Program Evaluation
Introduction
At various times throughout the project's life an OSU Extension project team member's role was
to conduct evaluation on the project's programs. Evaluation must consider the perceptions and
expectations of various audiences, as well as the technical issues of which methodology to use
in gathering the data. Evaluation during the life of a program is not simple but is useful and
necessary to do through all stages of a project's life. When considering program accountability,
evaluation plays an important role. The evaluation efforts on the watershed focused on three
areas which were: I. Needs Assessment; II. Program Performance/Accountability; and III. Long
Range Planning and public perceived needs assessment.
For the development of this long-range plan the watershed project went to the public to
determine what their attitudes and values were about water quality, the project's programs and
what issues need addressing in the future. The most recent evaluation instruments were
designed to find where long-term work was needed. Efforts were made to look at many different
segments of the population as possible. This was to insure hearing from a majority rather than
a selected minority of area residents. By surveying local watershed residents/stakeholders for
their opinions and ideas, the project was able to determine areas needing attention, needed
programs and priorities for future programs.
The evaluation process thus far demonstrates the project is having a favorable impact on the
watershed. Results indicate the project has benefitted from the cooperation of the participating
agencies and the relations between the agricultural producers, local citizens and the government
agencies. The data collected has produced recommendations which are being used to fine tune
the watershed programs and to guide future watershed project activities.
Over 1000 surveys were sent out to gain input from local landowners and lake users. The
combined return rates of 45 percent is an indicator of the public's willingness to become
involved in guiding the future of the Indian Lake Watershed Project. A complete report of
results from the two surveys can be seen in Appendix A and
Appendix B.
The following sections describe early evaluation efforts and the most recent evaluation efforts
in gathering stakeholders' input. More information pertaining to the following evaluation
practices can be obtained by contacting:
Indian Lake Watershed Project
324 County Road 11
Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
Phone: (937) 593-2946
Fax: (937) 592-3350
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