Applied social research can improve public participation in resource decision making

George H. Stankey; John C. Hendee; Roger N. Clark

Treesearch

Applied social research can improve public participation in resource decision making

Formally Refereed

Authors:

George H. Stankey, John C. Hendee, Roger N. Clark

Year:

1975

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Rural Sociology. 40(1): 67-74.

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Abstract

Involving the public in resource decision making is a new way of life for federal agencies. Public demand for access to the decision-making process has been reinforced by statutes and administrative directives that call for public input as agencies make plans to use the resources they steward. Natural resource management now recognizes public input as a legitimate component of decision making, embraced in such broad policy guidelines as the President's Water Resources Council's (1962) statement which says: "All viewpoints--national, regional, state, and local-shall be fully considered and taken into account in planning resource use and development." Similarly, the U.S. Forest Service is committed to seeking out and obtaining local and national views in the process of policy and program formulation (USDA Forest Service, 1970).

Keywords

social research, resource decision making, public participation, natural resource management

Citation

Stankey, George H.; Hendee, John C.; Clark, Roger N. 1975. Applied social research can improve public participation in resource decision making. Rural Sociology. 40(1): 67-74.