When environmental action does not activate concern: the case of impaired water quality in two rural watersheds.

Little research has considered how residents' perceptions of their local environment may interact with efforts to increase environmental concern, particularly in areas in need of remediation. This study examined the process by which local environmental action may affect environmental concern. A model was presented for exploring the effects of community-based watershed organizations (CWOs) on environmental concern that also incorporates existing perceptions of the local environment. Survey data were collected from area residents in two watersheds in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA, an area affected by abandoned mine drainage. The findings suggest that residents' perceptions of local water quality and importance of improving water quality are important predictors of level of environmental concern and desire for action; however, in this case, having an active or inactive CWO did not influence these perceptions. The implications of these findings raise important questions concerning strategies and policy making around environmental remediation at the local level.

Drug-related offenses and the structure of communities in rural Australia.

This article examines the relationship of drug use with the social and economic characteristics of rural communities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data is derived from the 1996 Australian Census of Population and Housing, and data on drug-related offenses from the NSW police between 1995 and 1999. Arrest rates for breaking and entering, assault, and vandalism showed statistically significant associations across types of rural communities, but drug-related arrests varied considerably less. The widespread, relatively-even distribution of drug arrests in rural NSW suggests that the underlying causes of drug-related violations are unique when compared to other types of crime.