Community Involvement in Protecting the Environment: The Role of Restoration Advisory Boards (RABs)

Abstract

Central to the theme of this article is the exploration of innovative community-based approaches to environmental management that focus on citizen participation. Provided is a description of community involvement in the context of environmental protection, focusing on the role of community-based Restoration Advisory Board (RABs). Also provided is an overview of the role the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the development and evolution of community involvement plans and citizen demands for increased participation in communities directly affected by environmental degradation and contamination. Examples of effective involvement of RABs in community-based collaborative decision-making at several U.S. military installations are also included.