Septmeber 2005, Newsletter #2 Welcome to the THE RED LODGE CLEARINGHOUSE, the full service information source for collaborative groups throughout the Interior West committed to resolving resource-use conflicts. Our newsletters will periodically highlight innovative collaborations, important changes, actual or in process, in legislation and regulations affecting public and private lands. We emphasize the pivotal role that informed local people can and do play in land use planning. The Clearinghouse provides comprehensive in-depth treatment of the full range of issues affecting collaboration—linking stories about local collaborative efforts to relevant technical information and resources, agency programs and staff, supportive organizations, and peers in the field who share similar experiences. WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE: Positive conversations—contingent outcomes—our view from St. Louis RED LODGE CLEARINGHOUSE, 9/01/05   The White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation concluded last Wednesday following two days of informative presentations highlighting the depth and breadth of cooperative conservation initiatives across the country, followed by in-depth conversations addressing overarching themes affecting those initiatives. By all reports, the conversations, which took place in 72 concurrent sessions, were by and large spontaneous, thoughtful, diverse, and constructive. On the other hand, the conference itself and the plenary sessions in particular, were carefully controlled and choreographed. The plenary presentations and remarks, almost without exception, were tightly scripted. The invited audience, representing a cross section of participants in cooperative conservation initiatives, was not allowed to pose questions or offer comments. There was clear evidence among the participants of commitment to the concept of cooperative conservation and belief in its potential to overcome conflict and gridlock, solve pressing problems, and rationalize natural resource management across both public and private land ownership. It may not yet represent a "massive experiment in Jeffersonian democracy" as William Ruckelshaus, former director of the EPA, described it, but the participants clearly sensed that a new and as yet open-ended opportunity to advance conservation was in the offing, perhaps "the next era in conservation." There were strong threads through the conversations that took place. Outcome-based adaptive management rather than process-based management should be the rule; The focus should be on joint problem identification and problem solving; Consensus as an end in itself is not productive; Cooperative processes have to become the preferred way of doing business within the agencies; There has to be increased and systematic support within and from the agencies—training, funding, incentives and rewards; Policies and processes need to be coordinated across the agencies; Science has to be brought to bear constructively and transparently with a special emphasis on applied research and monitoring; Incentive programs for private landowners have to be expanded and adequately funded, with the Farm Bill representing the best single vehicle; There has to be increased flexibility in the regulatory/rule making process to encourage innovation and creativity, particularly at the local level, and a corresponding willingness to risk failure and the openness to learn from it; and, There must be clear recognition that regulations are essential—to set standards, shape objectives, and proof outcomes. Unfortunately, the conversations that took place in the concurrent sessions could not lead to agreement on recommendations, priorities or key issues, even if agreement emerged during the course of discussion. Nor could they lead to identification of areas of disagreement that may have emerged. The agency teams that facilitated the sessions took notes, but these were not available for review, and the editing process took place behind closed doors. The shapers of the conference inferred that the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) precluded the specifying of conference attendee agreement on such recommendations, priorities or key issues. This interpretation of FACA seems to us overly rigorous. As a result, the printed summaries that were provided the following day consist of lists of individual points and/or remarks essentially taken out of context. And disappointingly, the panel discussions that took place at the concluding plenary session did not and could not honestly or accurately reflect the substance of what had taken place. Some of the panelists acknowledged this; others were content to stay on message. The size and complexity of the conference may have precluded doing otherwise, but as a consequence, and somewhat ironically, the conference did lot meet the standard of cooperation necessary to shape the "next era of conservation." It remains to be seen whether the administration can continue the conversations begun in St. Louis in a manner that honors the great intent that was declared there.   Themes from White House Conference facilitated discussions DRAFTED BY THE LEAD FACILITATORS Collaboration needs advocates and champions -- collaborative leaders are needed at all levels. Build on existing models (informal networks, existing federal, state and tribal programs and international experiences). Share success stories and develop ways to celebrate successes to build motivation and sustain commitment. Provide generous federal support -need for funding and staff to support collaborative processes -recognize that these processes are long-term. Need funds to support planning, long term monitoring and measurement. Use funds in creative ways to encourage partnerships, support existing efforts, and leverage new funds and reward success. Collaborative work will not reduce resource needs -it may increase them. Strengthen the effective use, quality and credibility of information, with special emphasis 011 local knowledge-for goal setting, monitoring progress and evaluating success. Develop more accessible information and ways for citizens to access information, "one- stop shopping." Starting at the local level is important in the development of trusting relationships -this may take considerable time. Work to develop trusting relationships at all levels and between the federal agencies and with state agencies. Transform organizational culture: Making collaboration "at home" in the agencies (hire, train, align, reward, retire and dismiss where needed). Make policies procedures, and rules related to collaborative conservation compatible across federal, state and local agencies to avoid unnecessary delay and frustration. Review and revise/remove policies that impede collaborative conservation across and within agencies. Change risk aversion in federal culture (protect and reward risk takers -don't penalize people who try these processes if they do not work). Articulate clear parameters about federal expectations, authorities, and abilities for cooperative conservation. Collaboration needs to recognize tribal sovereignty at the outset. Timelines and cycles of the federal government do not mesh well with collaborative projects (turnover, administrative deadlines, budget cycles, election cycles). Sometimes even a well-designed cooperative conservation effort can be jeopardized by "late hits" (e.g., changing of the decision making framework, legal challenge). Need to recognize and manage the inevitable tension between national policies and local interests Integrate representation of local and national constituencies in cooperative conservation Goals should reflect both federal and local interests. Recognize that collaborations and partnerships that are initiated voluntarily are often most effective. Recognizing the importance of local initiation is vital. Projects should be developed and implemented in a holistic and sustainable manner - often at the ecosystem or landscape scale. Need to prepare for and address unintended consequences. Look for unlikely models and partners to develop multi-purpose projects. Initiate collaborative processes and partnerships early-before a crisis occurs. Full inclusion is important and it can be difficult to achieve -even a challenge at this conference. Need to involve people who are close to the land or resource in cooperative conservation efforts -land owners, recreationists, sportsmen. There is a tension between the virtues of uniformity and flexibility -can cooperative conservation address this tension? One size does not fit all -- collaboratives need to be flexible and adaptable. Recognize the key role that states and tribes play in fostering and implementing partnerships and collaborations. Your views and comments will be crucial in shaping policy in the days ahead. Click here to e-mail us. HOME PAGE  |   CONTACT US