Author(s): S. M. Langsdale; M. Lorie
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: In the Cache La Poudre River in Colorado, two utilities are seeking permits for the expansion of two small reservoirs. The traditional EIS process often proves inadequate for managing significant controversy among stakeholders, as is the case for these. Therefore, the utilities are testing if Shared Vision Planning (SVP) can be used to complement and enhance the permitting process. The utilities are partnering with The Nature Conservancy and other environmental organizations in an SVP process to improve the environmental outcomes associated with the expansion of these reservoirs. Since this is the first application of SVP in a regulatory environment, the scope is limited, but if successful, the parties may expand the process to consider a wider array of alternatives and model a wider geographic scope. This process is seen as an experiment that may lead to improved permitting processes and a better solution for the Cache La Poudre River.
Year: 2009