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Partners For Tomorrow's West1998 |
Table of Contents
Partners Preserving Habitat and Species
California Natural Community Conservation Planning Program
Nevada Natural Heritage Program
Texas Voluntary Private Conservation Programs
Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds
Partners Protecting Land and Water Resources
Guam Coral Reef Initiative
Colorado Resource Advisory Councils
Washington Watershed-based Wetlands Restoration
Nebraska Environmental Trust
Partners Preventing Pollution
Idaho Dairy Pollution Prevention Initiative
Texas Voluntary Emissions Reductions
Western Regional Air Partnership
Partners Promoting Open Space
Arizona Preserve Initiative
Wyoming's Agricultural Land and Open Spaces Initiative
Utah Critical Lands Conservation Committee
Partners Minimizing Development's Impact
Alaska Doing It Right: Oil Exploration, Production, and Transportation System
New Mexico Minimizing Highway Expansion Impacts
Hawaii's Innovative Partnerships to Protect the Environment
Partners Promoting Intergovernmental Cooperation
Utah Customer Service Oriented Environmental Quality Department
Wyoming Intergovernmental Cooperative Lands Management
Acknowledgments
This report was made possible by the dedication and time governors' staff and state agency staff devoted to writing up these case studies. The case studies were collected over the course of six months and were edited by Western Governors' Association staff. Any errors or inaccuracies are WGA's responsibility solely. The report would not have been possible without the talented assistance of Sharon Dawn who was responsible for the formatting and graphics presentation.
Preface
Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, WGA Chairman, asked his colleagues to submit short summaries of initiatives in their states that exemplify the theme Partners for Tomorrow's West and utilize new approaches to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. This report is primarily a compilation of the summaries submitted by governors' offices or by their state agencies.
The case studies contained in this report illustrate that there is a growing and welcome reliance on partnerships and collaboration in the West. They demonstrate in whole, or in part, the following features: a sound, collaborative science basis; inclusive forums for developing policy options; voluntary, private-sector initiative; local community and citizen involvement in developing and implementing strategies; and intergovernmental and public-private sector integration of efforts.
Based upon the examples in this report and many other local, state, and regional efforts that are producing real results in communities, watersheds, and agencies, the governors have identified a set of principles that, if implemented broadly, could become a better way to a cleaner future for the West. They have codified the principles in WGA Resolution 98-001, Principles for Environmental Management in the West. The governors are seeking comments on the principles and will be identifying other partnerships and innovative approaches like those contained in this report that can serve as models for the region.
Introduction
Partners for Tomorrow's West
Partnerships are a critical ingredient for making good public policy in the West. That's why I chose the theme of "Partners for Tomorrow's West" for my year as chairman of WGA. Governors have no more important job than maintaining a healthy, growing economy. But this doesn't happen in a vacuum. Many diverse groups, interests and individuals call the West home. So policies and initiatives can be successful only by bringing these diverse groups together and working with citizens, industry and organizations, as partners.
Independence, self-reliance, common sense, and individuality are values which describe the West. Maintaining these values while bringing people together is our challenge. The old model of polarizing constituencies is ineffective. The best way we as governors have found to resolve issues is through balanced, open and inclusive approaches where interested parties and stakeholders are brought together to formulate policies. Collaborative approaches result in greater satisfaction among the parties, broader public support, and lasting productive working relationships.
Successful partnering is a two-way street. Everyone gives a little to reap the rewards; winner-take-all doesn't work. Alaska may be typical of the challenges faced in many western states, where vocal environmental groups are often at odds with major mining, oil, timber and fishing companies. Yet, we realize it's impossible to have a healthy environment without a strong economy. If you protect the watershed and keep the rivers clean, you'll have more salmon and more jobs in the fishing and tourism industries. If the forests are managed for all of the users and the timber is utilized for its highest value, we will have more jobs per thousand board feet and more feet will walk across forested trails. If you ensure safe transportation of oil without mishaps and minimize the impact on the habitat, more oil will make it to market.
Meaningful partnering is the key to success in a global economy and a world growing smaller through technology. Understanding and fulfilling partnerships have made the Western Governors' Association one of the premier, progressive groups of leaders in this country.
This book highlights several important partnerships that are breaking the trail toward tomorrow's West. They demonstrate that partnerships, not confrontation and polarization, are the most effective way to implement public policy. They illustrate that western states have learned that a healthy economy and a healthy environment go hand in hand.
Tony Knowles
Governor of Alaska
Chairman, Western Governors' Association