Gregg Walker - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Gregg Walker

$Research paper thumbnail of From the Forest to the River: Citizens\u27 Views of Stakeholder Engagement$

Since the early 1990s collaboration and consensus processes have become associated with success i... more Since the early 1990s collaboration and consensus processes have become associated with success in the environmental policy and natural resource policy arenas. Interest in collaboration and consensus processes have emerged, in part, out of a frustration with more conventional efforts used to involve stakeholders, to work though conflicts, and to make decisions in the environmental and natural resource policy arenas. Collaboration and consensus processes, when designed well and applied appropriately, provide opportunities for meaningful stakeholder engagement. This essay features aspects of two government-led or agency-based (Koontz et al. 2004; Moore and Koontz 2003) planning efforts that consider collaboration and citizens/stakeholder engagement. Both projects, a forest management plan revision on the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, and a regional sediment management planning effort at the mouth of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, have considered a Collaborat...

Pluralistic public participation: case studies in collaborative learning

Beyond Boom and Bust: Improving Community Resilience in Rural Ghana

Throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa extractive industries are increasingly prominent in both na... more Throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa extractive industries are increasingly prominent in both national economies and rural development. Mining, timber, and oil and gas, and green energy projects are changing the character of rural communities throughout the African continent. They introduce new players (e.g., multinational corporations), raise expectations of local citizens, and strain local infrastructure and governance systems. Such is the case in rural Ghana. A number of communities are experiencing the boom from a major extraction project (e.g., mining or oil and gas) but none seem to be planning for the long term – the bust – when the project ends. This paper examines rural Ghana communities currently impacted by extractive industries. The cases focus on how communities are engaging the industry, if (and how) they are planning for the future, and the role Ghana universities may play in improving adaptive capacity and local stakeholder engagement. One case study site features o...

The Military-industrial complex : Eisenhower's warning three decades later

Contents: This book includes thirteen essays that address various aspects of the United States Mi... more Contents: This book includes thirteen essays that address various aspects of the United States Military-Industrial Complex and President Dwight D. Eisenhower's farewell warning about that complex. The essays are organized according to a variety of perspectives: contemporary, economic and historical, and rhetorical and psychological. The book concludes with an essay that argues for considering Eisenhower's farewell warning as a new paradigm for thinking about the relationships between the citizenry, government, and industry.

Journal of Forestry, 1996

, lightning storms moved eastward across the Cascade Mountain range of Central Washington. They f... more , lightning storms moved eastward across the Cascade Mountain range of Central Washington. They followed in the wake of record-breaking summer temperatures and encountered forests suffering from years of drought-like conditions. They ignited many fires 41 in the Wenatchee National Forest alone. The fires thrived because of a number of factors: unusually dry forest conditions, a large volume of natural fuels, steep terrain, and strong winds with gusts up to 50 miles per hour. When they broke out, few local firefighting resources were available. Much of the fire fighting equipment based in the Pacific Northwest had been deployed to fires in the Rocky Mountains, which had already claimed 16 lives. During the first few days of the Cascade-region fires, ex-burned through September. In late August, the Wenatchee National Forest launched a short-term rehabilitation effort to thwart erosion, reduce flooding risk, and maintain public safety. Some forest areas were closed to the public. Severely burned hillsides were seeded and fertilized. Drainages were shored up with hay, rock, and check dams. Burned trees were cut as part of a contour felling process to reduce sedimentation from overland flow. Roads were modified to provide for manageable water flows during winter snow melt and spring rains. Long-Term Forest Health As these emergency rehabilitation efforts proceeded, forest-level and ranger district management began to plan for the long-term health of the damaged forests. They realized that ter and function. They also anuc•pated that forest restoration activines could be controversial, and that d•fferent views about fire recovery and forest health provided the potenual for outright conflict. There are a number of techniques that the staff might have employed: transacuve planning (Friedmann 1973), strategic perspectives analysis (Dale and Lane 1995), search conferencmg (Dieruer and Alvarez 1995), and so forth. Key Wenatchee National Forest personnel were aware of the authors' previous collaborative learning applications elsewhere in the region, and solicited their involvement. This paper describes the collaborative learning approach used in the Wenatchee fire recovery planning The authors have reported other applications of this approach elsewhere (e.g., Daniels and Walker 1996; Photo by Grant Gibbs Journal of Forestry 5 gust 12, Portland, OR. WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST. 1994. Fire inj3rmarion sheet. Wenatchee, WA: Wenatchee National Forest. WILSON, K., and G. MORREN. 1990. Systems approaches •r improvements in agriculture and resource management. New York: MacMillan.

Process: redefining relationships

Journal of …, 2001

Parl Two: Introduction and Work Group Papers 99 and in our governance systems. In the second part... more Parl Two: Introduction and Work Group Papers 99 and in our governance systems. In the second part of this chapter we discuss the challenges posed by and possible approaches to working with power differentials and bureaucratic administrative processes. KEY DIMENSIONS ...

My natural science training has served me well in the Forest Service, but I am increasingly aware... more My natural science training has served me well in the Forest Service, but I am increasingly aware of the need to rely on social science training in all that we do as a public natural resource management agency. People and their values guide our decisionmaking processes. We are natural scientists first, yet we produce goods and services that are defined and measured by society's values. The Chelan County fires in 1994 were of devastating proportion. Large areas of the county were burned black and unrecognizable. People's homes and private property, as well as their favorite places in the Wenatchee National Forest, were lost. Our rehabilitation and recovery challenge was not only for the physical and biological resources but also for the recovery and well-being of our communities and the people. I understood, as I watched the last smoke die, that we could not move forward without a clear understanding of our communities and a concerted effort for public involvement in the de...

Collaborative learning is an innovation i public participation theory and prac-tice. It is design... more Collaborative learning is an innovation i public participation theory and prac-tice. It is designed to address the complexity and controversy inherent in public land management bycombining elements of systems methods and mediation/ dispute management. Collaborative learning activities put more emphasis on experiential learning theory, systemic mprovement, and constructive discourse than do typical public participation programs. Collaborative learning was used in a series of public meetings held as part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area land management planning process. The final plan incorpo-rated several ideas that emerged from the process, and a follow-up survey of participants found favorable impressions of the collaborative learning frame-work.

27 Communicating Across Cultures: Argument and International Negotiation

Argumentation: Analysis and Practices

On Discourse-Intensive Approaches to Environmental Decision-Making: Applying Social Theory to Practice

The Cambridge Handbook of Environmental Sociology

Writing in The Good Society almost three decades ago, the late Robert Bellah and colleagues addre... more Writing in The Good Society almost three decades ago, the late Robert Bellah and colleagues addressed “the patterned ways Americans have developed for living together, what sociologists call institutions.” (1991, p. 4). They sought to understand “how much of our lives is lived and though institutions, and how better institutions are essential if we are to live better lives (p. 5). The chapter considers a particular set of institutional practices that emerged in the early 1990s in response to environmental and natural resource management controversies; practices typically associated with environmental governance and collaborative, community-based organizations. Neither then nor now are these organizations tightly defined or standardized; rather they emerged and endure in varied forms across the globe. Regardless of their forms and functions, collaborative organizations and practices designed to foster environmental innovation reflect institutional reform – a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. This chapter examines the recent rise of more inclusive approaches to environmental decision-making from a sociological perspective. In diverse locales there are coalitions of citizens, non-governmental organizations, and the traditional resource management agencies forging agreements in the face of deeply seated value differences and vexing technical complexity. These innovative efforts are making progress when conventional processes seem paralyzed, and this increased democratization of natural resource/environmental decision making has arguably been perhaps the biggest shift in the field in the past twenty years. Often arising spontaneously outside of long-standing administrative structures, they have increasingly become respected and institutionalized, even as they operate in the face of competitive political incentives. One of initial challenges this chapter faces is the lack of a standard terminology. A huge number of terms are used to describe these processes: advisory groups, advocacy coalitions, appreciative inquiry, charettes, citizen involvement, citizen juries, civic science, consensus conferences, collaborative learning, co-management, community-based collaboration, collaborative public management, deliberative

A process that aims to regain ecological integrity and enhance human well-being in deforested or ... more A process that aims to regain ecological integrity and enhance human well-being in deforested or degraded forest landscapes. FLR incorporates a broad array of highly complex issues, values, and no small amount of uncertainty. As an emerging fi eld of research and practice there is an encouraging spirit, optimism, and enthusiasm regarding FLR. Certainly it is dif fi cult to oppose FLR as described in the de fi nition above. Who would not like to regain ecological integrity? Who would not like to enhance human well-being? Who would not like to turn degraded landscapes into green forests? Indeed, FLR is a noble endeavour with expansive aspirations. As laudable as the goals and values are in this de fi nition, the real bene fi ts stem from applications of FLR concepts and tools. While forest managers and researchers may agree in principle when de fi ning FLR, there are many potential sources of con fl ict related to FLR in practice, J. Emborg (*) Forest and Landscape ,

Tackling the tangle of environmental conflict: Complexity, controversy, and collaborative learning

Emergence: Complexity and Organization, 2008

Environmental conflict situations are typically messy; a tangle of complexity, controversy, and u... more Environmental conflict situations are typically messy; a tangle of complexity, controversy, and uncertainty. As a means for addressing environmental conflict and decision situations and making progress on matters of substance, relationship, and procedure, Collaborative Learning integrates concepts and techniques from systems thinking, negotiation, experiential learning, and participatory communication. This essay establishes a context for understanding the creation and evolution of the CL methodology. Following that discussion, the Collaborative Learning approach is explained. A current comprehensive project in forest planning provides a case illustration. Introduction A provocative research partnership has been cultivated between Norway's University of Bergen and Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona. The program, "Management of Complexity, Scientific Uncertainty and Public Participation in Environmental and Landscape Governance in Nordland and Catalunya," ha...

Climate Change: International Law and Global Governance

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) features the most important an... more The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) features the most important and complex negotiations that the global community has yet addressed. Climate scientists have reached consensus on the significance of climate change, its impacts, and anthropogenic causes. Political leaders and negotiators, though, have yet to achieve consensus agreements on any of the major climate change policy areas, such as extending the Kyoto Protocol, setting and adhering to clear mitigation goals, providing the resources needed to adapt, and developing new institutions, such as the Green Climate Fund. 1 In contrast, consensus on both science and policy was achieved during an earlier international conference that, for its time, was called "one of the most important negotiations to have ever taken place". 2 Negotiators at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) worked on 25 issues over most of a decade to develop a comprehensive consensus agreement. This essay compares Law of the Sea (LOS) negotiations with the climate change negotiations. Lauded for its innovative negotiation approach and leadership, UNCLOS III may offer some important insights that climate change negotiators may find relevant to the challenges they face. To compare the ongoing climate change negotiations with the LOS talks, this essay employs the Progress Triangle framework. The commentary examines Climate Change and LOS negotiations in the Progress Triangle areas of substance, relationship, and procedure. The conclusion of the essay fea

Natural Resources and Environmental Issues, 1995

No matter how elegant ecosystem management is scientifically, it will not reach its potential in ... more No matter how elegant ecosystem management is scientifically, it will not reach its potential in western U.S., with its abundant public lands, unless it is effective public policy. Such policy is (1) an adaptive process, (2) utilizes the most appropriate science and technology, (3) is implementable, and (4) has low transaction cost. This paper focuses on the latter two characteristics which are shaped by social legitimacy, and proposes a procedure termed Collaborative Learning as a promising decision-making process for ecosystem management. Two defining criteria of social legitimacy in contemporary American public policy are (1) policy solutions must be recognized as technically sound; and (2) if people’s lives are affected, they must have a voice in policy process. The increasing sophistication of science and technology makes them less understood by the general public, and creates a dilemma between the narrow politics of expertise and a broad politics of public inclusion. Land mana...

Institutional pluralism in forestry: considerations of analytical and operational tools

In the current forestry context a wide variety of individuals and organizations have an interest ... more In the current forestry context a wide variety of individuals and organizations have an interest in resource management. A range of new approaches in forestry planning and management have emerged, especially over the past two decades, developed in collaboration with ...

Overview During the Winter of 2009/2010 the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSN... more Overview During the Winter of 2009/2010 the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR) and the Coos Watershed Association (CWA) invited local landowners, technical advisors, and interested individuals and organizations to join them on a new approach to managing coastal watersheds. CWA and SSNERR leaders envisioned a partnership that would focus on the 35,155 acre area of the South Slough watershed and several small watersheds that drain to the Pacific Ocean between Cape Arago and Bullards Beach (the coastal frontal watersheds) in Southwestern Oregon. The PCW, the conveners hoped, could provide local communities (such as Charleston and Coos Bay) with a way to anticipate and respond to the local effects of climate and land use changes (Coos Watershed Association). Announced initially on the Coos Watershed Association's website, the PCW was formed to address ecological, economic, and social needs of the area. As stated on the CWA website: Large-scale changes in land uses and climate-related impacts have the potential to alter our community's quality of life and its long-term economic viability. Changes will come from a variety of sources including proposed mineral sands mining, expanded golf-course and residential developments, shifts in Dungeness crab, rockfish and salmon fisheries, and possible increased potential for fire in Coast Range forests. These changes overlie the effects of more traditional land uses, such as timber harvesting, fishing and public recreation, as well as the dayto-day management of the South Slough NERR, a 4,800 acre area dedicated to research and education. (Coos Watershed Association) From January 2011 to the present, nine PCW meetings have taken place. Meetings generally have included a mix of technical talks (e.g., watershed conditions), small group interaction, and large group discussion. Small group interaction has been typically tied to specific tasks. For example, the second meeting was devoted primarily to the development of a "Commitment to Collaboration Compact" (Walker and Daniels, 2011). Later meetings featured the development of a vision statement and discussions about coastal ecosystem, watershed, and sustainability topics. Small group discussions at some of these meetings were facilitated by members of the Oregon State University consultative team. This report assesses the progress of the Partnership for Coastal Watersheds (PCW) Project from its inception through the summer of 2012. First, the PCW is described and PCW meeting activities are discussed. Following this foundation information, the report describes its assessment methods and presents the results of those methods. The report concludes with a presentation of observations and recommendations. 2-PCW Progress Report Assessment Approach An assessment team from Oregon State University (also members of the facilitation team) has conducted this work. The assessment employs a multi-method approach. First, conversations have been held (individual and group interviews) with PCW members. Second, PCW members were asked to complete a survey on the PCW and its future. Third, meeting notes and feedback were reviewed to provide a basis of comparison with the information gained from the interviews and survey. Observations and Recommendations Observation One. Diversity and inclusiveness are valued.  Recommendation. Continue the inclusive approach and maintain the diversity of the group. Observation Two. PCW members appreciate opportunities to learn.  Recommendation. Maintain a collaborative, community learning focus. Recommendation. Draw significantly on local knowledge as well as technical knowledge. Observation Three. The PCW is more consultative than collaborative.  Recommendation. The Partnership for Coastal Watersheds should transition from a consultative group to a collaborative partnership.  Recommendation. The PCW could become a more formal and recognized partnership. Observation Four. The PCW has devoted significant time to matters of process or procedure.  Recommendation. The PCW should meet to develop a collaboration action strategy. Observation Five. The PCW conveners and members communicate capably about the Partnership.  Recommendation. Continue the investment in communication. Observation Six: The organizational capacity and identity of the PCW could be improved.  Recommendation. Strengthen organizational capacity through training and collaborative action.  Recommendation. Refine the PCW organizational structure. General Conclusion This assessment of the Partnership for Coastal Watersheds indicates that the PCW has the potential to be an important and enduring multi-stakeholder community organization for dealing with the local challenges of climate change and sustainability. The PCW draws its strength from its membership; their knowledge, skills, and caring for the coastal region. It can develop the capacity to address climate change adaptation issues and related community concerns and opportunities regarding sustainability. It can do so collaboratively, with flexibility and inclusive participation. It has made good progress procedurally and can move forward on substantive work.

Western Journal of Applied Forestry

Wildfire represents a serious challenge to communities in the rural West. After decades of fire s... more Wildfire represents a serious challenge to communities in the rural West. After decades of fire suppression, land managers now perceive a greater role for wildfire in the ecosystem. In the meantime, migration patterns from urban to rural settings have increased the number of people living in forested areas throughout the West, therefore; wildfires are a threat to more homes than ever in the region. This study focuses on two communities' response to wildfires during the intense fire season of 1994. Through qualitative research methods, the study analyzes these diverse responses in the context of local social history. Residents of the two communities in north central Washington differed markedly in their perceptions of the wildfires and the followup recovery efforts. We argue that these differences are in large part due to differences in the communities' historical development patterns, geographical location, and the resulting differences in social composition and world views ...

Is it More than Rock and roll?: Considering Music Video as Argument

Argumentation and Advocacy

... Ross, S., prod. (1990, April). I want my MTV. ABC News Prime Time Live, New York. Rubin, RB, ... more ... Ross, S., prod. (1990, April). I want my MTV. ABC News Prime Time Live, New York. Rubin, RB, Rubin, AM, Perse, EM, Armstrong, C., McHugh, M., &amp; Faix, N. (1986). Media use and meaning of music video. Journalism Quarterly, 63, 353-359. Rybacki, K., &amp; Rybacki, D. (1991). ...

A purposive social assessment across three communities explored reactions of local residents to w... more A purposive social assessment across three communities explored reactions of local residents to wildfires in the Wenatchee National Forest in north-central Washington. Research concentrated on identifying the diversity of fundamental beliefs and values held by local residents about wildfire and forest management. Particular emphasis was given to investigating community social structures and potential conflict dynamics surrounding fire recovery efforts. Semistructured interviews were conducted with people representing a diverse set of values, attachments to the National Forest, and beliefs about forest management. Complexity of the social context emerged through inductive methods of qualitative analysis. Twenty-six social entities were categorized as political coalitions, stakeholder groups, residency tenure distinctions, geographic divisions, or ethnic communities. For each of the three communities, an indepth discussion described social dynamics surrounding fire recovery in the National Forest by juxtaposing the various value orientations and beliefs across 15 fire recovery issues. Conclusions targeted improving public involvement processes in the aftermath of severe ecological disturbances and traumatic human experiences.

Argument and social practice : proceedings of the Forth SCA/AFA Conference on Argumentation