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Date Permissions Signed

11-18-2014

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Studies

First Advisor

Buckley, Patrick H.

Second Advisor

Alper, Donald K.

Third Advisor

Melious, Jean O.

Abstract

This paper examines the transition from government to governance in transboundary water resource management that is widely noted in the literature. As researchers and managers recognize the shortcomings of traditional management of natural resources, a shift away from the traditional, rules-­‐based approach to an adaptive, iterative, and cross-­‐scale form of management is occurring. This research focused on the Abbotsford-­‐Sumas Aquifer International Task Force as a possible example of this paradigm shift. Semi-­‐structured interviews and surveys were used to collect background information and history, current status and efforts, and future directions of the Task Force. The results of the research show that adaptive management is not occurring and therefore the Task Force is not an example of active adaptive governance. Although the Task Force has been successful in providing a means for information sharing and collaboration very little has been done in terms of action items leading to the reduction of nitrate contamination in the aquifer. Although largely ineffective in accomplishing its mission, stakeholders still value small, working groups and continue to show interest in participating.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/427g-q320

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

896883018

Subject – LCSH

Environmental policy--International cooperation; Political geography; Aquifers--British Columbia--Abbotsford Region; Aquifers--Washington (State)--Sumas Region; Groundwater--Pollution--British Columbia--Abbotsford Region; Groundwater--Pollution--Washington (State)--Sumas Region; British Columbia--Relations--Washington (State); Washington (State)--Relations--British Columbia

Geographic Coverage

Abbotsford Region (B.C.); Sumas Region (Wash.); British Columbia; Washington (State)

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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