How a watershed group is formed may influence its effectiveness.

• Citizen initiated groups give themselves a high rating on addressing difficult or controversial issues.
• Government initiated groups give themselves a high rating on receiving assistance during formation.
• Groups whose membership has been restricted in some way (e.g. property owners only, instead of all interested parties), give themselves a low rating on involving key decision-making groups, timeliness in addressing issues, and overall effectiveness.

Community 
The learning experience: Supports a person who takes responsibility for managing or leading the process, and relies on quality group planning and facilitation techniques.
The learning experience: Is flexible in response to both process and conditions.

Citation: Dakins, M. E., Long, J. D., & Hart, M. (2005). Collaborative environmental decision making in oregon watershed groups: Perceptions of effectiveness. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 41(1), 171-18.
Citation Type: Research