Extension as a Multilevel Bridging Organization: Supporting Networked Environmental Governance

Governmental and nongovernmental actors at different spatial and jurisdictional levels have information that can benefit natural resources management; however, barriers in communication and organizational culture often prevent information sharing and joint endeavors. Bridging entities, such as task forces or working groups, bring together potential stakeholders to pool expertise and stimulate shared learning. Using a network survey, interview data, and meeting minutes, we constructed a case study of task forces convened to stimulate management of the emerald ash borer, an invasive wood-boring beetle. We found that coordinated action among university and county Extension catalyzed bridging through visionary program design and network positioning

Learning and linking for invasive species management

Invasive species can create economic and safety concerns. Responding to invasive species requires communication of research, localized management, and collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries. We examined the use of adaptive comanagement in three New York counties to mitigate the impacts of emerald ash borer, a wood-boring beetle that causes widespread death of ash trees. We assessed learning along three typologies (cognitive, normative, and relational), linking (through network analysis), and connections of learning and linking to management outcomes. Findings indicate that knowledge networks were built through task forces that brought together local and state government, university, and private stakeholders. In addition, this study suggests types of learning that are needed for stakeholders to respond to invasive species management