Working Together to Resolve Resource Concerns
Coordinated Resource Management is a process by which landowners, users and related interest groups work together as a team from beginning to end to formulate and implement plans for the management of all major resources within a specific area and/or resolve specific conflicts. The purpose of CRM is to resolve conflicts or issues that may hinder resource management decisions. It can also be proactive in planning for improvement of natural resources and is based upon the idea that people with common interests can work together to develop viable management strategies. The goal of CRM is to enhance the quality and productivity of natural resources by achieving compatibility among the multiple uses of a specific area. The objective is to improve and maintain natural resources in ways consistent with the priorities of the landowners, land users, interest groups and land management agencies.

Coordinated Resource Management is a voluntary, non-regulatory process that uses consensus as the force behind the process.  Consensus means that the group involved makes decisions collaboratively. There is no voting, and everyone has to be able to live with the decision made.  Although participants may not agree 100% with all aspects of the decision, all participants support the whole decision 100%.  The discussion continues until everyone consents. The exchange of values and viewpoints on objectives, problems and concern, and alternatives is crucial to achieving common goals and meeting resource needs. The most effective route is one which involves the local community and where the regulating agency is comfortable with the local community being involved at the highest level of decision making.

The CRM performs under four basic rules:

1 - Management by consensus.  Participation in CRM is voluntary and consensus promotes involvement.  Everyone will agree on a conclusion before it is accepted by the group.

2 - Commitment.  All participants must be committed to the success of the program.

3 - Broad involvement.  All party members in the group are encouraged to participate in order to avoid criticism and conflict in the future.

4 - Express your needs, not positions.  Expressing positions may create conflict while expressing needs generates trust and the group will take care to address legitimate needs.