|
Situation Assessments |
|
Examples of Situation Assessments |
For a complete Sri Lanka report in pdf format. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (2004). The assessment process was conducted jointly by Mary Margaret Golten from CDR Associates and the mediators from Center for Collaborative Policy (CSUS) in Sacramento (the "Assessment Team") under contract to the U.S Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (Institute). GGNRA consulted with the Institute on the situation assessment process and the hiring process for the Assessment Team. The Assessment Team spoke with approximately 45 people in individual and group interviews to gather information for this assessment report during the May-August 2004 time period. The team began with a list of names developed by GGNRA as a result of its extensive interactions with members of the public, but expanded its list based on advice received during interviews. Most interviews were conducted in person by one or two team members; follow up typically occurred via telephone. The Assessment Team relied on the same agenda as the starting point for all interviews and adjusted its approach for each discussion to focus on priorities and opportunities. This agenda was sent in advance to interview participants whenever possible. Use of a standard agenda allows some generalization about the interviews, although this assessment process does not rely on a statistical approach. The Assessment Team conducted two group interviews with advocates for off-leash dog walking, in addition to individual conversations, and also met as a group with representatives of environmental organizations. The Assessment Team had multiple goals in conducting its interviews, consistent with the Negotiated Rulemaking Act. The first was to identify the key interests of various individuals and organizations concerned about dog management in the GGNRA who would be significantly affected by a rule and would need to be represented to constitute a balanced committee consistent with the Rulemaking Act. The second was to evaluate the potential for reaching consensus on a recommended rule for GGNRA through a negotiated rulemaking process. The third was to identify prospective candidates who were able and willing to serve on the Committee. Given the high level of interest in off-leash dog walking issues in the Bay Area there were many more people seeking to participate in the assessment process than there were available hours under the contract. Schedules of potential participants and time constraints also were factors influencing interview decisions. The Assessment Team believes it has achieved its goals: all significant interests have been considered in the assessment process, even though all people with an interest could not participate in this phase.
For a complete GGNRA Situation Assessment report in pdf format. El Dorado County, California - Growth Management Initiative. CDR conducted a situation assessment, consulted with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Department staff, and proposed a series of strategies to address a number of highly contentious growth management issues related to the development of a county masterplan for this rapidly growing community in Northern California county. Issues involved included conflicts over transportation, water, protection of endangered species, targeted areas for development, development of a master plan, and procedures for making policy decisions. Subsequently CDR facilitated a Board of Supervisors Retreat where elected officials developed successful strategies to address growth management issues. American River Water Contract and Environmental Impact Statement Negotiations, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the City and County of Sacramento, California, and East Bay Municipal Utility District. CDR Partners Christopher Moore and Susan Wildau conducted a situation assessment of a deeply entrenched water and environmental protection conflict dispute in Northern California that helped bring concerned parties to the negotiating table. Subsequently, Moore designed and facilitated six months of multiparty meetings concerning the development of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on use of American River water, protection of the environment, preservation of recreational amenities, and meeting municipal water needs in the San Francisco Bay area. The success of the meetings enabled key political decision-makers at local and national levels to reach a final agreement, and resolve decades-long water conflicts in California's Central Valley and Bay Delta. Situation Assessment and Mediation of Klamath Basin Water Conflicts. The Klamath River Basin in Oregon and California was the site of intense, widely reported conflict in the Spring of 2001 over a decision by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to limit deliveries of water to irrigators in order to satisfy tribal trust obligations and address endangered species concerns. While the sources of the conflict reach back to the 19th century, a severe drought has brought them to a head. Klamath Project irrigators unsuccessfully sought relief in U.S. District Court in Oregon, and the Court agreed to oversee efforts to resolve the dispute through mediation. CDR Associates was appointed by the Court to prepare a situation assessment of prospects for mediating all or part of the dispute. Following delivery of the report CDR's team was asked to assist the Court and stakeholders in designing and conducting a mediated dialog on key issues for the future of the Klamath Basin arising from the underlying litigation. Click Klamath Situation Assessment.pdf format. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Red River Watershed Management Board, Red River of the North. CDR fielded a mediation team that assisted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Red River Watershed Management Board, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, environmental groups, and other stakeholders in reaching a consensus agreement around broad-based, sustainable solutions to problems caused by flooding in the Red River basin. Potentially affected resources include different habitats; stream flow; wildlife; agricultural production and activity; cities, towns, and homesteads; water quality; fisheries; threatened and endangered species; and recreation. CDR's mediators conducted a situation assessment, designed a negotiation process that included a technical advisory committee, facilitated negotiations over a seven-month period, and assisted with drafting and revising the final agreement.
For a complete Red River Report in pdf format.
