Networked action situations in Vermont water governance

Keywords: water governance, network analysis, social-ecological systems
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 26

Abstract

The water governance system in Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont can be characterized as a complex multi-scale, multi-functional network of heterogeneous actors operating across multiple action arenas. Within each of these arenas, actors collaborate (or compete) to achieve water quality objectives, allocate funds, distribute information, and set priorities for action. This study presents the results of a survey of water governance actors in the Lake Champlain Basin. We analyze the networked action situations to determine which of these policy domains are most closely connected, which actors serve as key linkages within the system, and which water quality issues are complementary within the governance system. We further connect each action arena to investments made by the Vermont state government to mitigate nutrient pollution. We find that the action situations are connected by a small set of key participants that share information and facilitate collaboration. Further, as new state legislation to regionalize water quality management across Vermont is implemented, our results indicate that the current state of collaboration across action arenas leaves out key actors across the Basin.