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Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1521208
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Involving your community, as much as possible, throughout the process is important. Initially, it helps to get the word out and build enthusiasm about your plan. Project plans that incorporate public input have higher rates of implementation. The involvement helps create a shared vision and sense of ownership in the project. This can also lead to an investment in the future of the project. Engaging with adjacent landowners to your planned project route and community leaders is key to positive long-term relationships. Building relationships with adjacent landowners is a necessity before engaging the public. You do not want to surprise anyone. Sometimes there are potentially controversial trail alignments that go near properties where owners are opposed to trails. In situations such as these, it may take a significant amount of careful planning and building area support to help change the hearts and minds of the people that live near your proposed trail. There are many ways to involve people and different levels of participation – everything from informing of basic information, involving your community in decision making, to providing the public the opportunity to make the decisions. Community engagement opportunities should be determined by the needs of your plan. Try to do more community outreach than you think is necessary. To get an idea of the level of community engagement you should consider, think through the following questions. • In what ways could the public help improve the trail project? • How much public interest do you think there is in this project? • What is the potential for the public to influence the decision-making process? • Do you anticipate media interest? • How likely is it that the project decision-makers will fully consider public input? • Are there conflicts of use or opposing viewpoints that need a place to be discussed? • Are there resources available to support community engagement? The stronger and more detailed your answers are to these questions the higher the community involvement you should consider for your community engagement. Be sure to include someone on your team that has experience in, or the desire to learn about, community engagement. This will help set you up for success. Interactive Community Engagement Ideas • Trail tour: Walk/drive/travel the proposed route. • Open house: Show maps, plans, etc. and allow participants to comment. • Survey: Paper or online survey with pertinent questions regarding the trail project. • Focus groups: Present small groups of stakeholders with pertinent questions. • Informational event: A table or display at local events to educate community members. A public input meeting was held to gather insight from the community at Fort Kearny SHP and SRA. 20