Matthew Barker
NC Division of Forest Resources - Gaston County

HANDLING CHANGES IN THE 2003 PRESENT USE LEGISLATION IN CATAWBA COUNTY

Catawba County is situated in the foothills of North Carolina. Although increasingly urbanized, a large percentage of the population continues to be employed by forest product related industries. Obviously, the need for sustainable, managed forests exists. Changes made in 2003 to the Present Use Valuation legislation mean that several thousand acres of woodland previously assessed as agricultural land now have to have woodland management plans. Initial deadlines for the submission of plans were unachievable and conflicts arose over different perspectives and misunderstandings about the program.

Matt conducted meetings with county tax office staff, landowner representatives, Division of Forest Resources personnel, and other agricultural related government agencies to resolve these conflicts. As a result, 80-plus landowners who would not have received a management plan in time have been given an extension. Additionally, better working relationships are now in place that will serve to facilitate future engagements. Over the long term, many environmental benefits can be expected from sustainable, managed forests in Catawba County. Furthermore, the economic incentives that present use offers may serve to lessen the fragmentation of the land base.

PROMOTING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND DIALOGUE, AT THE LOCAL, REGIONAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL, REGARDING SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CONSERVATION ISSUES WITHIN THE LOWER ROANOKE RIVER

Federally owned and operated water impoundments are regulated under the Flood Control Act. Section 216 of this act authorizes environmental studies of dam and reservoir operations. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates Kerr Dam on the lower Roanoke River. Operation of the dam and the resulting changes in river levels affect people, land and ecosystems downstream. In response to the ongoing Section 216 process, stakeholders downstream of Kerr Dam were convened by the members of the practicum group.

The purpose was to inform stakeholders of the 216 process, solicit comments and to enable a dialogue with the downstream stakeholders throughout the process. Fifty people attended two meetings where facilitated dialogue raised issues and communication mechanisms were discussed and to encourage their participation throughout the process.

GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF THE RECREATION & PARKS PROGRAMS OF THE EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS

The purpose of this assessment was to ensure that the recreation programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) were meeting the needs of the community. LuAnn Bryan led the assessment with Dr. Beth Wilson and Jack "Swede" Frauson. The team met with EBCI members, staff, and citizens - seniors, youth and children in formal and informal settings. They also reviewed the EBCI 1995-2000 Cherokee comprehensive recreation and parks master plan titled" Where the Mountains Meet The River - Cherokee's Plan for Parks, Trails, Bike Paths and Greenways."

The outcome of the project was the merger of the wellness and parks and recreation staff under the administration section to better manage the facilities of the EBCI and underscore the importance of public recreation to the health of the community. LuAnn continues to work with the EBCI on this project.

Mike Bireley
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Environmental Protection Division - Walla Walla, WA

Establish a Pacific Northwest Natural Resources Leadership Insitute and Training

AcademyThroughout the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere within the country, natural resource professionals are being called upon to implement increasingly complex and contentious environmental protection measures. The desired situation for this project is to bring about a profound and fundamental change in the way in which natural resource regulatory agencies engage communities in the pacific northwest as mandated responsibilities for public stewardship of natural resources are fulfilled. The mechanism to bring about this desired future condition is the establishment of the Pacific Northwest Natural Resources Leadership Academy (PNW-NRLA), designed to offer advanced level training in collaborative leadership skills in the four core curriculum categories of leadership, stewardship, collaborative problem solving, and communication. The Academy program is intended to function as part of, or in affiliation with, an accredited land-grant university such as Washington State University, with a scope of outreach encompassing the Pacific Northwest region of the western United States. The program is intended to be a part of or affiliated with Cooperative Extension, and have input from and involvement with key related academic programs, including but not limited to Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Political Science, Criminal Justice and the College of Agriculture.

Immediate outcomes to the project are the establishment of a project development team and charter advisory board to design overall operational and organizational structure of the PNW-NRLA; several forums and trainings conducted increased awareness for collaborative problem solving and the desire to learn more about collaborative learning and system thinking; and gathered input about the need for this type of leadership development program in the Pacific Northwest with a diverse audience. The long-term outcome is the establishment of the Academy. The anticipated project impact will be improved public commitment to protect, enhance or improve resources and the ability of resource agencies to achieve their statutory and public stewardship mandates. Collaborative problem solving through partnerships and empowerment can result in significant protective benefits for natural resources.

High Country Land Trust Collaborative

The Land Trust Alliance and Conservation Trust for North Carolina are working with three land trusts in the High Country in order to be more effective and efficient in land conservation strategies. The process proposed to the land trusts involves an organizational assessment, discussion, planning, and implementation of a system that works for all three land trusts.

The immediate outcome is exploring constructive models for cooperation amongst the three organizations. The long-term outcomes are a workable and shared model between the land trusts in order to protect more land, raise more funds for conservation, and inform a greater segment of the general public of the need for conservation than the three organizations can currently achieve separately. The anticipated project impact is that land conservation will occur in the High Country more efficiently and effectively using a shared model of implementation.

Building Firewise Communities

A stakeholder group, consisting of the representatives from the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, NC State University Extension Service, NC Forestry Association, Weyerhaeuser, fire departments, and high fire risk communities was convened and facilitated as leadership project. The stakeholders focused on the development of Firewise communities.

The immediate outcomes of the project are that the stakeholders educated each other on the needs and capabilities each had to offer as the group toward a common goal. The long-term outcome of the effort is that six high risk communities have committed to joining the program and taking the necessary steps to becoming a Firewise community. The anticipated project impact is that additional communities will step forth to participate as a Firewise Community and working relationships will continue to build between the agencies and the communities.

Working Toward Prenatal Smoking Cessation for Benefits to Health

According to the Surgeon General of the United States, smoking is the most important modifiable cause of poor pregnancy outcome. There are numerous health and financial consequences associated with prenatal smoking behavior. This project in partnership with other North Carolina health organizations is developing smoking cessation classes and strategies for achieving success in cessation. The immediate outcome of this project is a reduction in financial and health consequences. The long-term outcome is an increase in health benefits overtime to the mother, the baby, and others that may live with the mother. Furthermore, an important goal is that all pregnant and postpartum smokers will have access to a telephone quitline by 2003.

The anticipated project impacts are eliminating smoking during pregnancy might lead to a 10 percent reduction in all infant deaths and a 12 percent reduction in death from prenatal conditions. Babies whose mothers smoked during their pregnancy are more likely than those whose mothers did not smoke to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The desired goal for North Carolina is to reduce the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy to two percent or less by 2010, in accordance with the United States Healthy People 2010 goal. Other desired goals are to ensure that all pregnant women in North Carolina will be screened for tobacco use, and that all pregnant and postpartum smokers will receive 5 A's best-practice cessation counseling as part of their usual care by 2008.

The High Country Conservation Summit and Expo

The High Country is nestled in a breathtaking valley amidst some of the oldest, most scenic mountains in the world. Located in Northwestern North Carolina just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, it is in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain range of the Appalachian Mountains. Many parts of Western North Carolina have changed radically in recent years due to increased and unplanned development. Tourism is the number one source of income for the area, thus making it extremely important to preserve, conserve, and protect the environment. In addition, the High Country is home to headwaters for four river basins, so water quality is a top priority for many Conservation/Environmental groups in the area. Though many groups work on conservation and environmental issues in the High Country, each is not familiar with the other nor how the organizations might leverage resources to be more effective.

An immediate outcome of the project is the High Country Conservation Summit held in 2002 with over 60 participants representing about 30 conservation and environmental groups. In addition, several of the conservation and environmental groups are working together on projects to further the conservation, protection and enhancement of the precious natural beauty and resources of our High Country. Another immediate outcome was a Conservation Expo was held to raise awareness about the kinds of conservation groups that existed in the area and their purpose. A long-term outcome of the project is that partnerships will continue and new ones will develop. In addition, new projects in partnership with one another are happening in the area. The long term impact of the project is that resources will be protected and enhanced while allowing for tourism. Another Summit is being planned for 2004 in order to continue to nurture the momentum.

Establishing a Natural Resources Leadership institute for Youth

A needs assessment was conducted to determine the need for a youth leadership program combining natural resource education and collaborative problem solving. The Natural Resource Leadership Institute was used as a model. Students, teachers, NRLI fellows, and professionals in the fields of natural resources, youth development, and mediation were involved in the study. Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and small workshops were conducted to determine the need for such a program. As a result, it was determine that a similar model does not exist for young people.

The immediate outcomes of this practicum are a needs assessment and a proposal requesting funds to initiate a pilot program. The anticipated long-term outcome is youth who are knowledgeable about natural resources from diverse perspectives; have developed greater awareness of citizens' rights and responsibilities regarding natural resources; and who will develop the capacity to effectively deal with contentious natural resource issues, in order to carry this knowledge forward in working within their communities and organizations. The anticipated impact of this project is to receive funding and conduct a pilot program this summer for 15 to 20 high school students.

Amenities to the Town Creek Easements: Environmental Education Program

Stakeholders of the Town Creek Easements, met with the facilitators from International Paper to determine the need and scope of an environmental education program, including facility design, on the Davis Farm tract, in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The tract has two conservation easements; one for the streamside buffers and most sensitive areas, and another for the dry upland portions where timber production will continue. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund easement (the streamside buffer portion) restricts future development and timber harvesting with a primary focus on water quality and habitat protection. The Forest Legacy easement (uplands) also restricts future development but allows continued sustainable forest management under the guidance of a ten-year stewardship plan. Currently, the facilitators are waiting for a grant from the US Fish & Wildlife Service to begin construction of our trail, in addition to a capital budget to build the facility. The environmental education component of the project is on hold until more interest is shown from the community and a budget is approved.

The immediate outcomes of this project include meeting between the partners to develop a better understanding about the needs and concerns. The long-term outcomes anticipated are the development of a network amongst the environmental educators to avoid duplication of services. The project impact is to ensure resources are accessible and managed in order to improve public commitment to protect, enhance, and improve on the resources.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration and Enhancement Mitigation Plan

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) plays an important role as habitat for fisheries species in North Carolina as well as throughout the Atlantic coast. SAV is a sensitive habitat and has been classified by the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC) as habitat of particular concern (HAPAC). The sensitive nature of SAV makes it easily impacted by various anthropogenic activities such as transportation construction projects. The ongoing process improvement initiative involving NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) along with federal and state agencies has identified SAV as one of North Carolina's highest quality resources.

The desired outcome of this collaborative project is development of a plan consisting of guidelines and recommendations for mitigating impacts to SAV resulting from NC DOT transportation construction projects. These recommendations will be included in a mitigation plan complied by the NRLI Fellows for NC DOT by early summer of 2003. The immediate benefits of this project have been to help solidify working relationships between NC DOT and other state and federal agencies as well as other NGO's that have this particular interest. The long-term benefits of this leadership project will address anticipates impacts to SAV early in the NC DOT planning and decision-making process as opposed to dealing with this issue on a project-by-project basis. The impact of this practicum is it provides an improved and proactive approach in identification of strategies for addressing anticipated impacts to SAV resources that are likely to be encountered in future NC DOT projects. This will allow for better decisions to be made early in NC DOT's planning process in order to improve the quality of North Carolina's transportation facilities and at the same time, preserve and protect SAV.

Refinement of NC State's Waste Reduction Program

A forum was held to educate a smaller group about NC State's waste reduction success and goals during a campus forum. The idea is that once a smaller group is educated, they will encourage the learning of others. As result of the forum and subsequent actions: new working relationships were formed between staff, faculty, and students and the Office of Waste Reduction Recycling (OWRR) acquired a list of guiding recommendations for sustainability on NC State's campus, including who would take action on these recommendations.

The long-term outcomes anticipated are that others will increase their knowledge about issues of sustainability on campus. In addition, another forum will be held to assess collectively where the group is. Meanwhile, members are encouraged to check in with one another until the next forum.

Robert Hinson
Wake County Parks, Recreation, & Open Space -Raleigh, NC

Facilitate A Stake holder Process to Design and Implement A Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Management of the Falls Lake Trail

For more than 20 years the Falls Lake Trail has not had an agreed upon management plan by the respective agencies that share its boundaries. The facilitators of the process met individually and collectively with a stakeholder group comprised of representatives from the managing agencies of the Falls Lake project. The focus of these meetings was the consistent management of the 23-mile Falls Lake Trail, with a goal of developing a Management Plan for the current trail with an eye toward future expansion.

The immediate outcome is a better understanding of the respective roles and mandates each agency is working with. The anticipated long-term outcome is for the agencies to sign the MOU in 2003. If so, future work groups may be needed to develop the trail's educational information and signage. The project impacts include increased hiking, educational, health, fitness, and transportation opportunities and developing an ongoing shared maintenance model.

Amenities to the Town Creek Easements: Environmental Education Program

Stakeholders of the Town Creek Easements, met with the facilitators from International Paper to determine the need and scope of an environmental education program, including facility design, on the Davis Farm tract, in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The tract has two conservation easements; one for the streamside buffers and most sensitive areas, and another for the dry upland portions where timber production will continue. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund easement (the streamside buffer portion) restricts future development and timber harvesting with a primary focus on water quality and habitat protection. The Forest Legacy easement (uplands) also restricts future development but allows continued sustainable forest management under the guidance of a ten-year stewardship plan. Currently, the facilitators are waiting for a grant from the US Fish & Wildlife Service to begin construction of our trail, in addition to a capital budget to build the facility. The environmental education component of the project is on hold until more interest is shown from the community and a budget is approved. The immediate outcomes of this project include meeting between the partners to develop a better understanding about the needs and concerns.

The long-term outcomes anticipated are the development of a network amongst the environmental educators to avoid duplication of services. The project impact is to ensure resources are accessible and managed in order to improve public commitment to protect, enhance, and improve on the resources

Catawba River Basin Water Supply Planning

A stakeholder process was designed that will result in a long range water supply plan for the Catawba River Basin. Stakeholders involved who developed a process acceptable to all aforementioned parties included the NC Division of Water Resources, the Public Water Supply Section of the NC Division of Environmental Health, Duke Power, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This immediate outcome of this process is detailed in the Catawba River Basin Water Supply Plan Framework document. This includes developing a mechanism for coordinating the Catawba River Basin Water Supply Planning activities with South Carolina. It also includes stakeholders developing a better understanding of North Carolina's statutory and administrative framework. The anticipated long-term outcomes are that the stakeholder process will quantify the potential, future demands on the Catawba River Basin's water supplies, including potential demands on Duke Power Reservoirs. The plan will also identify alternative waster supplies.

The project impact will be that the plan will provide widely accepted data about water supply needs and help develop a license that best balances a variety of competing water resources interests for the next thirty to forty years and enhances and protects the resource.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration and Enhancement Mitigation Plan

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) plays an important role as habitat for fisheries species in North Carolina as well as throughout the Atlantic coast. SAV is a sensitive habitat and has been classified by the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC) as habitat of particular concern (HAPAC). The sensitive nature of SAV makes it easily impacted by various anthropogenic activities such as transportation construction projects. The ongoing process improvement initiative involving NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) along with federal and state agencies has identified SAV as one of North Carolina's highest quality resources. The desired outcome of this collaborative project is development of a plan consisting of guidelines and recommendations for mitigating impacts to SAV resulting from NC DOT transportation construction projects. These recommendations will be included in a mitigation plan complied by the NRLI Fellows for NC DOT by early summer of 2003.

The immediate benefits of this project have been to help solidify working relationships between NC DOT and other state and federal agencies as well as other NGO's that have this particular interest. The long-term benefits of this leadership project will address anticipates impacts to SAV early in the NC DOT planning and decision-making process as opposed to dealing with this issue on a project-by-project basis. The impact of this practicum is it provides an improved and proactive approach in identification of strategies for addressing anticipated impacts to SAV resources that are likely to be encountered in future NC DOT projects. This will allow for better decisions to be made early in NC DOT's planning process in order to improve the quality of North Carolina's transportation facilities and at the same time, preserve and protect SAV.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration and Enhancement Mitigation Plan

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) plays an important role as habitat for fisheries species in North Carolina as well as throughout the Atlantic coast. SAV is a sensitive habitat and has been classified by the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC) as habitat of particular concern (HAPAC). The sensitive nature of SAV makes it easily impacted by various anthropogenic activities such as transportation construction projects. The ongoing process improvement initiative involving NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) along with federal and state agencies has identified SAV as one of North Carolina's highest quality resources.

The desired outcome of this collaborative project is development of a plan consisting of guidelines and recommendations for mitigating impacts to SAV resulting from NC DOT transportation construction projects. These recommendations will be included in a mitigation plan complied by the NRLI Fellows for NC DOT by early summer of 2003. The immediate benefits of this project have been to help solidify working relationships between NC DOT and other state and federal agencies as well as other NGO's that have this particular interest. The long-term benefits of this leadership project will address anticipates impacts to SAV early in the NC DOT planning and decision-making process as opposed to dealing with this issue on a project-by-project basis. The impact of this practicum is it provides an improved and proactive approach in identification of strategies for addressing anticipated impacts to SAV resources that are likely to be encountered in future NC DOT projects. This will allow for better decisions to be made early in NC DOT's planning process in order to improve the quality of North Carolina's transportation facilities and at the same time, preserve and protect SAV.

Gloria Putnam
NC Division of Water Quality - Raleigh, NC

 Establish Priority Issues and Projects

for the NC Coastal Nonpoint Source Program

 Establish Priority Issues and Projects

for the NC Coastal Nonpoint Source Program

Establish Pr

Establishing Priority Issues and Projects for the NC Coastal Nonpoint Source Program

Gloria Putnam, with the NC Division of Water Quality, undertook a project to collaboratively establish priorities and identify projects for the NC Coastal Nonpoint Source Program.  As Coordinator for the Program, Gloria experienced challenges in both prioritizing time and funds, in particular with projects with federal program mandates, and to achieved the goals of protecting and restoring coastal waters from nonpoint source pollution (polluted runoff). 

A project was undertaken to establish an advisory group for the Program with Gloria serving as the primary organizer.  One meeting was held in March 2004 with water quality and coastal resource managers from state governments, and one was held in May 2004 with forestry interests.  A process was identified to establish priority issues and projects for the Program, and initial steps were taken to meet those goals.     

 Establish Priority Issues and Projects for the NC Coastal Nonpoint Source Program

 Establish Priority Issues and Projects for the NC Coastal Nonpoint Source

Chris Snow
Wake County Parks, Recreation, & Open Space - Raleigh, NC

Facilitate A Stke holder Process to Design and Implement A Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Management of the Falls Lake Trail

For more than 20 years the Falls Lake Trail has not had an agreed upon management plan by the respective agencies that share its boundaries. The facilitators of the process met individually and collectively with a stakeholder group comprised of representatives from the managing agencies of the Falls Lake project. The focus of these meetings was the consistent management of the 23-mile Falls Lake Trail, with a goal of developing a Management Plan for the current trail with an eye toward future expansion. The immediate outcome is a better understanding of the respective roles and mandates each agency is working with.

The anticipated long-term outcome is for the agencies to sign the MOU in 2003. If so, future work groups may be needed to develop the trail's educational information and signage. The project impacts include increased hiking, educational, health, fitness, and transportation opportunities and developing an ongoing shared maintenance model.

Establishing A Natural Resources Leadership Institute For Youth

A needs assessment was conducted to determine the need for a youth leadership program combining natural resource education and collaborative problem solving. The Natural Resource Leadership Institute was used as a model. Students, teachers, NRLI fellows, and professionals in the fields of natural resources, youth development, and mediation were involved in the study. Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and small workshops were conducted to determine the need for such a program. As a result, it was determine that a similar model does not exist for young people.

The immediate outcomes of this practicum are a needs assessment and a proposal requesting funds to initiate a pilot program. The anticipated long-term outcome is youth who are knowledgeable about natural resources from diverse perspectives; have developed greater awareness of citizens' rights and responsibilities regarding natural resources; and who will develop the capacity to effectively deal with contentious natural resource issues, in order to carry this knowledge forward in working within their communities and organizations. The anticipated impact of this project is to receive funding and conduct a pilot program this summer for 15 to 20 high school students.

Establishing the Agri-energy Center - Recovering Energy From Agricultural Residues while Eliminating them as a Disposal Concern

Sustainable production of energy using renewable resources will be one of the greatest challenges facing the world in the years to come. Domestic fossil fuel supplies are limited and dependence on potentially unreliable foreign sources is increasing. Natural resources are being depleted or damaged as a result of human activity all around the world. The objective outlined in this project was to establish the Agri-Energy center. The purpose of this center is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of gasification for the production of electricity or liquid fuels from low-value agricultural residues while eliminating the negative environmental impacts of current disposal methods for these wastes.

The immediate outcome of the project is that funds are being sought to establish the center and support the purchase of a large capacity gasifier suitable for commercial scale demonstrations of the technology. In addition, a team of researchers, companies, and commodity organizations was convened to continue seeking funding and ensure establishment of the center. The long-term outcome will be the establishment of the center and its supporting infrastructure. The project impact will help rural America use agricultural residues, currently a waste that can harm the environment if it is not handled appropriately, as a valuable energy source.

Community Succes: Partnerships for the Environment (Wake County/Triangle Area)

The Triangle region, which encompasses Wake, Durham, and Orange counties- is growing at an astonishing rate. While this development indicates economic viability and attractiveness, it does not come without a price. Minimizing negative environmental impacts while allowing for continued growth requires a cohesive, comprehensive approach-one created and endorsed by the entire region. Community Success: Partnerships for the Environment, introduced a public participation component to address concerns for the environment raised in another forum. As a planning committee member and a public participation coordinator, the fellow convened and developed a Triangle wide Community Success: Partnerships for the Environment (CSPE) forum, an immediate outcome of the project. The forum was held on September 5, 2002, and attracted approximately 250 participants throughout the Triangle area to discuss five interrelated environmental issues: water quality, air quality, open space, land use, and solid waste.

The long-term, underlying goal of the forum is to improve the environment all Triangle residents share; the shorter-term objective-the expected outcome- to impact the citizens and engage them in a planning process new to the region, occurred. However, an unforeseen benefit with potentially far reaching repercussions is the greater awareness of collaborative processes and appreciation for a public participation component on part of Wake County staff.

Developing a Comprehensive Plan for the Dillsboro Community

As part of the Duke Power relicensing process, discussions began about the potential removal of the Dillsboro Dam, which belongs to Duke Power. The dam has been a part of the Dillsboro community since 1913 when C.J. Harris had it built to provide electricity for the Blue Ridge Locust Pin Factory. The dam is perceived by many to be part of the town's sense of place and a necessary component of the town's tourism economy. The consideration to remove the dam triggered the town's reaction to call its citizens forward to prevent its removal. Duke Power was invested in working with the community and convened and facilitated a process for ongoing discussions. The discussion was framed around the question, "If the Dillsboro Dam is removed what impacts will that have on your community, and what strategic direction will enhance the community?"

The immediate outcome of this project is that trust has started to become reestablished among the town and Duke Power. Moreover, the town of Dillsboro now has a solid, community driven strategic plan that goes beyond the issue of the dam and will enhance their community. The long-term outcome to the town is that Dillsboro will benefit through enhancements in economic development and community infrastructure, in ongoing working relationships with Duke Power, and more opportunities to attract tourists and provide for its citizens. The potential project impact to the resource if the Dillsboro dam is removed is enhancement of water quality, fish passage, and other environmental conditions.

Proposal to Mitigate Spatial Conflicts Between Commercial Fishermen and Oil Industry

This practicum involved the design and implementation of a U.S. government study to develop practical proposals to mitigate or resolve potential spatial conflicts between commercial fishermen and the oil industry in the federal waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska. These potential conflicts included navigational safety issues, gear entanglement and damage, and loss of harvest issues.

The project is ongoing. A study will analyze and evaluate alternative proposals according to the social and economic and ecological implications for the region. A final recommendation will emerge from the fieldwork, data collection, and analysis that will be presented to relevant stakeholders for further comment and refinement. It is expected that the final study product will be used to promote collaboration and to inform future decision-making processes at government agencies and within the fish and oil industries of the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf.

Exploring the Role of Science in Participatory Decision Making

This project allowed a natural scientist to explore the role of science in society and the roles a professional can play to help bridge the gap between scientists and lay citizens. The immediate outcomes of this project was the application of learnings from the US GS workshop on Joint Fact Finding with current proposals and writings, organizing a research ethics seminar series at NC State campus, and participating in other multi-party facilitation projects.

The long-term outcome anticipated for this project is the evaluation of the public participation component of the NC Wood Chip Production Study conducted by the Natural Resources Leadership Institute for the Southern Center for Sustainable Forests.