Human dimensions of aquatic invasive species transport at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Since the January 2007 discovery of quagga mussels ( Dreissena rostriformis bugensis ) at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the National Park Service has worked with numerous agencies and partners to prevent further spread of invasive species through inspection and decontamination of recreational vessels and boater education programs. We applied geographic and demographic analysis techniques to data collected at inspection and decontamination stations within the park and data from inspection stations across the western United States to better understand the visitor boating population. Using ArcGIS ESRI Tapestry software and the home zip codes of recreational boaters whose vessels were inspected within the park, we classified local and non-local boaters into demographic groups with the goal of developing more targeted educational programs. Demographic results indicate distinctive trends within the boating population including: higher median incomes, high levels of education, and boat owner median ages in the mid-30s. Economic and behavioral patterns of Lake Mead boater demographics combined with a synthesis of available research on behavior change in environmental campaign design demonstrate the need for targeted outreach to increase the effectiveness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) programs and further reduce AIS transmission risk.