Red River Basin Disaster Information Network
On-Line Workshop
January 20, 2000 -- 12:00 Noon CST

The Red River Basin Board
"Making a Difference"

Jim Moench, Executive Director

Online Transcript
Download Transcript (MS Word File)
Text Transcript
Slides: 1, 2, 3, 4

Resource management in the Basin is at a crossroads. Within the Basin there are many different people, many political jurisdictions, many values, many views, many priorities, but still only one resource. The future of the resource, however, is in question. Most everyone agrees that wise use of the resource, and the environment as a whole, will help to ensure that its use by future generations is not compromised. But how to use and conserve the resource without limiting economic activity is the key question.

History has shown that consensus among Basin residents is essential for successful implementation of programs, policies and projects. Projects or programs have often been stalled for many years because there was disagreement regarding the need for the project, its benefits, or its impacts. These disagreements have at times resulted in concerted opposition to an initiative, or at other times, a lack of momentum in support of an initiative. This has occurred within jurisdictions as well as across jurisdictional borders. By acting as a facilitator and by working to achieve consensus, the Red River Basin Board (RRBB) can provide a valuable service in furthering sound water management in the Red River Basin.

(Making a Difference, Red River Basin Board, January 2000)

Our January workshop will present an overview of the Red River Basin Board water management planning process, the current status of this grass-roots effort, and its goals for the future. The one hour session will be divided between a presentation by Executive Director Jim Moench, and a question and answer period. Members are invited to follow up the session with open discussion. Please plan to log in a few minutes before the scheduled start at noon.

Red River Basin Board Info Page
Guiding Principles
Download Making a Difference (PDF File)

About Jim Moench

In announcing the appointment of Jim Moench to Executive Director December 1, 1999, Board Chair Morris Lanning said, "Jim's skills and experience in consensus building and organizational development will be a real asset in achieving our mission."

Moench comes to the Board from a similar position with North Dakota's Commission On the Future of Agriculture (COFA). COFA is a coordinating body made up of 61 member organizations. "My experience with COFA and 22 years working for a major farm organization and its associated groups and issues, has taught me the complexities of resolving diverse issues associated with natural resources management," Moench said.

"Jim's considerable legislative and communications experience will be particularly helpful to the Red River Basin Board as we seek to elevate the Red River Basin Board's visibility and influence relative to water management issues," Lanning added.