Public involvement in natural resource development: a review of water resource planning

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Environ. Aff.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7288696

Daneke, G A

Water resources decisions are used to illustrate the role of citizen participation in policies that affect the environment. The historical development of local involvement is traced from the first canal and waterway development projects in the early 1800s. The relationship of the Corps of Engineers to the concept that water development growth is an inherent good is noted. The Corps has traditionally responded primarily to local officials and prominent businessmen whose interests were compatible with those of the Corps. Recent environmental concerns, while challenged by another elite group, have raised the awareness and subsequent opposition of rank-and-file citizens, who now question the need for continued growth at the expense of environmental and social quality. Increasing demands for public access to decision making has led to innovative ways of communication and information gathering. Criticisms of public input through hearings and other devices focus on how to determine the proper timing for citizen participation. Strategies, such as ''Fishbowl Planning'', are compared with traditional planning procedures; the conclusion is reached that some strategies could be used to effect changes in people rather than in plans. Four steps are outlined for broadening the base of negotiations by encouraging coalitions rather than polarizations. 74 references and footnotes. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg
• OSTI ID: 7288696
• Journal Information: Environ. Aff.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Aff.; (United States) Vol. 6:1; ISSN EVAFB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
520600 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Regulations -- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BEHAVIOR
COMMUNITIES
COMPETITION
DECISION MAKING
ECONOMIC GROWTH
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HEARINGS
INFORMATION
INTERVENORS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PLANNING
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
WATER RESOURCES