Building consensus for riparian users: toward the twenty-first century

摘要

Society's definition of the acceptable use of riparian areas changes over time. Land managers must accept these changes and find ways to help rangeland users work together to develop shared visions for all resources. One approach that has worked for the Oregon Watershed Improvement Coalition (OWIC) is the use of abundance theory and the coalition-building process. Abundance theory focuses attention on the needs of the people and on the importance of understanding one another. This method helps to allay the fear with which many resource users approach on another on resource issues. By using abundance theory and coalition building, OWIC has successfully improved the management and shared vision of Oregon's watersheds and associated riparian areas.