Environmental Values and Conflict:
A Case Study of the Camden Snow Bowl

Principle Investigator:

• Nathan Stormer, School of Communication and Journalism

Stakeholders and Other Partners:

• Jeff Kuller, General Manager, Camden Snow Bowl
• Claire Sullivan, Director, Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce

Abstract:

Climate change has begun to impact Maine’s Mid-Coast region’s ski industry with the primary result being a decrease in natural snowfall (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], 2008). Public awareness about climate change has increased, leading to growing communication about landscape change and creating questions regarding its effect on the state’s economy. Skiing as a winter sport is particularly taxing on environmental resources, as large amounts of water and energy are used for snowmaking, grooming, and other operational costs. This project examines the Camden Snow Bowl, owned by the town of Camden, and the different and sometimes competing value systems under which the managers, town council, and recreation board operate and make decisions. My project will examine the knowledge these groups have about environmental issues, where they get their information about environmental issues, and how they prioritize decisions based on this knowledge. I seek to determine the degree of overlap and/or conflict between attitudes and concerns regarding environmental and decision-making processes. I am especially concerned with how the managers of the Camden Snow Bowl negotiate the conflict between their concerns about the environment and their economic concerns. This project will identify thresholds for economic tolerance and evaluate the conflicts that arise in balancing ecological concerns with economic decisions.