Getting access.

I've divided my research into three parts. Two parts are desktop-based aerial imagery analysis projects. For the third study though, I'll be in the field looking at real impacts to mangroves on residential properties.

To do this, I need roughly 60 individuals to give me their permission to stomp around in their yards and measure their trees. Shouldn't be too challenging, right? Particularly considering that there are roughly 2.6 million residents living along my study system, the Indian River Lagoon!

 

However, I've selected a narrow section of this large population to study. I am looking for properties in which permitted impacts to mangrove canopies have occurred so the criteria for inclusion are that participants must:

• Be waterfront property owners

• Have (or have once had) mangroves on site

• Have received a permit to impact those mangroves.

That cuts my population significantly (down to 120, to be exact). So, I need at least HALF of these folks to grant me site access. When I said this during my dissertation defense, I observed, perhaps, a little apprehension on the part of my committee.

So, how to do it? The first step is through a letter requesting access. This week and next, I'll be combing through a few files to retrieve address information...

 

…and then I'll send out the 120 letters.

My letters explain my research, why the potential participant has been selected, and has a QR code and web address to an online (very brief) survey that people can use to grant access to their property.

 

My thinking here? If I got a letter of invitation to participate in a research project and had to pick up the phone or mail something back, it might not get done. So, assuming that other people are as busy (or preoccupied) as I am, I've set it up so that they can grant me site access from their smart phones.

I'll post again when the responses start rolling in (I hope!). The next step will likely involve several dozen Starbucks gift cards and a little salesmanship.

By the way, if you would like to learn more about mangroves and why they're protected in Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection is offering a webinar open to the public which should be fantastic! You can register at: http://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/122700696...