Northwestern Division Stakeholder Initiative

The Northwestern Division (NWD) Stakeholder Initiative began in early 2000 to involve, inform, and obtain input from different organizational groups that utilize and influence the activities at lake projects throughout NWD.

These meetings were the foundation from which local public support and subsequent congressional support evolved. Support begins with an informed public that utilizes Corps lakes. They express their support for Corps lakes to congressional staffers located in Congressional District Offices scattered throughout the state, who, in turn, convey this support to the main Congressional Offices located in Washington, DC.

Stakeholder meetings were initially geared towards informing our stakeholders about three closely tied new initiatives: Recreation Modernization, Lewis and Clark and Visitor Centers.

The stakeholder initiative at each lake project is a two-part process:

• First, an organizational meeting is held involving representatives from various groups that utilize the lake - lake associations, hikers, bikers, boaters, bird watchers, fishermen, campers, etc. Local and state organizations and politicians are invited to this organizational meeting. Congressional staffers representing U.S. Senators and Representatives are key individuals that are included in this organizational meeting. The meeting should be conducted at a place and time convenient to the congressional staffers to ensure their participation. Members of the public are not precluded from attending the organizational meeting.

  An information packet was developed and distributed as an organizational aid for the meeting. This packet contains a PowerPoint introduction to the process, meeting organization tips, an example invitation letter, and example issue information sheets.

  • View packet on-line in PDF format or download the zipped files (use WinZip to uncompress) containing Powerpoint (27.9 MB) and Word documents (0.42 MB).

• Second effort was an open house conducted at the project for the public. Congressional staffers could also be notified of the open house in case they are interested in attending and interacting with members of the public.

  Another information packet was developed for the open house and also included meeting organization tips, press releases and fliers advertising the event , and a one-on-one visitor interview/discussion card with instructions for use. Issue information sheets, such as the ones used in the organizational meeting, were also distributed.

  • View packet on-line in PDF format or download a zipped file (0.128 MB) (use WinZip to uncompress) containing the Word documents.

  Managers continue to involve stakeholders. Building upon the relationships established by the 2000 meetings, more recent gatherings have helped inform the public, clarify issues, build relationships, rally support, and open doors to partnering efforts with both private and public agencies.