2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 35

Lloyd R. Walker, Extension Agricultural Engineer, Department of Chemical and Bioresource Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO , 80523-1370; 970.491.6328; agengr@coop.ext.colostate.edu; and Reagan M. Waskom, Extension Water Quality Specialist, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1170; 970-491-6103; rwaskom@agsci.colostate.edu

In November 1998 Colorado voters passed by a 2 to1- margin a statutory amendment to increase regulation on large-scale confined swine productions facilities. This citizen-initiated amendment was presented to the voters after the Colorado Legislature failed to pass legislation on this issue. Large swine facilities began to locate in Colorado in the late 1980's because of favorable climate, geography, and regulatory environment. Soon citizens began to raise concerns about the effects of these facilities on air and water quality. The prevailing perception was that current regulations were inadequate to safeguard these resources and the state's public agencies and lawmakers failed to enact more stringent controls.

The onset of the citizen initiative process began a period of intense public debate. Cooperative Extension, as the educational outreach agency of Colorado State University, the state's land grant school, provided scientific, research-based, unbiased information to enhance the quality of this debate. A multi-disciplinary work group was formed. Partnerships were created with appropriate public and private agencies. The first task was to clarify the University's policy on involvement in such public issues debate. Next, training was provided to Extension's personnel and partners involved in the issue. A brochure was produced and widely distributed to voters of the state explaining the initiative and consequences of voter options. Extension faculty also presented information at voter forums.

We will discuss the experience of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in addressing this natural resources and environmental management issue. Methods of developing our capacity to address this issue through training, collaboration, and partnerships will be presented. The approach of addressing the topic in a public issues education format will be discussed. Finally, conclusions and lessons learned from the experience will be shared.