Stakeholder perspectives: An important component for applying total maximum daily load science

Abstract

This paper compares stakeholder perceptions of uncertainty of the sediment load predictions from each of two modeling methods. A stochastic approach to sediment load prediction using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model provides statistical data sufficient to develop probability distributions. The other method, a traditional deterministic approach called the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE), computes a sediment load caused by a selected rainfall frequency and date of event. We explain the sediment load prediction methodologies and present results of each approach in the context of the study of stakeholder perceptions of model uncertainty. Three focus groups of stakeholders (science and technical professionals, environmentalists, and producers) agreed that more information provided by the stochastic method was helpful to them as stakeholders for decision making. With advances in computing technology, stochastic models can now be used beyond the research setting and applied to nonpoint source control planning by state agencies. Connecting the natural resource sciences and the social sciences methodologies provided valuable insights into how to better engage stakeholders in understanding and making decisions about soil erosion control.