BY

There are many who supported me on this long and arduous journey to complete this dissertation and whom I owe a great debt of gratitude. First and foremost among them is my advisor Dr. Dorothy H. Anderson who spent countless hours advising, guiding, reading, listening, supporting, and inspiring while urging me forward, I owe you my unending gratitude. I also owe a deep debt of gratitude to my Committee Members, Dr. Kenneth N. Brooks, Professor Bradley C. Karkkainen, JD, and Dr. Kristen C. Nelson. Their doors, minds, and ears were always open to me. Dr. Nelson and Professor Karkkainen in particular were instrumental in helping me explore how to join the social science and legal theories that were at the heart of my research while Dr. Brooks ’ aide was fundamental to my understanding of the operation of complex natural hydrologic systems. I am indebted to the Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment, and the Like Sciences at the University of Minnesota, which provided funding for this research. I would also like to thank my family, particularly my sister-in-law Kathy who continually reminded me that it was about completion not perfection, my writing companion, Professor Christina Kunz, JD, the faculty and staff in the Department of Forest Resources, the Peterson family for the use of their lake cabin where I spent many hours writing, and my loyal and dear friends. Finally, I must thank Martha Brand and the “ladies of Victoria Street ” you know who you are and I would not have reached the finish line but for you. i