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A soft systems approach to watershed management: a road salt case study
Geoffrey B Habron1, Michael D Kaplowitz, Ralph L Levine
1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222, USA. habrong@msu.edu
Environmental Management
|November 2, 2004
Summary
This study used action research to model watershed impacts from road de-icing decisions at Michigan State University. Findings revealed communication gaps hindering effective watershed management and identified areas for institutional improvement.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Social Science
- Systems Thinking
Background:
- Effective watershed management necessitates integrating social and ecological perspectives.
- Participatory approaches are crucial for incorporating diverse stakeholder knowledge into planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply an action research strategy to understand watershed impacts of organizational decision-making.
- To develop a soft systems model of institutional decision-making regarding road de-icing.
- To identify communication barriers within the campus watershed management system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized focus groups with Michigan State University operations units.
- Employed an action research strategy to generate a soft systems model.
- Analyzed institutional decision-making processes related to road de-icing.
Main Results:
- Identified significant tensions and inconsistencies between institutional mission and operational practices.
- Revealed inadequate communication among campus watershed management system components.
- Demonstrated the utility of action research in understanding complex institutional systems.
Conclusions:
- Action research facilitated improved understanding of institutional watershed dynamics.
- Improvements were made in linking scientists developing watershed models with operations staff.
- Addressing communication gaps is key to enhancing campus watershed management.
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