Craig Simonsen Published in Journal of the National Association of Environmental Professionals

The June 2006 issue of the Journal of the National Association of Environmental Professionals includes Craig's book review on "Adaptive Governance: Integrating Science, Policy and Decision Making" [Ronald D. Brunner, Toddi A. Steelman, Lindy Coe-juell, Chistina M. Cromley, Christine M. Edwards, and Donna W. Tucker; Columbia University Press, New York].

He writes: "In Adaptive Governance: Integrating Science, Policy, and Decision Making, Ronald D. Brunner et al. have outlined some illustrations of progress toward improved public policy. This is documented through five case studies of public lands management and administration. The authors define adaptive governance as a process that integrates scientific and other types of knowledge into policies through a context of open decision-making structures; the goal is to advance the common interest. The purpose of the volume is to clarify how to expedite a transition to adaptive governance for people concerned about the problems of gridlock in natural resource policy and who are in a position to make a difference.  Drawing on five detailed case studies from the American West, the authors explore and clarify adaptive governance in natural resource policy making. The authors reveal that, unlike scientific management (which relies on  science as the foundation for policies made through a central bureaucratic authority), adaptive governance seeks to integrate various types of knowledge and organizations. As they define it, adaptive governance relies on open decision-making processes recognizing multiple and varied interests, community-based initiatives, and integrative as well as traditional science.  . . . This book offers insight into practical methods for achieving policy goals. The individual chapters provide public officials and others with various examples of how adaptive governance at local, federal, and legislative levels of government can achieve positive results on contentious issues. . . .   I recommend Adaptive Governance to those who find themselves embroiled in natural resource and environmental issues. The book provides bureaucrats, impacted individuals, business interests, and interest groups with a thoughtful presentation of an alternative approach for reaching consensus. By applying and using the concepts and ideas presented in Adaptive Governance, parties in conflict may find themselves not only listening to each other but even seeking paths to agreement. In the end, the use of these suggestions may benefit all parties, saving a lot of money, energy, and resources."