Thesis
The roles of science and scientists in the development and implementation of the Klamath Basin settlement agreements
Washington State University
Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Washington State University
05/2016
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103057
Abstract
In 2010, multiple stakeholders in the Klamath Basin signed a set of interrelated, collaboratively developed agreements designed to restore water quality and endangered species habitat as well as manage water use for agricultural and environmental purposes. Collectively known as the Klamath Basin Settlement Agreements, these documents are highly technical and reflect many years of negotiations among the parties to provide a level of certainty regarding water availability, especially in the face of persistent drought in the region. This research sought to answer two questions: 1) What were the roles of science and scientists in the development of the Agreements; and 2) What have been the effects of drought conditions and the threat of another fish kill on stakeholder relationships in the Basin? Data was collected through document review of primary and secondary sources, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders directly involved in the development of the Agreements. Hydrological data is also presented to document recent drought conditions in the Basin. Interpretative analysis methodology was used to analyze the data, as conceptual themes were developed to provide the basis for theory. The integration of science into the collaborative process was integral to developing these Agreements, and scientists themselves were highly involved with providing technical information to stakeholders as well as the public. Despite recent drought conditions and the failure of Congress to fully enact the Agreements, relationships among stakeholders have remained strong as the parties continue to work towards a future cooperative solution to water management in the Klamath Basin.
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Details
- Title
- The roles of science and scientists in the development and implementation of the Klamath Basin settlement agreements
- Creators
- Kristen Courtney Thomas
- Contributors
- Paul Thiers (Chair)Mark Stephan (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School ofDarryl Wood (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Number of pages
- 62
- Identifiers
- 99900525017901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis