Focusing On Collaborative Decision Making at the University of Washington College of Forest Resources
WHO CAN USE THE FORUM
Government: Federal and state land managers; fisheries, wildlife and marine mammal
agencies, parks and recreation agencies, tribal resource managers, urban growth planners,
water resources managers; federal and state environmental agencies Industry: Agriculture and range operators, forestland managers, oil and mining explorers,
real estate developers, energy companies, horticulturalists and urban foresters, economic develop groups
Non-Governmental Organizations and Others: Land conservancies, land trusts, watershed councils, environmental
groups, family forest and farm landowners
CONCEPTS
Science-based decision-making is central to the Forum.
Sustainable natural resource policies must integrate science, technology and social values.
Neutral and trusted organizers and interactive problem-solving environments can enable decision makers to solve problems and develop innovative policies.
An educational observatory can ensue, that derives research and teaching opportunities from the learning that occurs, where science and public policy unite in cutting edge collaborations.
STRATEGIES
Build neutral and information-rich setting for dialogue. Decision support tools help participants compare ideas, weigh trade-offs and move toward resolution of complex issues.
Create space for collaboration. Experts from diverse organizations participate directly
Build an educational observatory. Access to Forum projects will provide teaching and case study opportunities.
Stimulate research from the search for long-term solutions. Information gaps and research needs will be identified, along with research that is needed for future decisions.
The Forum strives to address regional environmental and natural resource issues as a multi-center effort of the University. The College of Forest Resources is pivotal in helping regional policy makers reach decisions about sustaining natural resource productivity. Other University colleges and centers - Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Public Policy, Architecture and Urban Planning, Engineering, Information Sciences, Atmosphere and Oceans, Law, Business and Marine Affairs – are integral to the Forum goal.
