DOI: 10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtk3
title: Data from: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative human wellbeing survey

description: This dataset represents a comprehensive exploration of ecosystem
 restoration practices and their impacts on both ecological and human
 wellbeing indicators. Traditionally, ecosystem restoration efforts have
 focused on ecological benchmarks such as water and habitat quality,
 species abundance, and vegetation cover. However, there is an increasing
 recognition of the interplay between restoration and human communities,
 evidenced by positive socio-ecological connections like property value,
 natural hazard mitigation, recreation opportunities, and overall
 happiness. With the United Nations declaring 2021-2030 as the "Decade
 of Ecosystem Restoration" and a push for more socio-ecological goals
 in restoration, this dataset delves into the degree to which restoration
 practitioners consider human wellbeing. It is based on a case study of the
 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a federally funded program that
 has awarded over $3.5 billion to 5,300 projects. A total of 1,574 GLRI
 projects were surveyed, with 437 responses received, revealing that almost
 half of these projects set human wellbeing goals, and more than 70%
 believed they achieved them. In comparison, 90% of project managers
 believed they met their ecological goals. This dataset highlights the
 documented perceptions of positive impacts on both people and nature,
 suggesting that restoration efforts often go beyond traditional
 indicators. As such, it advocates for the adoption of a socio-ecological
 perspective in ecosystem restoration programs to comprehensively document
 the full extent of restoration outcomes. The data collection process
 included a survey methodology, and the dataset provides insights into
 project design, implementation, and success measurements. The data was
 collected between November 2020 and March 2021, with a maximum of three
 contact attempts for each project. It offers a unique perspective on the
 relationship between ecosystem restoration and human wellbeing,
 emphasizing the importance of capturing the often "unseen"
 benefits of these projects.
description: Data collection involved a survey method for evaluating 1,574
 projects related to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The
 definition of restoration was broad, encompassing various aspects of
 improvement determined by project managers. Human wellbeing was assessed
 using defined components. Local recipient organizations from the GLRI
 database were identified as representatives for the projects. After three
 contact attempts, we received 437 completed project surveys, resulting in
 a 27.9% response rate. Notably, out of the 406 recipient organizations
 responsible for these projects, we received survey responses from 205
 unique recipient organizations, achieving a 50.5% response rate. The
 number of surveys completed per recipient organization ranged from 1 to
 36. The initial email script requested recipient organizations to
 discreetly forward the survey to the relevant internal project managers.
 Consequently, we lack precise information on the total number of
 individual survey participants. We included 14 incomplete responses in our
 analysis and resolved 9 duplicate submissions by considering the more
 comprehensive survey. In addition, we encountered five refusals, with one
 being an outright refusal and four indicating that the project managers
 were no longer affiliated with the organization. The survey was conducted
 between November 2020 and March 2021, with a maximum of three contact
 attempts. Recipients were informed of the voluntary nature of
 participation, data confidentiality, and data de-identification. The
 initial email included project details and a unique survey ID#, and
 reminders were sent in January and March 2021. Contact information for the
 research team was provided in all communications.
description: # Great Lakes Restoration Initiative human wellbeing survey
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtk3](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtk3) This is a SPSS survey data file. ## Description of the data and file structure This dataset can be used to assess the effectiveness of the ecological and human wellbeing outcomes from ecological restoration. Survey Purpose: * Sent to project managers overseeing GLRI-funded infrastructure, ecological, or human wellbeing interventions. * Gathers data on project details, public engagement, monitoring, and improvements in water quality, biodiversity, recreation, or flood control. Survey Content: * Basic project information. * Regulatory/policy areas covered by the project. * Beneficial Use Impairments targeted. * Duration of GLRI funding. * Goals of the project. * Coastal resilience strategies employed. * Project design process details. * Public outreach and engagement efforts. * Consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion. * Economic analysis of the project. * Ecological/biological monitoring details and findings. * Assessment of project success in meeting ecological/biological goals. * Human wellbeing monitoring details and findings. * Assessment of project success in meeting human wellbeing goals. * Availability of final project report and monitoring dataset. Specific Questions:  Please note: In SPSS, you can toggle between the data view and variable view tabs in order to see the survey responses as well as the question ID#, the actual question, and the available response options.  | Q2 | To begin, please enter the unique Survey ID# for your project. | | :------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Q4\_7 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Clean Water Act | | Q4\_6 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Endangered Species Act | | Q4\_8 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) | | Q4\_1 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Area of Concern (AOC) | | Q4\_2 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) | | Q4\_10 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Brownfields | | Q4\_11 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Superfund | | Q4\_9 | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q4\_9\_TEXT | Does this project fall within any of the following regulatory or policy areas? \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q5\_1 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 1. Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption | | Q5\_2 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 2. Tainting of Fish and Wildlife Flavor | | Q5\_3 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 3. Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations | | Q5\_4 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 4. Fish Tumors or Other Deformities | | Q5\_5 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 5. Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems | | Q5\_6 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 6. Degradation of Benthos | | Q5\_7 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 7. Restrictions on Dredging Activities | | Q5\_8 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 8. Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae | | Q5\_9 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 9. Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption or Taste and Odor Problems | | Q5\_10 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 10. Beach Closings | | Q5\_11 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 11. Degradation of Aesthetics | | Q5\_12 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 12. Added Costs to Agriculture or Industry | | Q5\_13 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 13. Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Populations | | Q5\_14 | Please indicate which Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were targeted. \[Please check all that apply] 14. Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat | | Q6\_1 | How many unique fiscal years of GLRI funding did this project receive including feasibility, design, implementation, and monitoring? \[Please slide the tab to indicate the number of years] - Years of funding received: | | Q7\_6 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To build coastal resilience to hazards like erosion, storm surge, and flooding using built infrastructure or nature based solutions. (i.e. Resilient systems recover in a timely and efficient manner) | | Q7\_18 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To improve human wellbeing (e.g. create recreation opportunities like fishing, hunting, birding, or hiking, revitalization, raise property value, create jobs, reduce flood-related property damage). | | Q7\_21 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To implement land or water management actions to control invasive species, mitigate pollution, reduce erosion, improve water quality, restore degraded ecosystems, remove dams or fish passage barriers, create habitat, or dredge/remediate sediment or toxic substances. | | Q7\_23 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To implement species management actions like culling over-abundant deer, nest protection, fish stocking, offsite rehabilitation or propagation, reintroductions, or translocations. | | Q7\_5 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To construct green infrastructure (e.g. Bioswales, rain garden, pervious pavement, green roof) or perform routine maintenance on water control structures or other infrastructure. | | Q7\_9 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To acquire land or designate a protected area for conservation. (e.g. purchase, easement, or donation to an agency). | | Q7\_3 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To address a maritime related environmental issue (e.g. boat cleaning stations, ballast water inspections or treatments, or other boat related aquatic invasive treatment). | | Q7\_24 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice To work with private landowners, through financial incentives or training, to implement best practices on their property to improve conservation outcomes. (e.g. Farm Bill, EQIP, or other incentive-based programs) | | Q7\_13 | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q7\_13\_TEXT | Please indicate what goals the project was designed to accomplish. \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q8\_1 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Seawall/Bulkhead | | Q8\_2 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Revetment/ Rip-rap | | Q8\_3 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Beach Nourishment | | Q8\_4 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Shoreline re-vegetation (Living shoreline) | | Q8\_11 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Bottom-land re-vegetation | | Q8\_5 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Floating islands | | Q8\_6 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Geotubes | | Q8\_7 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Reef construction/restoration | | Q8\_8 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Dune construction/restoration | | Q8\_10 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Shoreline softening | | Q8\_13 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Wetland protection/restoration/enhancement | | Q8\_9 | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q8\_9\_TEXT | Please indicate which coastal resilience strategies were included in the project.  \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q11 | Was the project linked to a local or regional plan (e.g. Lake Wide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs), Remedial Action Plan, master, watershed, or restoration plans)? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q12 | Was the project linked to an internal agency or organizational long-term mission/vision? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q13 | Did this project require a NEPA process and Environmental Impact Statement? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q14\_3 | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice No public outreach or engagement was conducted. | | Q14\_7 | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Local partners and/or consultants were contacted to provide input, but the general public was not engaged. | | Q14\_1 | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Public comment/input was collected as part of a regulatory scoping process, through local meetings, or an online forum. | | Q14\_2 | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Stakeholder outreach and engagement were conducted to raise awareness about the project and its outcomes. (e.g. newspaper articles, press releases, radio announcements, flyers, or events) | | Q14\_4 | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice A local Advisory Board, that included community members, was formed to provide input about the project. | | Q14\_6 | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q14\_6\_TEXT | Did the project conduct any public outreach or engagement? (e.g. Public scoping through a meeting, an online forum, or door to door) \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q15\_3 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice N/A The project did not directly impact a community given geographic isolation or another reason. | | Q15\_1 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice The need for low-income housing was considered during the planning process. | | Q15\_4 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Local participation in the planning process was representative of the local population or recreation user base. | | Q15\_5 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice The specific needs of a local renter population were considered. | | Q15\_2 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice The project design included planning to improve recreational access for youth, at-risk, and under-served populations. | | Q15\_6 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Interpretive programs for youth, at-risk, and under-served populations were created. | | Q15\_8 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice The project design process engaged tribal groups or considered Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). | | Q15\_7 | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q15\_7\_TEXT | Did the project specifically address diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g. at-risk, minority, and low-income population needs)? \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q16\_1 | Did the project justification include an economic analysis? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Cost-benefit analysis | | Q16\_4 | Did the project justification include an economic analysis? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Return on Investment (ROI) | | Q16\_5 | Did the project justification include an economic analysis? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Property value projection | | Q16\_6 | Did the project justification include an economic analysis? \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q16\_6\_TEXT | Did the project justification include an economic analysis? \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q17 | Would you be willing to share the results of the economic analyses? \[Please check yes if you are willing and able to share the results] | | Q19 | Was this project designed to improve the ecological/biological conditions at the project site (e.g. biodiversity, habitat, water quality, or pollution reduction)? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q20 | Did the planning process for this project predetermine appropriate ecological/biological indicators to measure if the goals were reached? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q21 | Was a baseline ecological/biological condition assessed before the project implementation? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q22 | Please describe the extent of the monitoring performed to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project. \[Please check one] | | Q23\_4 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Water quality sampling (For nutrients, sediment, metals, toxic substances) | | Q23\_6 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Biodiversity or population (e.g. Bird counts, fish surveys, or other surveys) | | Q23\_7 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Habitat improvement or quality study | | Q23\_8 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Invasive species survey | | Q23\_9 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Vegetation cover (e.g. Photo monitoring) | | Q23\_10 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Coastal or riparian erosion rate reduction (Aerial observation) | | Q23\_11 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q23\_11\_TEXT | What type of monitoring was done to assess the ecological/biological impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q24 | Please describe the level of ecological/biological benefits found through the project monitoring. \[Please check one] | | Q25 | In your opinion, this project was successful at meeting ecological/biological project goals. \[Please check one] | | Q27 | Was this project designed to improve human wellbeing (e.g. improve recreation, facilitate economic revitalization, raise property value, create jobs, improve public health, improve happiness, build social cohesion)? \[Please check yes or no] | | Q28 | Did the planning process for this project predetermine appropriate human wellbeing indicators to measure if the project goals were reached? | | Q29 | Was a baseline human wellbeing condition assessed before the project implementation? (e.g. a public health/opinion survey or case study) \[Please check yes or no] | | Q30 | Please describe the extent of the monitoring performed to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project. \[Please check one] | | Q31\_4 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Living Standards and Work (Examples: project monitored if property values changed or if jobs were created) | | Q31\_5 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Public Health (Examples: project tested water quality or pollution specifically for public health reasons) | | Q31\_6 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Social Cohesion (Examples:  Community involvement in design, implementation, and inauguration; volunteer efforts were measured) | | Q31\_7 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Education (Examples: project monitored the number of interpretive programs or attendance at outreach events) | | Q31\_8 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Safety and Security (Examples: Project monitored storm surge, property damage, or the number of insurance claims) | | Q31\_9 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Leisure and Connection to Nature (Examples: Number of visitors, ecotourism business using space, rec. equipment rentals) | | Q31\_10 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Governance (Examples: Project improved community rating system (CRS) score or reduced flood insurance premiums) | | Q31\_13 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Life Satisfaction and Happiness (Examples: Revitalization, community perception/satisfaction study) | | Q31\_16 | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Selected Choice Other | | Q31\_16\_TEXT | What type of monitoring was done to assess the human wellbeing impact of the project?  \[Please check all that apply] - Other - Text | | Q32 | Please describe the level of human wellbeing benefits found through the project monitoring. \[Please check one] | | Q33 | In your opinion, this project was successful at meeting human wellbeing project goals. \[Please check one] | | Q35 | Is there a final report for this project that you would be willing to share? \[Please check yes if you are willing and able to share this project's documents] | | Q36 | Is there a monitoring data set that found ecological/biological or human well-being benefits that you would be willing to share? \[Please check yes if you are willing and able to share the data set] | | Q37 | If you have any additional comments or feedback about the survey or research project, please provide your thoughts below. | | Account | Is a report or data available? | The following variables were created from the survey responses or the GLRI database to answer specific research questions.  | Time\_Since\_Complete | The number of years since the project was completed. | | :-------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Award\_Amount | The total $ amount invested in the project. | | Project\_Score | To calculate the project score, this variable sums multiple variables described below (Plan\_Sum, Eco\_Sum, HWB\_Sum). | | Money\_Binned | This variable binned the award amount into 5 equal bins (1 to 5). | | Time\_Binned | This variable binned the time since completion into 5 equal bins (1 to 5). | | Input\_y\_N | Did the project receive public input, yes or no? | | DEI\_Y\_N | Did the project consider Diversity, equity, or inclusion, yes or no? | | ECON\_Y\_N | Did the project conduct an economic analysis, yes or no? | | Plan\_Sum | To calculate the planning score, this variables sums multiple questions (Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14, Q15, Q16). \[1 point for each positive response to the questions] | | Eco\_Sum | To calculate the ecological score, this variable sums multiple questions (Q20, Q21, Q22, Q24). \[1 point for each positive response to the questions] | | HWB\_Sum | To calculate the human wellbeing score, this variable sums multiple questions (Q28, Q29, Q30, Q32). \[1 point for each positive response to the questions] | | ECO\_M\_Scaling | This variable scores the amount of ecological monitoring from 0 to 3. | | ECO\_B\_Scaling | The variables score the amount of ecological benefits found from 0 to 3. | | HWB\_M\_Scaling | This variable scores the amount of human wellbeing monitoring from 0 to 3. | | HWB\_B\_Scaling | The variables score the amount of human wellbeing benefits found from 0 to 3. | ## Sharing/Access information Data was derived from the following sources: * A online survey