It is a reasonable expectation that committees let communities and residents know what a MAB is and is not before the nomination is awarded. Moreover, it is critical for committees to spell out what the establishment of a MAB could mean for the region. Communicating with communities and citizens will give them the opportunity to decide for themselves if a MAB is desirable, benign, or odious. For example, if there is a possibility that a MAB designation may induce agencies or politicians to seek more environmental protection regulations for the area in the future, indicate this to citizens. Likewise, if there is no possibility that a MAB designation will result in the invasion of the United States by foreign military troops let the people know.
Communication is critical.
Undeniably, future MAB hopefuls will find themselves up against some very creative and extraordinarily resourceful opponents. In our experience with the hard core conspiracy theorists, compromise is often not possible because rudimentary communication barriers exist. Academics, scientists, and managers, on the other hand, find mundane logic and reasoning complicated enough without muddying the waters with conspiracy. Politicians, apparently, are opportunists and can easily go both ways. At any rate, the Ozarks teaches us that ignoring the outrageous and extraordinary opposition is not advisable.