Public Comments, Natural Values, and Social-Ecological Dynamics at Point Reyes National Seashore

Abstract

Public comment is a common participatory process in U.S. federal agency rulemaking. This paper offers an interpretive content analysis of public comments solicited by the National Park Service. Comments involve agency proposals related to commercial ranching and wildlife protection at Point Reyes National Seashore. A review of history and theory from the social and environmental sciences is used to discuss how differing perceptions relate to social conflicts and ecological concerns in public natural space. A frame analysis is used to quantify and discuss conflicting values and beliefs about nature in the comments. Results suggest higher participation of women, a disconnect between administrative intent and public perception about the participatory process itself, and a majority orientation toward intrinsic values of nature and wild species.