Managing for Excellence - Submit a Comment

U.S. Department of the Interior | Reclamation Internet

Search Reclamation

Reclamation Home

Managing for Excellence

Submit Comment

U.S. Department
of the Interior

Back To Comments Home
Comment	Submit Date
As President of the Groundwater Foundation (GF), a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the nature and value of groundwater, I am honored to offer a perspectiveon "Managing for Excellence, An Action Plan for the 21st Century for the Bureau of Reclamation." The GF is a long time partner of Reclamation and appreciates the challenges of Reclamation's changing role in the management and conservation of the nation's water resources. Some of these changes have been evident during the 20 year history of our partnership. I also understand the need for clarity and consitency as it relates to Reclamation activities and policies. However, as a partner and also a stake holder, I would caution Reclamation in moving away from flexibility and autonomy within the area offices. This is because these offices are closest to Reclamation's partners, projects, and conditions and the mix of these is very unique locally. I am biased towards local flexibility because of our work with groundwater. Groundwater is a uniquely local resource that interacts very specifically with local geology, land-use, hydrologcially connected surface water and social and economic values and priorities. Our experiences in partnering with the Nebraska Kansas Area Office have been excellent because our projects have reflected the local needs and conditions. I have also appreciated the fact that over the years, Nebraska-Kansas Area Office General Managers have understood the unique role Reclamation can play in public education, outreach, and shared decision making. From youth education programs that provide opportunities for native youth to ongoing programs led by Republican River stakeholders, Reclamation's willingness to be involved in local issues and partner with non-traditional partners like the Groundwater Foundation have been greatly appreciated. It is my hope that the Managing for Excellence Action Plan will retain enough flexibility that these types of partnerships that may fall beyond the traditional or even the emerging management role of Reclamation can be retained and even strengthened. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.	10/26/2006

Back To Comments Home

Comment

Submit Date

As President of the Groundwater Foundation (GF), a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the nature and value of groundwater, I am honored to offer a perspectiveon "Managing for Excellence, An Action Plan for the 21st Century for the Bureau of Reclamation." The GF is a long time partner of Reclamation and appreciates the challenges of Reclamation's changing role in the management and conservation of the nation's water resources. Some of these changes have been evident during the 20 year history of our partnership.

I also understand the need for clarity and consitency as it relates to Reclamation activities and policies.

However, as a partner and also a stake holder, I would caution Reclamation in moving away from flexibility and autonomy within the area offices. This is because these offices are closest to Reclamation's partners, projects, and conditions and the mix of these is very unique locally. I am biased towards local flexibility because of our work with groundwater. Groundwater is a uniquely local resource that interacts very specifically with local geology, land-use, hydrologcially connected surface water and social and economic values and priorities.

Our experiences in partnering with the Nebraska Kansas Area Office have been excellent because our projects have reflected the local needs and conditions. I have also appreciated the fact that over the years, Nebraska-Kansas Area Office General Managers have understood the unique role Reclamation can play in public education, outreach, and shared decision making. From youth education programs that provide opportunities for native youth to ongoing programs led by Republican River stakeholders, Reclamation's willingness to be involved in local issues and partner with non-traditional partners like the Groundwater Foundation have been greatly appreciated. It is my hope that the Managing for Excellence Action Plan will retain enough flexibility that these types of partnerships that may fall beyond the traditional or even the emerging management role of Reclamation can be retained and even strengthened. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

10/26/2006