In Our Watersheds, Do Relationships Matter?
April 27th, the second day of the conference, leads off with a keynote from Dr. Courtney Flint, Professor of Environment & Society at Utah State University (USU). The topic: River and Watershed Organizations in the Intermountain West: A Story of Meaningful Relationships.
For those engaged in conservation, environmental protection, and natural resources, she has new research findings for some age-old questions:
What can we do to make progress and be successful?
Do others have the same challenges we do?
Since 2020, a USU team has explored the social ecology of river and watershed organizations in the Intermountain West through over 200 interviews. This work is funded by the National Science Foundation.
“What was astounding,” said Courtney, “is how much organizations across watersheds have in common despite the great diversity in their missions. Collaboration and building relationships make a difference.”
Andy Dunau, Executive Director of the Spokane River Forum, said, “Utah State’s findings fit our own experience and it’s timely. For all our community success, the challenges aren’t getting any easier. It’s a good time to reflect and commit to the importance of relationships and collaboration to carry us forward.”
Please join us to learn more.