In addition, training and support materials are offered to local conservation professionals. In Wisconsin, Meyer indicated, the partnership has helped the agencies to leverage more money for education, enabled more collaborative decision-making, expanded the communication network, and helped agencies coordinate educational material production and distribution. However, Meyer also indicated that building partnerships can be challenging. Partnerships require time, good communication, confronting institutional barriers and developing a common understanding of ecosystem management. These challenges, Meyer stated, can be dealt with by sharing information, taking action, sharing responsibility, and being patient.
Partnerships take time to build and develop trust.
Leavenworth identified the ways that NRCS has committed itself organizationally and financially to the partnership effort. In her opinion, mutual respect, trust and a sense of humor about agency cultures are key.