ABSTRACT
Over the past 30 years, public participation has moved to center stage in the play of influences that determine how the environment will be protected and managed. In doing so, it has evolved considerably. More intensive approaches to participation have joined traditional public hearings and public comment procedures. Loosely termed "dispute resolution," these processes emphasize face-to-face deliberation, problem solving, and consensus building among a relatively small group of participants selected to represent the wider public. The purpose of dispute resolution processes goes far beyond the traditional role of public participation in ensuring a minimum level of government accountability. Increasingly, dispute resolution is used as a strategy for improving the quality of decisions and dealing with the mistrust and conflict (and the resulting litigation) that are endemic to environmental policy.
