Residents of Wallowa County, Oregon, fearing potential economic distress when Chinook salmon became listed as an endangered species, worked together to build on their own experience, local knowledge, and expertise to develop a salmon habitat recovery plan. Volunteers representing diverse interests developed a plan to benefit the environment and the local economy. Using a sustainability framework, the community is now working together on innovative ways of utilizing renewable resources such as taking advantage of premiums paid for certified sustainable forest products. A framework of sustainability can also break through gridlock and polarization. As residents come together to explore complex community issues they often discover, and develop, a common vision.
Common ground unites a community and can lead to innovative solutions.
Frustrated with management practices in the Applegate Watershed in Southern Oregon, an environmentalist and a logger teamed up to initiate a different approach. A meeting of local representatives revealed common concerns about the watershed's needs. Now the community participates directly in the future of the watershed. Using a sustainability framework, they are overcoming years of animosity and finding creative, workable solutions. As people take responsibility for addressing local issues, they are finding support within and outside of their communities.