In this nation its roots lie with Thomas Jefferson's vision of citizens coming together to solve problems for the community good. This isn't another initiative. Collaboration is an evolutionary step, allowing those frustrated by the limitations of older methods to find new opportunities to contribute. Even with the best intentions and heartfelt efforts, collaboration is not always the best approach. Factors such as time constraints, personalities, politics, and external intervention can argue against collaborative efforts.
Collaboration requires a belief in the value of people working together to address problems.
Trust and a willingness to work over the long term to build relationships are required. It will not eliminate conflict and controversy. Principles Collaborative stewardship is most effective when practiced close to the ground, engaging interested parties. Collaborative efforts take more time, but decisions resulting from collaborative processes tend to have broader support, tend to stick better, and accomplishments tend to be mutually supported. The Forest Service does not have to lead every process.