Navigating public engagement can be challenging, but there are a variety of resources and individuals you can turn to for help — including the USFWS Human Dimensions Branch, the DOI Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution (CADR), the National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution, and the Partnership and Community Collaboration Academy.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Human Dimensions Branch
The Human Dimensions (HD) Branch was stood up within the Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC) with a mission to enhance the ability of the National Wildlife Refuge System to address the human dimensions of conservation. Since the Branch’s establishment in 2012, we have endeavored to provide broad support across regions and programs to integrate the social and natural sciences when it comes to decision-making for conservation. We are here to help you troubleshoot, frame up your issues, offer technical assistance, and deliver useful training, tools, and resources to improve your social science literacy and application.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Team Page on HDgov
The HD Branch maintains the FWS Team Page on HDgov. The page was created for FWS employees to provide convenient access to human dimensions tools and resources.
Human Dimensions Expert Directory
In this expert directory you can browse FWS HD experts or search for an expert with experience in stakeholder engagement.
Contact:
Human Dimensions Branch
Email: human_dimensions@fws.gov
Location: 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 320, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Emily Neidhardt, Social Scientist
Human Dimensions Branch
Email: emily_neidhardt@fws.gov
Phone: 970-266-2954
Location: 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 320, Fort Collins, CO 80525
The Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution serves to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department's operations, enhance communication, and strengthen relationships within the Department and with all customers, constituents, private organizations and businesses, Federal, State, Tribal and local government entities, and local communities with which the Department interacts to accomplish its work. CADR is committed to building and modeling conflict management competencies and integrating the appropriate use of public participation, collaborative problem-solving, and alternative dispute resolution processes in all areas of the Department's work.
An in-house roster of collateral duty facilitators and contracts to procure the services of third-party neutrals. For more information about either of these resources contact CADR at CADR@ios.doi.gov or visit the CADR SharePoint site (DOI login required): portal.doi.net/cadrhttp://www.doi.gov/cadr
DOI Community of Practice for External Collaboration and Conflict Resolution (ECCR)
CADR serves as the lead for this group made up of all DOI bureaus. Your bureau lead can be found on the ECCR Network Team Channel (DOI login required).
Contact:
Susan Goodwin, Senior Program Manager
Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution
Email: susan_goodwin@ios.doi.gov
Phone: 703-235-0181
Location:801 N. Quincy St, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22203
Sarah Palmer, Senior Program Manager
Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution
Email: sarah_palmer@ios.doi.gov
Phone:703-216-5647
Location: 801 N. Quincy St, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22203
The National Center guides groups through collaborative processes to achieve science-based decision-making, collaborative policy, and other lasting outcomes. Their work ranges from assessments to creating collaborative environments and facilitating solutions. They provide training to develop skills and build workforce capacity in collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Other specific services offered by the National Center include consultations, assessments, process design, convening, mediation, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, Tribal consultation, and other related collaboration and conflict resolution activities.
Contact:
Brian Manwaring, Director, National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution
Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, Tucson Office
Email: manwaring@udall.gov
Phone: 520-901-8529
Location:130 South Scott Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701
Stephanie Kavanaugh, Deputy Director, National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution
Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, DC Office
Email: kavanaugh@udall.gov
Phone: 202-540-1041
Location: 1825 K St. NW, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20006
A collaborative conservation team dedicated to the stewardship of the nation’s natural and cultural resources through a community of partnership-minded people working throughout and across federal agencies to explore practices, build skills, and learn from peers.
Training
The Partnership and Community Collaboration Academy provides applied training in twenty-two partnership and community collaboration competencies, as defined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Academy training is open to all practitioners in partnership and community collaboration. Federal employees and individuals from state and local agencies, nonprofits, associations, and tribes enrich the peer learning experience for all participants.
Resources
Resources developed and recommended by Academy team members and community that can be applied to support efforts in partnership and community collaboration.
Contact:
Anne Desmarais, Director
Partnership and Community Conservation Academy
Email: info@partnership-academy.net
Phone: 909-649-2897
