摘要：The following report outlines the results of focus group discussions that were conducted to help researchers learn what it is about wetlands, wetland services, and wetland characteristics that matter to people. The participants were asked questions in the areas of natural resources, their prior knowledge of wetlands, wetland types, public policies relating to wetlands, and wetland functions. The focus group discussions reported here were the first set of qualitative discussions in the research project. The purpose of the discussions was to create a basis of information concerning the respondents' perceptions and understanding of wetland uses and functions. These initial focus groups represent a first step in a larger project that will develop and test stated preference instruments for valuing ecosystem characteristics associated with freshwater wetlands. The information on respondents' uses, perceptions, and knowledge of wetland functions will be used to develop survey instruments and serve as the starting point for out wetlands research.
