News.bytes Extra, issue 456 

'Building Connections to Success' fall public lands forum

As society evolves from a top-down system to one marked by collaboration, public land managers and users are looking at how to adapt.

About 70 people participated in the “Building Connections to Success” fall forum in Bishop sponsored by the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association’s Public Lands Partnership Program in partnership with the Inyo National Forest and BLM’s Bishop Field Office.

Linda McMillan, a consultant specializing in creating sustainable solutions and economic success for regions, gave presentations on building connections to success and turning public land users into public lands stewards.
A collaboration typically starts with groups or individuals looking out for their self interest, she said. They join forces with others based on mutual interest. Those groups potentially can move to a stewardship phase where groups are interested in the broad issues and collaborate for results.

In Yosemite National Park, for example, climbers and back country horsemen teamed up to construct a visitor’s center.

Panelists from the Mono Lake Committee, Friends of the Inyo, Bishop Paiute Tribe, Inyo County schools and other organizations held sessions on working with volunteers and connecting with youth.

Panelists discuss best practices in working with volunteers.

- David Christy, BLM Central California District, 11/8/10

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 456