A recent survey shows that because of the Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project, community members indicated that they have an increased knowledge of fish and wildlife issues.

The survey was developed through Survey Monkey, an online survey software and questionnaire tool, and disseminated electronically via the White Lake Public Advisory Council email lists and website, and through distribution of hard copies at, the White Lake Community Library and the Montague Branch (Muskegon Area District Library). The survey, publicized in the White Lake Beacon and in the Muskegon Chronicle, was not limited by age or to residents of the White Lake area, but was distributed to visitors and outlying residents also. The final survey was completed by 110 people. It was compared to results of an initial survey done prior to the project in a similar manner, using Survey Monkey and the same distribution methods.

Findings of the final survey include:

• The majority of respondents use White Lake for wildlife viewing. This is important because it indicates community interest in and support for fish and wildlife habitat restoration.

• The results of the initial survey directed the focus of outreach and education efforts toward the use of email, website, and newspaper articles, which appears from the results of the final survey to have been appropriate choices.

• Those who completed the final survey showed more knowledge of two invasive species targeted for removal from in and around White Lake: phragmites and honeysuckle.

• Slightly over 90% of respondents of the final survey indicated the project was either very important or somewhat important, up slightly from the initial survey’s numbers of 84.3%.