Coalition for Unified Recreation in the Eastern Sierra

Location

California's Eastern Sierras

What lessons can be drawn?

The CURES case offers several lessons for other bridging efforts. Upham believes that an important lesson is that collaboration takes time and effort, particularly at the beginning. Given this, it is important to have a member whose job it is to keep the process going when it falters. Upham and others helped to move the group through more difficult issues and prevented the process from stalemating in conflict. As a result, participants emerged with a new respect for one another and a sense that the Coalition had a sturdy foundation. The Coalition no longer seems dependent on the individuals involved; Upham feels that as Coalition members move on and are replaced, the group and process will not dissolve.

From the Forest Service's perspective, one of the principal strengths of CURES is that it has forged better relationships between the agency and local communities; the important thing, according to Upham, is to "be a neighbor and a partner to communities we live and work with." These partnerships have been created from acknowledging common interests and working towards common goals. "You gain confidence when you find out that it really does work and that there are tremendous benefits derived by having strong relationships with external entities. With that confidence, you can go forward and try to build more linkages."

This site was developed by the Ecosystem Management Initiative through a partnership with the US Forest Service and the US Department of Interior. Read more.