This practical guide can help Chesapeake Bay states move toward implementing the many facets of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement such as the goal of 2,010 more miles of forested buffers by 2010 and a goal of locally devised watershed plans to encompass two thirds of the Bay’s drainage basin. Written in collaboration with local governments, the 63-page handbook contains the cumulative wisdom of the many expert reviewers from across the Bay’s watershed and covers stream protection strategies, tools such as stream buffers and zoning overlays and resources for conducting a protection strategy. The handbook was funded by grants from the Land Growth and Stewardship Subcommittee of the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Virginia Environmental Endowment. Printed copies of the handbook are available from our UVA Institute for $8.00 each (shipping included) or $7.00 each for two or more books.

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Success Stories:  Alumni of NRLIs Are Successful Change Agents

Alumni from the NRLI programs leave with a quality understanding of the issues and how to approach them.  Cross sector skill building has led many alumni to start successful collaborative programs that would not have happened otherwise.

In Virginia, alumni have initiated the following pioneering efforts:

• Waste Solutions Forum (WSF and WSFII), a pioneering collaborative effort that brings together farmers, environmentalists and industry leaders in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to develop innovative ways to manage animal manure and litter – led by Ann Jennings, Virginia Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
• Ecosystem Value Trading Program for Working Forests, a pioneering concept in providing value to landowners to retain their land in forests and agriculture – led by Buck Kline (VDOF) in partnership with other VNRLI alumni, including Bud Watson and Bruce Hull
• Rivanna River Basin Commission, an unusual collaborative stakeholder approach to watershed management that brings together multiple and often competing local governments – founded by Ridge Schuyler, Piedmont Director, The Nature Conservancy
• Forum on the Future of Agriculture in Southeast Virginia, a unique collaborative effort to assist peanut farmers in their transition away from growing peanuts – conceived and organized by Michael Roberts, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Likewise, Fellows have found the VNRLI experience to be a great career asset.  A statistically significant survey of past participants found:

• More the 90% of the alumni responding agree that VNRLI provides tangible benefits to the Commonwealth’s natural resources.
• More than 90% of the alumni agree that the experience has enabled them to improve their ability on the job and has made them more effective leaders.
• 90% strongly agreed that their conflict management skillshave improved as result of their involvement in VNRLI.
• More the 80% of the alumni indicate that they seek collaborative solutions in their work and that skills gained through VNRLI in consensus building and/or collaborative problem solving have been integral to this work.
• 98% of the alumni indicate that they would recommend VNRLI to others for leadership development.

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Learn From New Programs In The Works…

Several other states are currently in the process of developing new NRLI programs, thanks to a grant from the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC).  Ohio, Colorado, and Texas were given grants to form environmental leadership programs specific to their needs and concerns.  Here’s the progress they’ve made so far:

Ohio

Three representatives from Ohio attended a complete Virginia NRLI from September 2010 to June 2011 to observe firsthand how the program works.  They met with faculty and staff throughout the NRLI to gain a thorough understanding of the curriculum, costs, and coordinating requirements.  The group has held four listening sessions for Ohio stakeholders, and, in December 2011, held a one-day pilot workshop with 60 individuals representing the target Ohio audience.  The new program, called the Ohio Environmental Leaders Institute, offered in spring 2012 a short course on sustainable water resources and climate change planning, and will launch its first year-long institute later in 2012.

Contact:

Ann Baird

Ohio Environmental Leaders Institute

371A Kottman Hall

2021 Coffey Road

Columbus, OH 43210

614-292-8603

baird.41@osu.edu

http://oeli.osu.edu/home

Colorado

Two representatives from Colorado attended a complete VNRLI from September 2010 to June 2011, and also met with faculty and staff to gain a thorough understanding of the curriculum, costs, and coordinating requirements.  Their program is still in the works, but they plan on hosting a “summit” in fall 2012 for potential partners and leaders, with both educational and program planning components.  This summit will help guide Colorado in developing a customized institute for their state.

Contact:

Laura Kaplan, Adjunct Faculty

University of Denver Conflict Resolution Institute, University of Denver (and also affiliated with Center for Collaborative Policy, Sacramento, CA)

Tamra Pearson d’Estrée, Ph.D., Luce Professor of Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution Institute, University of Denver

303-871-7685

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NRLI programs have had great success in several states across the country.

In Virginia, the Virginia Natural Resource Leadership Institute earned recognition in 2009 from the General Assembly in a resolution that commended VNRLI “for its many efforts to help build consensus and facilitate good environmental policy and leadership in the Commonwealth.”  Here’s what people who went through the program are saying:

“A profound eye-opening experience….empowers participants to find collaborative win-win solutions to difficult and controversial environmental issues by taking off the blinders and helping groups to find common ground.”- Joe Tannery, Staff Attorney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

 

“Best professional development program since the PhD!”  – Bruce Hull, Virginia Tech Faculty

 

“A great network of friends and subject matter experts that can help me make better decisions.” – K. Rob Krupicka, City Councilor, City of Alexandria

 

“One of the best trainings ever to address how all government agencies, private companies and non profit organizations should be working together to address conservation of our natural resources and community vitality.” -  Nancy Stremple, US Forest Service

Florida has also met great success, and accolades, with their FNRLI program.  Here’s what their alumni have to say:

“As an attorney with a background in both the private and public sectors, this program gave me an invaluable review of environmental issues and conflicts, and an introduction to new tools and techniques for resolving those disputes.” – Wes Wheeler, Attorney, Wheeler and Traviss

 

“I now feel like I am part of a strong network of Florida natural resource professionals – people I can call up at any time.” – Jon Dain, Tropical Conservation and Development Program, University of Florida

 

“NRLI is an incredible and indelible experience. Through it, I developed conflict resolution and leadership skills using tools that can be directly applied to natural resource conflict…I now have an incredible network of natural resource professionals, and friends, that I will have for a lifetime. I cannot think of any other organization as unique and beneficial as NRLI.” – J. Leslie Corcelli, JLC Services

 

“The NRLI is an outstanding program. The program team has real world, world class experience and the graduates of the program are truly some of the most exceptional people I have ever met. For me the program was personally and professionally transformative.” – Tom Singleton, Florida DEP

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A NRLI program is unlike any other type of leadership or networking program.  NRLI programs foster collaboration among stakeholders and seek to break down barriers between groups.  The most successful NRLI programs feature the following elements:

-      Cross Sector Engagement

Each session seeks to include members from green industry, government, environmental groups, and regulators.  The idea is to bridge the gap that often forms between stakeholders and work towards collaborative solutions.  Participants often walk away with new relationships and perspectives that carry over into their careers.

-      Team Building

Workshops, large group, and small group activities encourage teamwork between Fellows with a variety of backgrounds.  They learn together to work through the issues and develop innovative solutions to environmental problems.

-      Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Problem Solving

Natural resource issues can often become divisive, especially when they involve multiple parties.  Seminars and hands-on practice in conflict resolution teach leaders a diverse set of techniques to help them overcome these obstacles.

-      Knowledge Building

Each state has natural resource issues unique to their own environmental conditions, policies, and stakeholders.  Educational sessions and field trips educate leaders about happenings around the state on a variety of natural resource topics.  Expert panels involving multiple perspectives encourage leaders to consider new viewpoints.

-      Leadership Skills

Personal and professional leadership training helps Fellows gain the skills needed to manage complicated, multi-faceted issues.  By discussing problems in a collaborative setting, they also have the opportunity to practice these skills with a variety of stakeholders.

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There are a variety of different ways to go about funding a NRLI program.  The funding method of choice is often dependent on your state’s particular situation and what stakeholders are involved.  The following methods are ways that NRLI programs have acquired funding in the past:

-      Cooperative Extension

Partnering with your state’s Cooperative Extension program may be a way to begin a NRLI.  Extension programs are located at a state’s land grant institution and receive federal funding channeled through the state.  These institutions support educational programs for the community, which could potentially include your NRLI.

-      Fundraising Board

Often environmental stakeholders have knowledge of funds that support programs of interest.  Natural resource stakeholders, such as energy companies, government leaders, and non-profits, should all be considered as potential candidates for your advisory board.  This board could identify needs and potential funding avenues as well as help with recruitment.

-      State Grants

Some state forestry, agriculture, or natural resource departments may disperse state or federal grants.  Virginia, for instance, has the “Urban and Community Forestry Grant” which disperses money from the USDA Forest Service, and has been used for the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute.  Your state may have a similar program, so it’s worth the time to search through department grant opportunities.

-      State Commissions

Talk to government agencies, such as the department of forestry, natural resources, environmental quality, transportation, or conservation and recreation.  They may know about endowment programs, such as the Virginia Environmental Endowment, or be interested in supporting a NRLI idea through their training budgets.  These agencies may also have federal money that is allocated for environmental outreach programs and already work with major stakeholders throughout the state.

-      Corporate Partners

Some stakeholders may have enough interest to actually fund the program themselves.  Corporations often have social responsibility programs, or other grant based initiatives, from which they fund outreach efforts.  A NRLI program could actually help them with environmental conflicts and therefore might interest major energy providers, chemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and agricultural companies, or real estate developers.

-      Non-profits

Organizations such as non-profits have grant writing and fundraising down to a science.  These groups may be good partners to have as sponsors or simply to gather interest.  They can tell you where funding is likely to come from, who to talk to, and may even contribute themselves towards your work.

-      Program Fees

Having participants, or their sponsors, pay for part of the cost is a common way to fund NRLI programs.  Sometimes these fees only cover certain portions of a NRLI, such as meals, travel, and supplies.  Other times program fees make up a significant portion of funding.  You should gauge the interest and willingness of participants to pay while determining the value of this option.

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Want more details about setting up a NRLI program?

Contact:

The Institute for Environmental Negotiation

2015 Ivy Road (Dynamics Building)

P.O. Box 400179

Charlottesville, VA 22904-4179

Phone: (434) 924-1970  Fax (434) 924-0231

Email: envneg@virginia.edu

Other State Programs:

Florida

http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/

Montana

http://www.cfc.umt.edu/NRLT/

Maryland

http://www.leadmaryland.umd.edu/

North Carolina

http://www.ncsu.edu/nrli/

Oregon

http://outreach.oregonstate.edu/nrla/

Illinois (2006-2008)

http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/fnr/nrldi/index.html

Wyoming

http://www.uwyo.edu/enr/ruckelshaus-institute/institute-workshops/index.html

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NRLI programs are gaining popularity and usefulness among states and stakeholders.  If your state might be interested in starting such a program there are several things you should consider:

1)    See How a NRLI Works

Several existing models have met great success and are worth studying.  North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida have annual NRLI programs with similar structures, timelines, and goals.  Before you start your own program it might be helpful to send two or three representatives to attend an entire year-long institute.  They can learn the skills, see how the sessions function, and judge whether a similar initiative is right for your state.

2)    Hold a Trial Workshop

An effective way to gauge interest and begin the discussion of a future NRLI program is through a short workshop with interested parties.  Invite stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to discuss the possibility of a NRLI program and how it might be structured for your state.  Host sessions on conflict resolution, negotiation, and panels on state related issues to preview the program to participants.  The representatives who went through a NRLI program can discuss their experience and what they would or would not change.

3)    Appoint a Steering Committee

At the workshop, or soon afterwards, you might consider appointing a steering committee to carry the idea forward.  The committee can summarize and evaluate the outcomes of the workshop and how it was received.  This group will work to develop the future structure and outline of the program.

4)    Find Partners

Most of the successful programs have been established in partnership with a strong state university, so it may be helpful to contact your Cooperative Extension, or your state university environmental or agriculture departments.  Seek out faculty, state experts, industry members, and non-profits willing to help teach and facilitate the program

5)    Identify the Issues

Based on discussions at the workshop, have the committee list the most important green infrastructure and natural resource issues facing your state.  Identify ongoing collaborative efforts to address these challenges and the leadership themes associated with them.  Use these themes and issues to start defining your program.

6)    Review, Discuss, and Amend

The simplest way to develop your own program is to adapt an existing one.  Have the steering committee revise a NRLI program from another state, preferably from one attended.  Develop a basic timeline, budget, and set of issues you want to discuss.

7)    Figure Out Logistics

Once the committee has discussed the direction of the program, figure out the specifics.  Decide on the number of sessions, length of sessions, funding structure, size of class, proposed tuition (if any), grants needed, and anticipated participants.  Begin to organize an advertising campaign and set up the agenda for sessions.

8)    Contact Interested Parties

Seek out government, green industry, and non-profits leaders that may benefit from the program.  Talk about the success of other programs, the potential benefits, and how it can help your state.  Put together a list of those interested and get ready to set up your first NRLI class!

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How Does It Work?

A NRLI program is an opportunity for leaders from different sectors to discuss complex issues, learn collaborative leadership skills, and practice conflict resolution amidst a diverse group of perspectives.  These year-long initiatives are set up as a series of 6-7 workshops, field trips, and panels, often ending in a practicum for Fellows to address actual problems facing their states.

The educational component includes seminars on group leadership, communication skills, and conflict management techniques, as well as panels on current environmental issues and policies.  These sessions teach the skills and information necessary to tackle multifaceted, often divisive, problems in resource management.  Many programs also include group exercises, case studies, and field trips to observe the issues firsthand.  Fellows get to share their experience and see what approaches others are taking.  Lastly, a practicum is an optional component that can enable participants to put their knowledge into practice with specific situations in their communities.  The goal is apply the knowledge gained during the program and foster conversation that will carry beyond it.

Each NRLI program is structured differently and addresses the specific needs and interests of the state.  Before you begin your own, you should look at other programs and see what they’ve done.  For some basic steps to start your own NRLI program see the Getting Started section.

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Why create a Natural Resource Leadership Institute?

Perhaps there is a better way to manage natural resources.  What if environmental issues were a source of collaboration, not tension?  What if environmental leaders were colleagues instead of combatants?  What if interest groups worked together to seek mutually beneficial solutions?

Natural Resource Leadership Institutes are the new way governments, green industries, and environmental groups are beginning to address these questions.  Instead of accepting quarrelling and divisiveness, NRLIs aim to bridge disparate interests and teach leaders how to manage tough environmental conflict.  Participants learn the details of state problems from those who know them best, and practice the leadership skills needed to address them.  They attend workshops on consensus building, conflict management techniques, and travel throughout the state to see issues firsthand.  This comprehensive, interactive approach allows leaders to build capacity while working on real problems affecting their state.

NRLI programs also have benefits outside of the classroom.  Not only do Fellows learn the skills necessary to work with a variety of stakeholders, but the programs foster green infrastructure leadership networking.  They get to meet “off duty” with leaders from other fields and leave the program with cross-sector professional relationships.  Fellows find this aspect of the program invaluable and utilize their networks for years after the program is over.

NRLI programs are not simply leadership networking events, however.  Rather, they are integrated experiences that encourage collaboration and relationship building.  They set themselves apart by:

• Including diverse multi-sector participants to foster networking and learning between people with different perspectives;

• Taking place over an extended period of time, with readings and assignments, to foster long term relationships, build understanding, and create a more effective transfer of learning;

• Emphasizing both substantive content (environmental literacy) and process (communication and collaboration skills).

NRLI programs are quickly becoming a valuable tool for any state facing environmental issues.  They realize that resource management needs to take a new approach, one that takes diverging opinions and align them towards common goals.  If you’re interested in setting up a NRLI for your state, take a look at our Getting Started section.

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