Experts in a variety of fields and committee members provide information to help the watershed committee expand their view of the watershed. The on-site review stimulates dialogue and creative thinking about the watershed as a resource, the range of problems and the possible solutions. The tour also opens communication channels among committee members. Meetings for residents to voice concerns. Inviting everyone who has a stake in the watershed to these meetings establishes the legitimacy of the committee as representative of the community.
Broad participation helps ensure that the committee has identified key problems.
The meetings also provide an opportunity to recruit residents to serve on the planning committee or technical committees. Meetings for public officials to describe what they are doing or plan to do. These meetings strengthen working relations between committees and agencies and among agencies that have overlapping programs. Partnerships form as the locally led committee and agencies work toward a common goal. The group used the RRA strategy, beginning with an information packet and educational meeting facilitated by Rendziak.