A STRATEGY TO AFFECT NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY AT THE STATE LEVEL: THE KANSAS FIELD CONFERENCE

As part of a public outreach effort, the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) initiated the Kansas Field Conference in 1995 to educate policy makers about natural resources issues in Kansas. The Conference targets state legislators, governmental agency officials, business leaders, environmental leaders, and others in positions that make or influence state policy. The primary objective is to present policy makers with balanced, unbiased information about Kansas's natural resources. Through a field experience that visits sites where natural resources are produced or used, participants gain first-hand knowledge from local operators, regulators, and others who are affected by, or carry out, their decisions. Cosponsors (usually other state agencies) are recruited to broaden the Conferences' topics and help defray expenses.

To organize and conduct the three-day Conference, the KGS spends about $24,000 in salaries for four people. Sponsors and a small registration fee offset direct costs. The key to success is a first-class trip that is well organized, stays on schedule, and is enjoyable and educational.

The Field Conference has affected policy in many ways. For example, the Conference visited a natural-gas-liquids underground storage facility shortly before Legislators reviewed rules and regulations that affect the facility. Legislators report that the Conference helps them understand the links between policy decisions and the impact in the field. Other participants cite the networking value of the trip. Evaluation forms from participants rate the Conference's effectiveness and utility as extremely high.

In addition to educating State policy makers, the Conference benefits the KGS and other agencies. It raises the KGS's visibility within the Legislature, improves relationships with other state agencies, and informs policy makers about what the KGS does and how it can be utilized. The experience also helps the KGS plan future research and service activities.

Geoscientists want to be involved in public policy decisions, but often don't know how to reach policy makers. Providing policy makers with hands-on field experiences involving natural resources-related issues is an effective method of educating this difficult-to-reach group.