Democracy, Participation, and Native American Tribes in Collaborative Watershed Management

The collaborative conservation model has emerged as an alternative to deadlocked negotiations and protracted court battles over natural resource management. Watershed management is a frequent focus for collaborative groups. Membership in these groups usually represents a variety of interests. The engagement of Native American tribes, however, is infrequent. This comparative case study of two tribes in the Northwest and one tribe in the Southwest reveals six broad factors that influence tribal participation in collaborative watershed management. Factors include tribal cultural connection to aquatic resources, the political clout and legal standing of tribes, relationships between tribal and nontribal communities and relevant agencies, recognition of the benefits of collaboration, consistency and vision of tribal leadership, and the availability of resources to tribes. By understanding the factors that shape the development of tribal–nontribal partnerships, managers can direct financial and human resources to better manage watersheds for a full range of values.