"Shaped by 150 years of persistent conflicts over natural resources, the American West has endured a succession of strategies for resolving disputes - prior appropriation, scientific management, public participation, citizen ballot initiatives, public interest litigation, devolution, and interest-based negotiation. All of these strategies are still in play, yet the West remains mired in gridlock. In fact, these strategies are often themselves a source of conflict." "The Western Confluence is designed to help us navigate through the gridlock by reframing natural resource disputes and the strategies for resolving them. Relying on their first-hand experience, the authors offer practical information and insight for anyone involved with public decision making, as well as for professionals, faculty, and students in natural resource management, environmental law and policy, and conflict management."--BOOK JACKET.