Project Number: WVA00080
CRIS Number: 0177150
THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS IN THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC LANDS
Investigators: Schuett, M. A.
Performing Department: Forestry -- 1240
Start Date: 01/01/1998
Termination Date: 09/30/2002
Reporting period: 01/01/2001 to 12/31/2001
Progress Report:
The research I am doing on the role and influence of voluntary associations has yielded some beneficial results. I have explored how communities effectively establish non-profit groups which become major stakeholders in the planning and management of public lands and the communities in which they live. I visited two such communities this past summer in Oregon in which the local community development organizations worked closely with the US Forest Service on such diverse issues as traffic flows down main street to organized recreation for local youth. Future research will examine how local nonprofits feel about wilderness designation of caves on public lands. The implications of this potential designation will be examined as well. The types of groups examined will vary from those with commodity interests to recreation. I am also involved with the upcoming Forest Plan for the Monongahela National Forest. I will be examining the impact of voluntary associations on this process. The forest plan will take several years to complete.
Publications:
Schuett, M.A., Selin, S.W., & Carr, D.S. 2001. Making it work: Keys to successful collaboration in natural resource management. Environmental Management, 27(4), 587-593.
Impact:
This research will be beneficial for federal land managers, community leaders, and those who are involved with nonprofit groups to better understand the positive and negative aspects of public involvement in natural resource management.