Public Involvement Structure for Management Planning: An Issues Paper for the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Project

Public involvement is fundamental to watershed management planning. For the public to be effectively involved - for them to participate in a way that enhances watershed management and helps fit it into the broader societal agenda - the planning process must be structured in a way that engenders trust, consensus, energy, interest and commitment. The purpose of this issues paper is to provide a foundation and framework for discussion and decisions regarding public involvement in watershed management for the Raritan Basin. It provides some thoughts about the topics noted above and some additional issues that didn't fit a neat category. In addition, some alternative structures are provided from existing planning projects in and out of New Jersey.Produced by the Upper Raritan Watershed Association for the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Project. This is a draft document.Purpose: To provide a foundation and framework for discussion and decisions regarding public involvement in watershed management for the Raritan Basin