Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment

Forest Service 2003 Success Stories

Success Stories: Creeks and Communities: A Continuing Strategy for Accelerating Cooperative Riparian Restoration and Management

FY 2003 marks the seventh full year of an interagency effort now known as Creeks and Communities: A Continuing Strategy for Accelerating Cooperative Riparian Restoration and Management. It is an approach led by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, fostering collaborative, local decision-making concerning riparian issues, principally in the western United States . The strategy employed by this group is about “Encouraging relationships, building trust, and creating a common vision” among participants.

Creeks and Communities is designed to give people the tools to confront and manage the conflict that is often a barrier to restoration and improvements in management. Through teaching fundamental concepts, using common methods, terms, and definitions, this initiative is helping to build an essential foundation for effectively solving the problems surrounding this important resource.

This strategy is implemented by a diverse group of individuals called the Riparian Coordination Network, comprised of the National Riparian Service Team, State Cadres, and agency riparian coordinators. Objectives of the strategy are achieved through outreach and educational activities, as well as providing assistance with specific situations, for issues ranging from concern about endangered species and water quality to communication and participation of interests.

In FY 2003, the Riparian Coordination Network completed 34 training sessions, 14 service trips, and 20 briefings and/or presentations, reaching over 1600 people as they facilitate respectful listening and learning environments.

http://www.or.blm.gov/nrst

USDA Forest Service - Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18 May 2004 at 11:33:13 EDT