Understanding Community Perceptions of Dredged Material Management Abstract This study examines community perceptions of dredged material management and the beneficial use of dredged material in the western Lake Superior region. Dredging is essential for maintaining navigation channels in Great Lakes ports, yet long-term beneficial use of dredged material often faces social, institutional, and informational barriers. To better understand these challenges and opportunities, this project employs a qualitative research design using five (5) in-person focus groups, and one (1) virtual focus group, conducted at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Participants will represent four key stakeholder segments: potential dredged material users, local community members, environmental program managers, and maritime industry professionals. Guided, semi-structured discussions will explore perceived environmental, economic, and community impacts of dredging, as well as barriers to and opportunities for sustained beneficial use planning. Focus group data will be analyzed at the group level to identify shared values, priorities, and areas of divergence among stakeholder groups. Findings will inform future dredged material management strategies, support community-engaged decision-making, and contribute to applied workforce development through undergraduate student involvement.
