Protecting Coastal Resources in Cuba: a Look at Current Laws and Institutions

A survey of 3,000 residents of Illinois and 375 county-level policymakers in east-central Illinois was conducted during spring 2003. Illinois residents were stratified by those residing in east-central Illinois (a region of the state dominated by agriculture) and the remainder of the state. Response rates were 49% for residents of counties in the East-central Illinois area of focus, 43% from residents of the remaining counties in Illinois, and 44% from county policymakers. A majority of Illinois residents (59%) rated water quality as the issue of highest importance out of a list of 10 community issues, including preventing crime and improving public schools. Illinois residents expressed greater concern about fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide contaminants in their drinking water compared to policymakers. This concern was higher among residents in east-central Illinois than other regions of the state. Significant differences existed between policymakers and members of the public in perceived risks from contaminants in runoff from agriculture, specifically fertilizers, pesticide, and herbicide residues, which were viewed as the greatest threat to surface water by Illinois residents. Significant differences in attitudes toward water protection, regulation, and enforcement were found between members of the public and policymakers for 11 (71%) of 15 statements measuring attitudes. In general, members of the public expressed greater concerned about water quality and water protection than policymakers. Discussion will include policy implications and potential conflicts over water quality in the agricultural Midwest, and impacts on coastal wetlands.