Stakeholder Participation in Collaborative Watershed Planning in Washington State

Stakeholder participation in collaborative watershed planning in Washington State was examined in three watershed planning unit cases in order to understand how stakeholders participate in collaborative watershed planning, the nature of plans developed, and stakeholder perceptions of plan implementation. Through document analysis and interviews, we found broad and inclusive representation of stakeholders in the planning processes, and that a majority of stakeholder comments were reflected in the final plans. Plans were of good quality and provide a strong foundation for implementation. Factors that facilitate plan implementation include the collaborative planning process itself, funding and community support, and leadership along with early and sustained involvement. Factors that hinder plan implementation include lack of adequate funding, various legal issues, and challenges in involving landowners in plan projects.