I. Working in Partnership with the Forest Service
At heart, partnerships are a straightforward concept: people working together to achieve goals that are meaningful to both of them. But the details can be trickier and the terminology confusing. This chapter explains:
- The meaning of partnership
- Documenting partnerships
- Collaboration
- The focus of this guide
The Meaning of Partnership
In this guide, the words “partnership” and “partners” are used in a broad way to describe relationships between the people, organizations, agencies, and communities that work together and share interests. The Forest Service regularly works in partnership with other entities, including tribes, states, federal agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and communities.
However, it is important to understand that the word “partnership” also has a more precise meaning according to federal policy. Federal policy defines partnerships as “arrangements that are voluntary, mutually beneficial, and entered into for the purpose of mutually agreed upon objectives.” In this definition, “mutual benefit” specifically means that each partner shares in the benefits the project provides.
The terminology can be confusing because the Forest Service commonly uses the word “partnership” more loosely to refer to work with others where the benefits are not shared. For example, when the Forest Service gives grants to communities for revitalizing urban forests, the primary benefit is to the community. The agency also uses contracts to purchase goods or services that directly benefit the Forest Service. These types of formal arrangements are partnerships in the sense that they help each party achieve their goals and build skills, knowledge, and relationships that provide the foundation for future work together.
Enhancing Recreation
Along a 120-mile stretch of Lake Superior's shoreline through Michigan , the Hiawatha Water Trail Association works with the Forest Service, communities, and other partners to enhance recreation and tourism opportunities.
One of the partnership's innovative accomplishments is a locker system that paddlers can use to secure their kayaks and gear while they shop, dine, and use other community facilities at towns along the trail. Forest Service partners include State and Private Forestry's Economic Action Programs and the Hiawatha National Forest.
The Forest Service also frequently works with partners through informal activities that may serve as springboards for formal arrangements later. For example, many agency employees participate in community networks to offer educational events and share skills and expertise with local landowners and citizens without a formal, documented arrangement. In practice, this broadens the meaning of partnership beyond the specific definition under federal policy and beyond formal arrangements.
