Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program How To Build A Water Trail Garnering Community Support - Identify Stakeholders
Water trails touch many shores: private landowners,
government agencies, organizations, towns, businesses, conservation and
recreation groups, historical and cultural groups, paddlers and other
water sports enthusiasts. All of them may be stakeholders—individuals
and groups that may affect or be affected by the proposed trail. Stakeholders provide vital information about what is
important to them. Your success may well depend on how much you involve
them in the planning process, in resolving conflicts, and in developing
a consensus. Sometimes one stakeholder will view another
stakeholder's need as a problem while a third will look at it as an
opportunity or a different kind of need. For instance, a canoe paddlers'
group might propose increasing the number of access points to the
waterway. A farmer or riparian landowner may oppose adding access points
because paddlers might camp on private lands and litter the landscape. A
third stakeholder, however, might view increased usage as an opportunity
to open a bed and breakfast or to establish a community park along the
waterway.
The advisory, or steering, committee should identify
the stakeholders and make notes of key players. Be sure to include those
who may oppose the water trail project as well as those who are likely
to support it.
Several key groups of stakeholders should be
approached:
Adjacent Landowners Individuals, businesses, and public agencies that
own land along the waterway will definitely have a vested interest in
the water trail project. Approach them early in the planning process.
Gaining their insights, addressing their problems and needs, and
building their support will pay huge dividends later on.
Trail Users Water trails can accommodate boaters, fishermen,
swimmers, and streamside users such as hikers, cyclists, hunters,
horseback riders, picnickers, campers, and birdwatchers. Identify and
approach paddlers' clubs and powerboat associations, outfitters and
guides, cycling and hiking groups, naturalist and sportsmen groups,
boating shops and marinas. Listen to their suggestions and encourage
them to become active participants in the planning process.
Governmental Agencies Federal, state, and local agencies will be very
important partners. Enlist the help of conservation, recreation, and
transportation officials who manage programs that might assist in
developing the trail. They may be able to provide advice about resource
inventories, access facility development, technical and financial
assistance programs, and environmental or historic compliance issues.
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Greenways and
Water Trails Program
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Department of
Environmental Conservation
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Fish and Boat
Commission
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Water Trail
Assistance Program
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Department of
Conservation and Recreation
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Communities and
Elected Officials Communities served by the proposed trail will have a
stake in its success and will want to take action to benefit from the
water trail. and minimize any negative impacts. The local tourism
office, chamber of commerce, businesses, and officials can become
significant trail partners and supporters. Local officials often are the
key people to work with to gain access to a site, funding, and technical
support. Be sure to inform them of any controversies and public
opposition. Invite them to participate in ribbon cuttings and other
events.
Nongovernmental Organizations Water trail associations, environmental groups, land
trusts, boater advocacy groups, scouts, and other groups involved in
community affairs may become an important part of your user and
volunteer bases. Some may even become partners or sponsors.
Communicating With
Stakeholders
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