Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation

Conducting an Evaluation of Your Urban Fishing Program

Karen K. Ballard

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781934874042.ch29

Abstract.—The capacity to conduct meaningful and cost-effective program evaluation is critical to program sustainability in this age of increasing accountability and competitive funding. Many urban fishing programs around the country have conducted basic process evaluation, accounting for audiences reached and numbers of activities. A comprehensive program evaluation requires clarity related to the ultimate goals and desired outcomes and ultimate impact of a program. Evaluation at this level can be challenging for programs with limited staff and resources. Meaningful evaluation of urban fishing programs can be guided by the development of a program logic mode. A logic model provides a representation of the “theory of action,” and has direct linkages to learning theory, specifically Bennett’s hierarchy of effects. A logic model supports a program director’s management of an evaluation by targeting evaluation efforts through the identification of key program outcome indicators that are specific, measurable, attainable, and results oriented.