John S. McCain III
National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution
Project Case Summary
Cibola National Forest Travel Management Planning, Sandia Ranger District
April 2006 - August 2007
Location: New Mexico
Background
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is located in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas and is part of the Southwestern Region of the U.S. Forest
Service. The Cibola NF is among many national forests beginning travel management planning to comply with the Travel Management Rule (2005) that requires
the forests to designate a system of roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use. The Cibola NF asked the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict
Resolution to assist in planning and convening a broad-based collaborative effort for this process. The Institute, working with contracted neutrals Kathleen
Bond and Susan Hayman, conducted an initial assessment; the facilitators used the assessment's key findings and recommendations to design, facilitate and
document a series of public workshops and a work group to develop recommendations for motorized use on the Sandia Ranger District.
Results and Accomplishments
- Participants in the work group represented a broad diversity of interests. The work group reviewed use patterns and integrated feedback
from public meetings to help develop recommendations. All meetings were open to the public, and there were many opportunities for the public
to offer comments.
- After eight months of public workshops and work group meetings, the Forest Service presented a preliminary proposal and then held additional
meetings during the scoping and Environmental Assessment comment periods.
- Participants were cautiously optimistic that the inclusive process led to a more informed decision that determined motorized routes, trails and
areas.
Highlights/Innovations
- The Cibola National Forest used both a multi-stakeholder work group, which included Forest Service staff as participants, and public workshops
to encourage more active public engagement in developing travel management recommendations.
- Participants reported that the collaborative process on the Sandia District fostered important working relationships that are expected to endure
beyond this specific project.
- A variety of tools and activities were used throughout the process. Work group members found the use of interactive maps to be particularly helpful,
while participants in the public workshops appreciated the educational presentations, small and large group discussions, and the Q & A sessions.
- Overall, participants in this process reported an enhanced understanding of the Travel Management Rule, the Forest Service's decision making process,
and how public input is used in the development of proposals.
Credits
Partners from National Roster of ECR Practitioners
Susan Hayman (North Country Associates) and Kathleen Bond (KTB Decision Resources)
U.S. Institute Project Manager
Larry Fisher, Ph.D., Coordinator
Public Lands and Natural Resources Program
Phone: (520) 901-8544; FAX: (520) 670-5530
Email: fisher@ecr.gov; Website: www.ecr.gov
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