M.Sc. in Natural Resources

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Between 2017-19, Holden worked with Dr. Kris Stepenuck to research  winter maintenance practices and possible surface water impacts from road salt. This mixed-methods research identified the current practices of private contractors through quantitative survey data and used these findings to inform qualitative interviews to further explore the barriers and motivations of private contractors to adopt best management practices.

Study findings have been applied towards recommendations for community-based social marketing outreach and learning opportunities for contractors, such as informing the annual Lake Champlain Deicing Conference. Ultimately the study and recommendations aim to increase private contractors’ awareness of environmental and economic outcomes of their practices and lower barriers to adopting new, lower salt best management practices.

Holden is interested in increasing the ways that communities are involved in water management decisions, and you can learn more about his current work past graduation.

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