Mapping the Dimensions of Successful Public Participation in Messy Natural Resources Management Situations

Natural resource management must often occur in situations of conflict, typified by ambiguous goals, conflict over the goals, or lack of scientific data. This examination of the variables that are characteristic of successful public participation in these complicated settings considers two ecosystem...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Society & natural resources 2001-04, Vol.14 (4), p.309-323
Main Authors: McCool, Stephen F, Guthrie, Kathleen
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Natural resource management must often occur in situations of conflict, typified by ambiguous goals, conflict over the goals, or lack of scientific data. This examination of the variables that are characteristic of successful public participation in these complicated settings considers two ecosystem-based planning projects in western Montana. Interviews with 42 scientists, managers, and citizens who participated in both projects, which involved the controversial subjects of logging, vegetation management, and fire management, identified numerous attributes and results that the public brings to the situation. These include plan writing and implementation, public education, interest representation, relationship building, responsibility, and furthering social and political acceptability.
ISSN:0894-1920
DOI:10.1080/08941920117211