Communities often lack the resources or expertise necessary to assess the impact of community growth
and watershed management decisions on ecological resources,
agricultural resources, local economics, and community
finances. The New England Land Grant Universities are working to bring integrated decision making and new tools to community leaders.
Resource Economists examine the costs and benefits of
natural resource use and policies. For example:
UConn researchers are
assessing
the ability of public programs and policies to achieve
socially optimal results 
in managing natural resources and
the environment.
University
of Massachusetts researchers worked with other institutions,
including New Hampshire and Georgia
to measure
use and nonuse values associated with groundwater quality
protection .
A project at the University of New Hampshire is testing
methods and evaluating approaches
for identifying, characterizing, and communicating to stakeholder
groups.
The URI Policy Simulation Laboratory is
developing computer-based
tools
to help
communities plan with knowledge of the impacts
of development on ecosystems, water quality, town finances,
and the character of the community.
Exchange of Information
The University of Connecticut houses the National
NEMO Network (Nonpoint
Education for Municipal Officials), a CSREES National
Facilitation Project. This project
provides coordination, training, and communication
services to new and existing NEMO projects that are
led by Land Grant Universities. Through these national
efforts, integrated decision making is better understood
in local communities.