptionsofSocialConditions         

BelowaresomestatementsaboutboatingexperienceonyourLakeX.Foreach Agree Agree Neutral Strongly Strongly statement,pleasecircletheresponsethatbestdescribesyourfeelingsaboutyour Disagree Disagree visitsthisyear.(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyboattripsforthe2009season 5.3 0 26.3 57.9 10.5 3.7 0.9 b. Iavoidedmyfavoritepartsofthelakebecausethereweretoomanyboatsthere 20.0 45.0 15.0 15.0 5.0 2.4 1.1 c. Ithoughtthelakeanditssurroundingswereingoodcondition... 15.8 26.3 21.1 31.6 5.3 2.8 1.2 d. OtherboatscameclosertomyboatthanIlike 15.8 42.1 31.6 10.5 0 2.4 0.9 e. MyboattripswerewellworththemoneyIspenttotakethem 5.3 0 36.8 47.4 10.5 3.6 0.9 f. Therewasadequatelawenforcementpatrolsonthelake 5.6 5.6 16.7 33.3 38.9 3.9 1.2 g. IfIhadknownwhattheconditionsweregoingtobelikeforthe2009season,I 31.6 36.8 26.3 5.3 0 2.1 0.9 wouldnothavecometothelake h. Boatinginhighuseareasinvolvedtoomuchrisk 15.0 25.0 30.0 25.0 0 2.8 1.2 i. Theweatherwasnotfavorable 26.3 47.4 15.8 10.5 0 2.1 0.9 j. Enginenoisefromotherboaterswastooloud 35.0 30.0 20.0 15.0 0 2.2 1.1 k. Otherboaterscreatedmassivewakes 20.0 20.0 35.0 15.0 10.0 2.8 1.3 l. Iwasbotheredbypoorwaterquality(e.g.,contaminants,color) 15.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 10.0 2.9 1.3 m. Iwitnessedrecklessboatingoperationsbyotherboaters(i.e.,unsafespeeds, 10.0 40.0 35.0 10.0 5.0 2.6 1.0 dangerousbehaviors,etc.) n. Iencounterednuisanceaquaticvegetation(e.g.,extensivehydrillaandhyacinth 5.3 5.3 10.5 26.3 52.6 4.2 1.2 growth) o. Otherboatersplayedoverlyloudamplifiedmusic 10.5 57.9 21.1 5.3 5.3 2.4 1.0 p. Inearlyhadanaccidentonthelakebecauseofcrowdedconditions 26.3 57.9 15.8 0 0 1.9 0.7 q. Iwasbotheredbypersonalwatercraftcuttingtooclosetomyboat 15.8 52.6 21.1 10.5 0 2.3 0.9 r. Thepresenceofpersonalwatercraftinterferedwiththequalityofmyboating 15.8 52.6 26.3 5.3 0 2.2 0.8 experience  

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Table132.ResponsestoAdverseSocialConditions         not  Thefollowingaresomestrategiespeoplehaveusedtoavoidobstaclesthey   not are   this

mayfaceinstarting,continuing,orincreasingtheirinvolvementin  feelings feelings   does describes  on    recreationalboating.Pleasereadeachstatementbelowandcirclethe  does describes my my     feelings feelings numberindicatingtheextenttowhicheachstatementdescribesyour   feelings  my my

responsetostart,continue,orincreaseyourparticipationinrecreational   neutral My Clearly boatingonLakeX Clearly Somewhat describe describe  Somewhat InresponsetotheobstaclesIexperienced,I:(%) 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. DecidedIwouldboatatanotherareaofLakeX 45.5 13.6 27.3 4.5 9.1 2.2 1.3 b. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeXinthefuture,Iwouldboatatearlier 36.4 9.1 31.8 13.6 9.1 2.5 1.4 and/orlatertimesoftheday c. ToldmyselfthattherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit,soIjustenjoyedthe 18.2 9.1 36.4 22.7 13.6 3.0 1.3 experienceforwhatitwas d. Talkedtosomeonewhocoulddosomethingconcreteabouttheproblem 18.2 18.2 40.9 13.6 9.1 2.8 1.2 e. DecidedthatifIboatedonLakeXinthefuture,Iwouldboatonthe 31.8 4.5 31.8 27.3 4.5 2.7 1.3 weekdaysratherthanweekends f. Avoidedcertainlocations(i.e.,coves,bays,dams,ormarinas) 27.3 22.7 22.7 9.1 18.2 2.7 1.5 g. Toldmyselfitwasunreasonabletoexpectthatthingsshouldhavebeen 22.7 27.3 40.9 9.1 0 2.4 1.0 differentatthislocation h. PlannednottoreturntoLakeX 54.5 18.2 27.3 0 0 1.7 0.9 i. Boatedonnearbylakes 36.4 22.7 13.6 18.2 9.1 2.4 1.4 j. Triedtoviewthisconditionorsituationinapositiveway 19.0 9.5 38.1 19.0 14.3 3.0 1.3 k. DecidedthattheproblemwasaoneͲtimeoccurrence 42.9 14.3 38.1 0 4.8 2.1 1.1 l. Boatedlessoften 33.3 9.5 38.1 19.0 0 2.4 1.2  

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Table133.PerceptionsofPhysicalConditions        to    a    

Informationaboutvariousimpactsyoumayhavenoticedatthelakewouldbe Big Not Slight problem problem problem problem comment Unable helpfultolakemanagers.Towhatextentdidyoufindeachofthefollowingto Moderate beaproblemonLakeX?(%) 1 1 2 3 4 5 M  SD a. Litteronshoreline 10.0 40.0 35.0 5.0 10.0 2.4 0.8 b. Insufficientnavigationalaidsonthelake 25.0 35.0 15.0 5.0 20.0 2.0 0.9 c. Improperdisposalofhumanwaste 30.0 25.0 20.0 5.0 20.0 2.0 1.0 d. Loudmusicplayedfromwatercraft 45.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 10.0 2.0 1.2 e. Enginenoise 35.0 35.0 15.0 5.0 10.0 1.9 0.9 f. Conflictswithdocksovershorelinespace 40.0 30.0 5.0 5.0 20.0 1.7 0.9 g. Debrisatlaunchramps 15.0 20.0 35.0 10.0 20.0 2.5 1.0 h. Inadequatepublictoiletfacilitiesonthelake 15.0 25.0 30.0 10.0 20.0 2.4 1.0 i. Erosionofshoreline 20.0 35.0 20.0 10.0 15.0 2.2 1.0 j. Largewakesfromwakeboardingboats 25.0 25.0 15.0 25.0 10.0 2.4 1.2 k. Inflatables/watertoystrailingwatercraft 30.0 35.0 5.0 15.0 15.0 2.1 1.1 l. Notenoughpublicboatramps 25.0 15.0 25.0 25.0 10.0 2.6 1.2 m. Thespeedofotherboaters 35.0 5.0 35.0 15.0 10.0 2.3 1.2 n. Fishhabitat 50.0 10.0 20.0 0 20.0 1.6 0.9 o. Habitatforbirds 60.0 20.0 5.0 0 15.0 1.4 0.6 p. Wildlifehabitat 55.0 25.0 5.0 0 15.0 1.4 0.6 q. Theuseofinflatables/watertoysalongtheshore 55.0 25.0 5.0 5.0 10.0 1.6 0.9 r. Aquaticvegetation 10.0 20.0 15.0 50.0 5.0 3.1 1.1 1Basedonresponses1through4 

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ChangesOverthePastFiveYears  Table134.PositiveChangeonLakeWoodOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanypositive n 20.0(4) changesatLakePlacidinthe  lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Betterlakemaintenance 4 changes?   Table135.NegativeChangeonLakePlacidOverthePastFIVEyears Haveyounoticedanynegative n changesatLakePlacidinthe 35.0(7) lastfiveyears?(yes,%,n) If“Yes”,canyoudescribethose 1. Worseinwaterquality(trash,vegetation,debris,rocks 4 changes? 2. Increaseinthenumberandsizeofboats 2  2. Worseinlakecondition(erosionof 2 waterfront/bulkhead/land,depthreduction,causedby flood,silt)  4. IncreaseinthenumberandspeedofPWC 1   

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LakeManagementPreferences  Table136.ManagerialIssue          Neutral Oppose Oppose Support Support GiventheconditionsyouobservedonLakeXforthe2009season,howdoyou Strongly Strongly feelabouteachofthefollowingpotentialmanagementactions? 1 2 3 4 5 M SD a. Providemoreimprovedpublicaccesstothelake 9.5 14.3 4.8 23.8 47.6 3.9 1.4 b. Zonethewaterstoprovidespecificusesatspecificplaces 15.0 25.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 2.8 1.2 c. Providemoreaggressiveenforcementofsafetyrulesandregulations 10.0 10.0 40.0 15.0 25.0 3.4 1.3 d. Expandthenumberofmarinaslips 5.0 20.0 20.0 30.0 25.0 3.5 1.2 e. Citeboaterswho’smusiccanbeheardwithin100feet 15.0 30.0 25.0 15.0 15.0 2.8 1.3 f. Restrictpersonalwatercraftusetodesignatedareasonly 15.0 30.0 15.0 25.0 15.0 3.0 1.4 g. Establish"offlimits"zonestoprotectsensitiveresources 15.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 25.0 3.2 1.4 h. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortheoperationofpersonal 10.0 5.0 20.0 30.0 35.0 3.8 1.3 watercraft(e.g.,jetskis) i. Trainingfortheoperationofpersonalwatercraft 5.0 5.0 10.0 35.0 45.0 4.1 1.1 j. Establishaminimumageof15yearsfortowinginflatables,skiersand 5.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 35.0 3.7 1.3 wakeboarders k. Trainingforallwatercraftoperators 15.0 25.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 2.8 1.2 l. Onlinetrainingforallwatercraftoperators 10.0 25.0 35.0 20.0 10.0 3.0 1.1 m. Banningpersonalwatercraftonpublicholidays 35.0 25.0 25.0 10.0 5.0 2.2 1.2 n. Restrictactivitiesbydayorweekduringpeakuseperiods(e.g.,holidays) 40.0 30.0 15.0 15.0 0 2.0 1.1 o. Installmorepublicboatramps 15.0 20.0 5.0 15.0 45.0 3.6 1.6 p. Widenexistingpublicboatrampstoaccommodatemorelanes 5.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 35.0 3.6 1.3 q. Dredgethelaketoimprovedepth 5.0 15.0 10.0 10.0 60.0 4.0 1.4

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Figure48.ActivityrestrictiontoCertainAreas 



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Table137.ManagementPreferences a. Haveyouevertakenaboatereducation/safetyclass 42.9(9) before?(yes,%,n) b. Doyoufeelthattougherrestrictionsarerequiredon 35.0(7) LakeWood(H5)tolimitthesizeofwakesgenerated st nd bysomewatercraft? Percentrating1 or2   c. If“Yes”,forthepossibleregulationslistedbelow, priority st nd pleaserankͲorderyourmostpreferredtoleast 1  2  M SD preferred.(yes,%,n)

Bantheuseof“fatsacks”onthelake. 20.0(1) 60.0(3) 2.2 1.1 CreatelargernoͲwakezones. 33.3(2) 33.3(2) 2.0 0.9 Bantheuseofpersonalwatercraftonthelake. 20.0(1) 20.0(1) 3.0 1.6 BanwakeboardingboatsonLakeX. 33.3(2) 16.7(1) 2.5 1.4 d. DoyoufeelthatGBRAshouldmanageLakeXto 75.0(15) supportavarietyofrecreationalboatingactivities? (yes,%,n) If“Yes”,whichofthefollowingactivitiesdoyoufeel  aresuitableforLakeX? Waterskiing 69.2(9) Wakeboarding 58.3(7) PWC(e.g.,JetSki) 64.3(9) TowingInflatables 58.3(7)

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PerceptionsofRegulationonLakeWood  Table138.ControlstoPreventConflicts DoyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededonLakeWoodtoprevent 20.0(4) conflictsfromoccurringbetweenlakeusers?(yes,%,n) Whatconflicts? Howshouldtheybemanaged? 1. PWCs(1) 1. Morerestriction/lawenforcement(separateuseareas)(1) 2. Towing(skiandtoys)versusfishing(1) 2. Useofprivaterampsandprivateareas(parks)bythepublic(1)  Table139.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment DoyoufeelthatmorecontrolsareneededonLakeWoodtoprevent 15.0(3) damagetotheenvironmentbyboaters?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofdamage? Howshouldtheybecontrolled? 1.Trash(1) 1.Writetickets.Refuseentranceforrepeatoffenders(1)  Table140.ControlstoPreventDamagetotheEnvironment Aretherecertainfacilitiesorservicesthat  shouldbeofferedonLakeWoodthatare 30.0(6) currentlynotavailable?(yes,%,n) Whatkindofservicesorfacilities?n 1. Betterboatramps,better/saferaccesstoKiegerSough 2 area 2. Gas 1 2. Foodserviceareas(convenientstore;fastfoodservice) 1 2. Baitshop 1 

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ShorelineProperty  Table141.InformationaboutRespondents’ShorelineProperties a. DoyouhaveahomeonLakeWood(yes,%,n) 19.0(4) b. HowlonghaveyourownedtheresidenceonLakeX(M,SD) 29.2,25.5 c. IsyourhomeonLakeXyourprimaryresidence?(yes,%,n) 50.0(2) Ifnot,approximatelyhowmanydaysdidyouspendthereduringthepast 57.0,46.7 12months?(daysM,SD) d. DoesyourpropertyonLakeXhaveabulkhead,dockorslip?(yes,%,n) 100.0(4) Hasyourwaterfront(e.g.,bulkhead,dock,slip)beendamagedfromboating 75.0(3) activitiesontheLake?(yes,%,n) Whathasbeenthetotalcostofrepairs?($,M,SD) $2500.00,$0.00 Causeofdamage MostCited  Wake(1) Boats(1) 

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CONCLUSION&POTENTIALACTION  x Surveyfindings(fromboththeonlineandpostͲpublicmeetingsurveys)illustratethat,whileboaters verymuchenjoytheirboatingexperienceonallsixlakes,therearesignificantconcernsover crowding,thebehaviorofotherboaters,andsafety.Byfar,mostconcernovertheseissueswas expressedbyrespondentsdrawnfromLakesDunlap,PlacidandMcQueeney.LakesNolte,Gonzales, andWoodhavenotapproachedsocialcarryingcapacitylimits.Socialcarryingcapacityissuesonthe upperthreelakesaremostcriticalonpublicholidayweekends.Publicholidayweekendsalsoseea lotmorepersonalwatercraftusethanistypicallyobservedthroughouttheboatingseason. x ForLakesDunlap,PlacidandMcQueeney,primaryconcernrelatesto: o Thelevelofuse–especiallyonpublicholidayweekends.Thesecrowdedconditions exacerbateconcernsoverthebehaviorofotherboaters,safety,andboaters’ enjoyment/satisfaction. o Thesizeofotherboaters’wakesresultingindamagetoshorelinesandshorelinestructures inadditiontothedisruptionotherboaters’activities; o Carelessandinconsideratebehaviorofotherboaters(e.g.,travelingatunsafespeed); o Thevolumeofamplifiedmusic(i.e.,tooloud); o Theuseofpersonalwatercraft.Thisrelatestotheirbehavior(e.g.,jumpingwakes,cutting closeofotherwatercraft,speed)andnoise; o Thetowingofinflatablewatertoys(i.e.,zigͲzaggingincrowdedornarrowareasofthelake). x Tovaryingextents,otherissuesofconcernaffectingallsixlakesincludelakedepth(i.e.,shallowin areas)andsubmergedobstacles(e.g.,treestumps)andaquaticvegetation.  Toaddresstheseconcerns,weofferthefollowingpotentialactionsthatGBRAcouldimplementto managecurrentfutureuseandusesoftheirlakes:  Table142.PotentialManagementAction Proposition Need ApplicationsAcrosstheUS Banwatercraftwithsleeping Arealakesnotcapableof Oftenmanagedthough quarters supportingovernightuse regulationstargetingovernight use Banhighperformance Safetyconcernsrelatedtotheir Oftenmanagedthroughspeed watercraft size,speedandenginenoise limits.Banshavebeeninstituted onseverallakesinAlabama (LakesMartin,Weiss,&Harris), andhavebeencontroversial. Bansalsotargethigh performancePWCs. Bantheuseofairboats Safetyconcernsrelatedtotheir OnspecificUSACElakes,airboats exhaustfanandenginenoise arerestrictedfromsome environmentallysensitiveareas ofthelakes.Someordinances alsomanagetheirusethrough noiserestrictions. 

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Table142.PotentialManagementAction(cont.) Limitthelengthofboatstobe Safetyconcernsowingtothe Idaho,Connecticuthasboat equaltoorlessthan24feet. widthofthelakesandlevelofuse lengthlimitssetforspecific Limitthelengthofpontoon occurringonthelakes lakes.AcityinWashingtonstate boatstobeequaloflessthan (Kirkland),hasaboatlength 28feet restriction(24’)appliedatpublic boatrampsduringtheboating seasononly(4/1to10/31).In specialmanagementareasalong theKenaiRiverinAlaska,the stateprohibitstheuseof watercraftover21feet(also havea50hprestrictionandno twostrokeengines). Bantheuseofpontoonplanes Safetyconcernsrelatedtoplanes Mostoftenimplementedto withtheexceptionofthose takingoff/landingonthelake restrictuseinpristinesettings permittedbyGBRA whileboatingistakingplace (CA,NY,OR) Bantheuseoftowing Safetyconcernsduringpeakuse Wecouldnotfindany inflatablesonthe4thofJuly periods comparablerestriction.It publicholidayweekend appearsthatthetypeofuseand lakeconditionsmaketheselakes unique. Bantheuseofpersonal Safetyconcernsduringpeakuse Federalagencies(NationalPark watercraftonthe4thofJuly periods Service,NOAA)institutedor publicholidayweekend recommendedbansciting environmentalconcernsof impactsnvisitorexperiences. TheCityofAustinhasinstituted aPWCbanonLakeAustinfor publicholidayweekendsciting concernsoversafety. Permittinguseonarealakes Needforgreaterboater Permittinguseoninland education/courtesy.Permits waterwaysisnotuncommon acquiredaftertakingonline (e.g.,CityofFortWorth–Lake boatersafety/educationcourse. Worth;CityofArlington–Lake Arlington),acrossTexas TPWDoffersanonlineboater safety/educationcourse.A numberofotherstatesaround thecountryimposeaneducation courserequirementforthe issuanceofalicense 

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Table142.PotentialManagementAction(cont.) InstitutealakeͲwidespeed Safetyconcernsandshoreline Speedlimitsmostofteneffected limitof45milesperhour erosion withtheuseofnoͲwakezonesin covesandotherdesignated areasofalake.Somelakes aroundtheUShavelakeͲwide speedrestrictions(e.g.,Lake WinnipesaukeeinNew Hampshire)thatarealsosetat 45miles/hourduringthedayand 25miles/hourduringthe evening.  

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