Building Knowledge
IEN undertakes research to address your questions, using public involvement methods such as interviews, web-based surveys, focus groups, workshops, meetings and conferences.
As an example of a long-term research project, IEN co-founded the Community-Based Collaboratives Research Consortium (CBCRC) in 1999. The CBCRC website <www.cbcrc.org> is an ongoing forum for sharing and learning from research concerning collaborative approaches to environmental management.
We also undertake short-term research projects. Examples over the years include research on the land application of biosolids, transportation, and coastal issues in Virginia.
Research
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General Research
• Community Based Collaboratives Research Consortium (CBCRC): IEN Coordinated the national CBCRC with funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The Research Consortium serves as a forum for researchers, agencies, community and environmental groups, tribes, and process facilitators to share research findings concerning collaborative approaches to environmentally management. As part of this project, IEN developed an interactive website and online research database: www.cbcrc.org. 
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Research for local government and their communities
Heritage Tourism Planning: Designed and facilitated a process for engaging citizens in five counties to develop a regional Heritage Tourism map for the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. The map includes historical, cultural and environmental sites, events, and facilitaties that will entice heritage tourists to see and do more in the region.
Venture Heritage Tourism Map
Land use and transportation planning: As part of a two-year project to develop a regional integrated land use and transportation plan, IEN developed a handbook for citizens and professionals on developing an integrated land use and transportation plan. Part I describes the Corplan computer model created by the project and the thinking behind its development. Part II describes the process of organizing and conducting a planning process build around the model. For the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission.
A Stream Corridor Protection Strategy for Local Governments (2002): This practical guide can help Chesapeake Bay states move toward implementing the many facets of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement such as the goal of 2,010 more miles of forested buffers by 2010 and a goal of locally devised watershed plans to encompass two thirds of the Bay’s drainage basin. Written in collaboration with local governments, the 63-page handbook contains the cumulative wisdom of the many expert reviewers from across the Bay’s watershed and covers stream protection strategies, tools such as stream buffers and zoning overlays and resources for conducting a protection strategy. The handbook was funded by grants from the Land Growth and Stewardship Subcommittee of the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Virginia Environmental Endowment. Printed copies of the handbook are available from our UVA Institute for $8.00 each (shipping included) or $7.00 each for two or more books.
Download a free PDF version
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IEN Research for State and Federal Agencies
• Virginia Coastal Program : 309 Assessment of Virginia's coastal resources (1997, 2005)
• Chip Mill Study: Conducted an assessment of issues and prospective actions concerning chip mills in Virginia, for the legislative Subcommittee on the Impact of Satellite Chip Mills.
• Biosolids: Conducted a study on the state biosolids program, involving a survey of 23 counties and various stakeholders, and provided recommendations on how the program could be improved. IEN published a report called Land Application of Biosolids in Virginia for the Virginia Department of Public Heath in 1997.
• Community Watershed Forums: Developed a model forum for communities to develop watershed management plans and a guide for forum implementation funded by the Chesapeake Bay Program. The first forum was the Rockfish River Forum held in Nelson County Virginia and the second form was the Anacostia River Forum was held in Washington, D.C. Two additional forums were held in collaboration with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.These projects produced watershed action plans and published a handbook Community Watershed Forums -- A Planner's Guide to allow others to follow and replicate similar processes in their watersheds.
View and download all IEN Publications
• Model Wellhead Protection: Developed a Model Wellhead Protection Implementation package of model plans, ordinances, and outreach programs for Virginia localities.
Implementing Wellhead Protection
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IEN Research for nonprofits
• Collaboration: A Guide for Environmental Advocates: Developed a handbook for environmentalists that provides guidelines on when and how to participate effectively in collaborative efforts for environmental management. Partners in the project were The Wilderness Society and the National Audubon Society. Hard copies available from IEN for $8.00
To Download A Free Copy (80 pages, with photos): Part I, Part II, Part III
• Community Mediation Center Study: ???language???
• Blue Crab Fishery: Developed an analysis of the complex issues and different stakeholder perspectives involved in blue crab management conflict in the Chesapeake Bay. Published an report called, "The Commons Trap and Fishery Deliberations." (PDF)
• Mehnaden Fishery Assessment: Conducted a conflict assessment for the Virginia Sea Grant to determine whether issues surrounding the Menhaden fishery might be appropriate for a facilitated “round table” process of some kind. Published a report called, "The Menhaden Fishery Controversy: A Convening Analysis."
• Sustainable Development Funding: Conducted research for the Environmental Law Institute to determine common characteristics of successful grant proposals for U.S. EPA sustainable development grants.
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