The Outlook
February 2008

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W e l c o m e

This month we offer a report that addresses five approaches to conflict resolution.  This report also outlines the collaborative strategies that Dovetail uses in our own facilitation and problem solving.  Enjoy!

I also invite you to make a donation to support this newsletter.  Dovetail Partners is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, your contribution is tax-deductible, and you can make a donation online today!

- Jeff   

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I n   T h i s   I s s u e:

R e p o r t s:

Creating Collaboration Out of Chaos:
Using Conflict Resolution Processes to Bring Diverse Groups Together


N e w s:

70-Mile Trail Project Moves Forward

New Maps Now Available

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D o v e t a i l   R e p o r t s

All reports are available online.

Creating Collaboration Out of Chaos:

Using Conflict Resolution Processes to Bring Diverse Groups Together
Dr. Jeff Howe
 

Today, our political leaders model a common approach to conflict resolution. Our political leaders typically use the ‘compromise' approach to resolve complex problems, including political disagreements.

Compromise is a process that brings two or more sides of an issue together to reach a conclusion that is generally somewhere just short of what either side wants.   The fundamental premise is that each side has a solution. The compromise process aims to select those segments of each solution that both sides can live with.  

The basic premise behind the two-party system is that the compromise approach will bring a balance to the final outcome, resulting in the most fair result possible.   However, what is often overlooked is that compromise is not the only option for bringing diverse opinions and perspectives together. Nor is compromise necessarily the best approach for most situations.   The possibility of a better solution is especially evident when dealing with complex and critical issues such as those related to the environment.

In debates about environmental issues, people often need to be brought together to consider new assumptions and new possibilities and to agree upon new outcomes.   This kind of dynamic requires going beyond compromise and looking to the different approaches to the resolution process itself.  

This report explores five different approaches that are available for resolving differences of opinions and points of conflict. Each approach offers unique opportunities and benefits.   For the most complex and diverse discussions, including environmental debates, a formal approach that involves collaboration may be needed.   The Collaborative Process that Dovetail Partners utilizes for group facilitation and problem solving is outlined in this report.

http://www.dovetailinc.org/reports/pdf/DovetailCollab0208ks.pdf

To access Dovetail's Publications, click here.

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N e w s

More Dovetail News is available online.

70-Mile Trail Project Moves Forward

New Maps Now Available

Aitkin, MN (2/15/08) – With input from hundreds of stakeholders and under the direction of a committee that has been meeting since last summer, the 70-Mile Trail Project continues to move forward in north-central Minnesota. New maps of revised trail alignments have been released.

“The project has followed a process that aims to be responsive to public input and the needs of the community,” says Brian Napstad, Aitkin County Commissioner and Committee Chair.

The project includes approximately 70 miles of new ATV/OHM recreational trail to be located in Aitkin and Itasca Counties. The project was proposed by the Land Departments in Aitkin and Itasca Counties and is supported with state funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“The committee hosted public meetings last November and has received input from hundreds of stakeholders,” says Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Commissioner and Committee Member.

A summary of public comments and responses from the committee is available at the project website. ( www.70miletrail.net ) One of the goals of the project has been to take a systems approach to managing motorized recreation in the area.

“Integrating new trails with what's already on the ground will create systems that users can enjoy,” says Steve Aysta, Itasca County Forest Recreation Specialist and Committee Member.

Based on feedback from the public and preliminary environmental reviews, the committee decided at its January 29th meeting to endorse a phased approach and to prioritize a group of four proposed trails during the first phase. An additional group of trails will be reviewed and alignments will be refined so they can be developed as part of the second phase.

“Taking a phased approach offers a lot of benefits,” says Len Hardy, of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota, and member of the committee. “We can move forward with getting some new trails on the ground while making sure the phase two trail alignments get a closer look to address concerns that were raised from the public and during the review.”

Information and maps related to the project are available at the project website.

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