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Driftless Area Initiative Strategic Plan

October 2006—September 2011

Vision

We envision a vibrant landscape supported by an active network of well informed citizens working to optimize environmental and economic health for present & future generations in the Driftless Area.

Mission

To unite organizations and individuals within the Driftless Area of the Upper Mississippi River Basin for collaborative action to enhance and restore this region’s ecology, economy, and cultural resources in a balanced, integrated fashion.

The Drifltless Area Initiative Strategic Plan is a 5-year guideline which helps the Driftless Area Initiative (DAI) focus on strengthening its partnership by implementing projects of regional significance in support of natural resource conservation, sustainable rural economic development, and strengthened community identity and vitality. Strategies outlined in the Plan will help the DAI to promote inter-disciplinary understanding of issues, and integrated, system-based approaches for achieving goals through existing organizations. Strategies will be aimed at building the capacity of partner organizations and individuals through funding acquisition, and increased regional/national visibility and support for Driftless Area resource issues.

This Strategic Plan clarifies the scope of the DAI mission, identifies goals critical to achieving that mission, and outlines strategies for achieving specific objectives. The Strategic Plan was developed through a public participation process involving hundreds of people and organizations interacting at various levels with the DAI. Participating stakeholders include, but are not limited to, RC&D Council members from 4 states, federal and state agencies, private conservation organizations, and concerned individuals.

Efforts of the Driftless Area Initiative are vital to improving and maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by Driftless Area residents. This Strategic Plan serves as a concise, accurate and useful focal point that stimulates the DAI into productive leadership on projects and issues with cross-boundary implications.

Goals

  1. Speak with a unified voice on multi-state resource issues
  2. Identify multi-state priorities and build coalitions to address common issues
  3. Serve as a clearinghouse and catalyst for resource information
  4. Promote regional/national recognition of the Driftless Area