Science research can identify critical needs of wildlife such as characteristics of stopover and breeding habitat for migratory birds in a specific region. But this evidence is insufficient without on-the-ground knowledge, guidance, and buy-in from the local land managers, landowners and other community members. The Forest for Birds and People project brings together expertise from research, conservation, and land management professionals, landowners, and land users to co-design a forest management strategy that couples the needs of migratory birds and other wildlife with forest priorities of those living and working in the Lexington, Virginia region. 

The project partnership consists of: forest researchers (individuals who will analyze and interpret the data to uncover information about the forest needed for the project), forest stewards (individuals who have a direct role in using scientific knowledge), and forest users (individuals interested in local forests who may be impacted by how they are managed). These partners are involved at different levels from providing input on local resources and knowledge to participating in forest monitoring to co-designing the forest management plan (with equal involvement in decision making). Throughout, the partnership is supported by experienced facilitators who guide communication and co-design among the diverse partners, as well as research opportunities, challenges, and impacts associated with the process.

The Forest for Birds and People partnership builds on an asset-based approach, which values expertise of all partners and highlights community resources (rather than community deficits). It couples this with the six principles of the “translational ecology” framework, which seeks to bridge the gap between science, research, and environmental management (Enguist et al. 2017). That is, the partnership…

• Uses decision framing to pursues shared goals and applies consensus building to make transparent and actionable decisions that fit within the project timeline and broader social context
• Collaborates in ways that respects and incorporates different priorities and knowledge into the forest management plan and its implementation, monitoring, and assessment . 
• Engages frequently throughout the project and in ways that allow for deep dialogues, building relationships, and mutual understanding. 
• Commits at the individual and organizational levels to engage for the five-year project period (and beyond as possible) and to maintain accountability and openness to learning. 
• Participates in regular interactive communication to ensure all voices are heard and all input is respected, valued, and considered. 
• Contributes to a thoughtful and strategic process that centers on transparency and shared ownership