COMMUNITY-DRIVEN STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR A SOURCE WATER, TWO-STATE RESERVOIR
Applied Research
Katie Callahan
Extension Associate
Clemson University Extension Service
Clemson
Abstract
This research-to-applied project evaluates the extrinsic and intrinsic benefits of a strategic learning process for a source water protection nonprofit organization developing a strategic plan. The Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water transitioned from a multi-agency collaborative effort to a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in 2022, with a mission to protect Lake Hartwell for today and tomorrow. Clemson University sits on the shoreline of this large reservoir, which provides the region with drinking water, power, and treasured recreational experiences.
The reservoir is the second-most-visited Army Corps of Engineers reservoir in the nation and is the third reservoir in a series of hydropower reservoirs, spanning the border between South Carolina and Georgia. The environment to carry out such a vision is complex: multi-agency, two-state, and with an immense diversity of vested interests in an aging reservoir. Given this, the organization voted to pause strategic plan development and regular business meetings to conduct and advertise an eight-month “Speaker Series” and strategic learning process, prioritizing topics of concern and threats to water quality for shared learning. This poster shares the methods used to engage stakeholders in decision-making, the topics prioritized for continued learning, an evaluation of the strategic learning process, and insights. The identification of topics for continued learning may be appropriate for other source water protection plans in development.
Multiple agencies are engaged in this organization’s development and also served as presenters, sharing their roles and jurisdictions related to water resources management in the region. In our evaluation of the benefits of this strategic learning process, it was unanimously determined that the pause for shared learning benefited the strategic plan and had ancillary benefits to the organization.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Katie Callahan, Steven O'Shields, Anaston Porter
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Callahan, K. Extension Associate, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29630
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O'Shields, S. Extension Agent, Clemson University , South Carolina, 29625
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Porter, A. Extension Agents, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29671