UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Vladich, Helena Voinov
Dept./Program:
Natural Resources
Year:
2013
Degree:
PhD
Abstract:
This dissertation examines how -Spatial Analysis, GIS Hydrological Modeling coupled with the use of high resolution remote sensing (Lidar) data -can become an effective tool for environmental conflict resolution. While developing the alternative system approaches to the stonnwater management as part of the project Redesigning the American Neighborhood (RAN) program, funded by EPA and managed by the University ofVennont, a new participatory tool for environmental consensus building was tested. Retrofitting an existing stormwater system can be costly. This is often viewed as a burden for the neighborhood residents and can stir up a conflict environment between the residents, and the city and state regulators.
To help mitigate the conflict and design new, alternative, landscape based stormwater management system a new participatory framework for environmental consensus building was developed -Participatory Spatial Analysis (PSA). Communities were directly engaged in this process, following a deliberative planning model. The cumulative result of applying this framework together with the developed innovative methodology to derive the spatial Micro Stormwater Drainage network Density (MSDD) index leads us through the multiple working mediating atelier-type sessions with the stakeholders towards the Integrated Modular Landscape -Based Stormwater Management (IMLaS) plan for action.
Applying PSA framework in conjunction with the spatial methodology for the development of indices such as MSDD led to a process for ecosystem services detection and valuation of overlooked urban ecosystems at micro-scale while building trust between researchers and stakeholders. The dissertation research concludes that spatial imaging technology can be constructively applied as a deliberative tool for consensus building in watershed management. Such a process has its limitations with reference to data availability and the willingness for the community to engage in a complex deliberative process. However, as communities become more willing to embrace technological tools such applications have considerable potential for being more widely applied as a means of environmental conflict resolution.
To help mitigate the conflict and design new, alternative, landscape based stormwater management system a new participatory framework for environmental consensus building was developed -Participatory Spatial Analysis (PSA). Communities were directly engaged in this process, following a deliberative planning model. The cumulative result of applying this framework together with the developed innovative methodology to derive the spatial Micro Stormwater Drainage network Density (MSDD) index leads us through the multiple working mediating atelier-type sessions with the stakeholders towards the Integrated Modular Landscape -Based Stormwater Management (IMLaS) plan for action.
Applying PSA framework in conjunction with the spatial methodology for the development of indices such as MSDD led to a process for ecosystem services detection and valuation of overlooked urban ecosystems at micro-scale while building trust between researchers and stakeholders. The dissertation research concludes that spatial imaging technology can be constructively applied as a deliberative tool for consensus building in watershed management. Such a process has its limitations with reference to data availability and the willingness for the community to engage in a complex deliberative process. However, as communities become more willing to embrace technological tools such applications have considerable potential for being more widely applied as a means of environmental conflict resolution.