In November of 2003 NNSG's journey began with the University of Michigan's, Dr. Steven Yaffee and staff as they presented their guide, Measuring Progress: A Guide to the Development, Implementation and Interpretation of an Evaluation Plan to 16 Sonoran Institute grantees. NNSG engaged with Dr. Yaffee, and Dr. Sheila Schueller to fulfill the role of a pilot organization to engage the NNSG board in the draft planning process.
A two-day workshop to develop the Situation Map, the core tool from which the evaluation plan would develop, was held in Elko, NV in April of 2004. From the map, and further dialogue with the board, four significant question categories were selected to guide the organizations work into the future.
The four questions are:
- Are our efforts to increase collaborative ecosystem planning/assessment leading to more functional watersheds in northeast Nevada?
- Are NNSG sponsored activities increasing knowledge and awareness of: 1) resource issues; and of 2) ourorganizations/mission?
- Are NNSG efforts leading to increased partnerships between NNSG and public land users/decision makers?
- Is NNSG membership increasingly diverse and active?
For more information on the UofM EMI programs:
Ecosystem Management Initiative School of Natural Resources
& Environment.
The University of Michigan
http://www.snre.umich.edu/emi
Funding for the NNSG self-evaluation program project was provided through generous contributions from the Sonoran Institute and the National Forest Foundation.