Resident Inclusion in Protected Land Use Decisions: The Role of a Citizens Advisory Commission at Point Reyes National Seashore

The recent controversy over commercial uses on parkland at Point Reyes National Seashore has inspired this research which seeks to explore the integration of park residents into the decision making processes of the United States National Parks system. Specifically, this research looks at the role of a Citizen Advisory Commission at Point Reyes National Seashore to evaluate its ability to increase interactions between the National Park Service, park residents, and the public, as well as to provide the tenants of the seashore with increased authority in decision processes. To carry out these objectives, this study compares current interactions at Point Reyes with those that took place during previous decades when an active citizens advisory commission was in place. The findings from this work aim to provide a basis for future recommendations on how the residents, local community, and National Park Service can create a more partner oriented relationship and foster a desirable sense of trust between these stakeholders.