CRMP HANDBOOK 

Coordinated Resource Management and Planning (CRMP) is a resource planning, problem-solving and management process that allows for direct participation of everyone concerned with natural resource management in a given planning area. The concept underlying CRMP is that coordinating resource management strategies results in improved resource management and minimizes conflicts among land users, landowners, governmental agencies and interest groups. Using this approach, resource problems are addressed and solved much more effectively because they are based on resource boundaries and not constrained by individual, agency or political boundaries.

The CRMP process operates on the local level but can have broad influence. The philosophy behind CRMP is that those who live, work and recreate on a given piece of land are the people most interested in and capable of developing and implementing plans for its use. Face-to-face communication among all interested groups and individuals solves the inevitable conflicts that arise from the mixture of diverse interests and goals. Experience has shown that people with diverse viewpoints who voluntarily meet together as a planning team will find common ground as they interact with one another and have a chance to observe resource problems firsthand. Through discussion, landowners, users and resource managers learn to understand and respect each other’s viewpoints. Although each member of the group may have different interest in the land, the CRMP process can help them realize they also have a common interest: the continued health and productivity of the land and its resources. The end result is constructive problem-solving through cooperative resource planning.

The CRMP process can be effective in practically any resource management situation; for example, to bridge gaps among government agencies, private landowners and other resource users. It is particularly appropriate for areas where local resource management issues involve lands under more than one ownership or jurisdiction and where there are existing or potential conflicts among land and resource uses. The process also works well to help sustain a healthy natural resource situation. Conservation is dynamic, and we always need to be working to improve resource conditions, including prevention of degradation, not just fixing problems after the fact. CRMP encourages sharing responsibilities and resources through cooperative implementation of projects. The CRMP process is often thought of as a way to resolve conflicts over land uses and management. However, its greater strength actually revolves around improving communication and coordinating management activities among diverse interests, even when there is no conflict.

The ultimate goal of CRMP is to protect, improve and maintain natural resources. The objective of each CRMP effort is to develop and carry forward a unified program of action for resource use and management that minimizes conflict. Actions should be consistent with land and water capabilities and supported by people whose interests are affected.

The local focus of the CRMP process makes community support essential. Community awareness of the constructive, problem-solving nature of the plan strengthens the commitment of those involved in the planning group to make the plan work. In addition, news of the successful implementation of the CRMP process in an area can stimulate surrounding areas to follow suit, reducing resource conflicts throughout a region.

This booklet is a guide to help the reader carry out a CRMP project.

California Coordinated Resource Management & Planning Council

contact: 916-447-7237, staff@carcd.org

site location: www.crmp.org/download/hb/hb-intro.html