| Photo: Breederland |
Editorial New Rules of Engagement
In discussions involving Traverse City’s Boardman River dams, Sea Grant educator Mark Breederland refers to this public collaboration as a “transparent process.” Nothing is hidden; the complexities inherent in decision-making emerge in an open forum. As this particular issue shows, these complexities can be formidable, involving not only environmental issues but an intricate array of socio-economic issues. Such is the case in Northeast Michigan, where an ambitious integrated assessment, launched in 2005, explores ways to capitalize on the natural coastal assets that characterize the region. What types of policy decisions might stimulate economic development? How can coastal access be improved for residents and visitors alike? These are the types of questions that deserve input and expertise from a broad spectrum of stakeholders and citizens. This multi-level communication can take many forms. In 2005, fisheries workshops facilitated by Sea Grant staff on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron brought together not only scientists and fisheries managers but hundreds of stakeholders whose opinions and views were subsequently collected and provided to management agencies. In the Upper Peninsula and around the state, the economic interests of Michigan’s commercial fishing industry are informing efforts to boost consumer awareness and marketing of Great Lakes whitefish. These collaborative projects are among the many highlights from 2005 presented in this issue of upwellings. As these projects take shape in 2006, Sea Grant is looking forward to achieving common goals in concert with new and existing partners, collaborators, and stakeholders.
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Several presenters at Michigan Sea Grant’s October 2005 workshop on integrated assessments emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders and the public in environmental decision-making. Increasingly, this active communication process—which can bring together local residents, legislators, natural resource stakeholders, landowners, and any number of concerned citizens—is part of the fundamental groundwork that precedes significant environmental policy.