Public Particpation/Training

[Nadine L. Scott <deannie@nctimes.net>]

One of the largest problems I see is the lack of connection from the scientists/office personnel/managment to the land and the people who live on the land.  I agree that training is needed, but I would suggest sensitivity training as the beginning.  As an example, I have a friend who works with a regulatory agency in the State of California.  Recently she came to visit me and I took her out into the field to a project.  She was very thankful that she could see what was going on rather than reading about it.  She actually said to me that she feels very disconnected sitting in a office and not seeing what's going on in the field.