Elements of a Reorganization Strategy

Elements of a Reorganization Strategy
November 11, 2005

Although each reorganization strategy should be tailored to the ecological, sociological, political environment of a particular place the typical elements to be considered are:

1. Develop a Pre-Planning Strategy
It's important to hold initial discussions with key leaders in order to introduce the idea, assess the amount of interest there is in pursuing the reorganization effort, and if support exists, outline the approach to be used. Always summarize the understanding in writing.

Technique: Memorandum of Agreement are regularly used to agree on key parties; role and function of each party; project goals; reason for the effort; public involvement opportunities; products; individual partner assignments; a conceptual description of how decision making will be handled; and a schedule.

2. Select a Leadership-Style
Typically there is a small core group of sponsoring organizations that organize the effort. Eventually a steering committee will lead the effort and state and local coordinators and assistance will be required. The group will work best if there is a balance of private sector and government involvement.

Technique: In South Carolina a statewide watershed effort selected steering committee representatives to reflect all of the major resource values (i.e. farms, timber management areas; natural areas; etc.)

Identify and Characterize Natural Resource Values
What are the natural resource values which are important to the area, people, and living resources?

Technique: There are many ways to identify important natural resource values and functions. Successful efforts typically rely on good science and good civics. What areas do the scientists believe to be important to the health of the watershed and what are the opportunities and constraints for the use of these values? What areas do the different groups and interests, who care most about certain values (i.e. fish, forests, farms, etc.), believe are most important?

Eugster, Glenn, J. Statewide River Assessments, U.S. National Park Service, Philadelphia, PA 1986