Watershed Councils and their Struggles Toward Consensus
By Pat Corcoran
ABSTRACT
Oregon's approach to improving water quality and habitat for salmon rests on local watershed restoration councils. Councils assess the conditions of their watershed, identify restoration projects, secure funding for and implement these projects, and monitor the impact of the projects over time. These (80+) groups are comprised of local volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, abilities, and political interests. Additionally, councils are charged to make "consensus" decisions. The combination of diverse, volunteer, members charged with coming to consensus on ecologically and politically contentious projects leads to many difficulties. This paper identifies critical issues facing councils with regard to how they conduct business and make decisions on restoration projects. Discussion will focus on the nature of consensus decision-making and how this influences the productivity of councils.
KEYWORDS: watershed councils, consensus, capacity, conflict
 View Reflections on Consensus, Co-management and Conditions for Labor Session
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