| 1. |
How to fail in watershed management: Demonstrate disrespect for watershed
residents and the natural resources. |
|---|
| 2. |
Promote "Learning" and "Understanding" as opposed to "Educating". Do not
assume that people will protect the stream if "educated". Consider canoe trips or
other creative educational settings to help clientele understand the watershed
issues. |
|---|
| 3. |
Recruit opinion leaders from the community, especially if they have challenging
points of view. Sometimes these individuals are not in the local leadership
positions, but have a lot of credibility with neighbors and friends. |
|---|
| 4. |
Consider Fear and Pride as sources of motivation. Fear of regulation may bring
some audiences to the table, but pride will generate longer lasting protection. |
|---|
| 5. |
Work towards creating common ground and win/win outcomes. Consider
competitiveness, environmental soundness, and social/political issues. |
|---|
| 6. |
Clarify areas of conflict. View conflict as an opportunity to learn. |
|---|
| 7. |
Promote the positive. Beware the double negative. We learned it was important to
show that farmers are "doing good things" to protect Big Darby Creek, instead of
"not doing bad things." |
|---|
| 8. |
In community development, fast is slow and slow is fast! Take the time to grow
slowly. |
|---|
| 9. |
Value resistance for there is much to understand. |
|---|
| 10. |
Recognize contributions regardless of how small they may be. |
|---|
| Additional Words of Wisdom from Other Experienced Watershed
Planners: |
|---|
| 1. |
Build a better watershed and water quality well be a consequence. |
|---|
| 2. |
Market your weaknesses and invest in your strengths. |
|---|
| 3. |
Planning Works or Public Works Hurts! |
|---|
| 4. |
Effective watershed planning depends on:
  agricultural competitiveness
environmental soundness
socio-political acceptance |
|---|
