Evaluating Decision-Support Tools for Conservation Program Participation: A Stakeholder Assessment of the CRP Menu...

Making decisions about participation in agricultural conservation programs can be challenging for landowners, particularly when relevant information is dispersed across multiple sources and embedded within complex administrative requirements. Decision-support tools have been developed to address these challenges; however, how users interpret and evaluate such tools during early stages of exposure can shape their potential for real-world adoption. In this study, we examined how landowners and conservation practitioners evaluated a co-produced decision-support tool designed to support participation in the U.S. Conservation Reserve Program. Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined survey data with qualitative insights from stakeholder workshops in which participants interacted with the tool for the first time. The findings showed that perceived usefulness and social expectations were key factors shaping landowners' intention to use the tool, while qualitative feedback emphasized its role in consolidating information, simplifying comparisons among conservation practices, and supporting understanding of program requirements. By focusing on early-stage user evaluation, the study underscored the value of a user-centered evaluation in the development of tools that can meaningfully support conservation planning and participation over time.