COLLABORATIVE MODELING: BUILDING TRUST THROUGH PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN NUMERICAL MODELING

The complex interactions of natural systems, conflict among competing social and economic values, and increased public scrutiny of decision making on public lands in the Western United States have raised expectations of land managers who now must manage public expectations as well as optimize the management of multiple resources. To address these challenges, two trends in natural resource management have emerged—one toward wider use of numerical modeling and the other toward engaging stakeholders (including the public) in participatory, collaborative processes. Numerical modeling addresses the need to manage the inherent complexity of natural systems. Collaborative engagement of stakeholders results in more inclusive and transparent decision making. Moreover, engaging the public in all aspects of the modeling process (from framing the science questions to sampling for monitoring efforts) creates an environment of collective learning in which all parties benefit from the perspectives and knowledge base that others bring to the table. A “collaborative modeling” approach enhances the benefits of both collaborative processes and numerical modeling. With this approach, it is now possible to link the pertinent science to natural resource decision making in a way that engages, and is transparent to, the public. Transparency is crucial to building trust among those affected by decisions.

The USGS FRAME (Framing Research in support of the Adaptive Management of Ecosystems) Project at Mesa Verde National Park and the BLM-USFS UP (Uncompahgre Plateau) Project serve to illustrate the collaborative modeling approach, the continued development of which will facilitate adaptive, multi-objective resource management that is applicable across a wide range of ecosystems.