Sustainability Researcher – sustainability

Myriem Le Ferrand is an experienced policy researcher and environmental conflict resolution (ECR) facilitator. Cases involve water planning, energy, outdoor recreation and agriculture. She specializes in place-based research and appreciative inquiry to strengthen local voice through peer-reviewed social fieldwork.

Partial List of Publications

Le Ferrand-Radjef, M. 2003-2006. Attempted Mediation of A Local, Historic Wildland Trail Dispute – Searching for Incentives and Options with Participatory Action Research. Download Study | University of Michigan Library Collections.

Abstract: This case study describes an attempt to resolve disputed access to a historic, local, wildland trail in the Colorado Front Range. A local, historic, wildland trail is one that often traverses both public and private wildland and is accessed freely by a local community for non-motorized use, for connection to nature and for social visits. “Historic” implies use as found in the historic record and as reflected in the memories of older and previous residents. “Wildland” denotes an abundance of ecological processes significantly surpassing indications of human activity. Environmental dispute resolution processes that engage diverse stakeholders in dialogue over issues in dispute are a critical component of ecosystem preservation. EDR processes administratively and procedurally recognize the essential value of a communication link to local knowledge, expertise, and volunteership. This thesis assesses the contribution of participatory action research (PAR) in enhancing conventional environmental dispute resolution practices in cases of stakeholder disparity. [] In this case, PAR fortified the EDR process so that a clear understanding of the substantive issues in dispute could be derived despite the absence of a key stakeholder. [] At the same time, the EDR/PAR intervention required significant time and resources of its facilitator, offering many insights about management of such an intensive intervention process. [The research included an environmental history with appreciation to the Lynne Walter of the Gold Hill Club].

Background Study: Field Guide to San Juan County: Economics, Energy and the Environment. (Sept. 2008) Wrote and produced user-friendly, visually appealing reference which synthesized over 20 studies for elected officials, stakeholders and public on Colorado Plateau water and air quality and multi-jurisdictional economic development objectives. Funded by EPA Community Action for a Renewed Environment program.

Paper: “The Case of Local Trail Access: Searching for Options with Participatory Action Research,” Association for Conflict Resolution Quarterly (ACR) – Environment and Public Policy Section. (Winter 2007)

Paper: “Appreciative Inquiry and Natural Resource Management in Rocky Mountain National Park,“ Appreciative Inquiry (A() Practitioner. London. (May 2005). Primary Research.

Background Study: Community Trails Mediation Guide – 2 volume workbook to support weekend workshops convened by Boulder County Commissioners and Land Use Dept. (May 2003). The Guide summarized three-years of participatory action research on local environmental history, role of wildland trails in community-based ecosystem stewardship, legal framework for trail management and citizen science field ecology.

Article: “SO2 Emission Allowances and Low Sulfur Coal Markets.” Coal Magazine. (August 1993)

Study: Acid Rain Handbook, 4 volumes. 450 pgs. Principal investigator and co-author. Syndicated environmental compliance study, Resource Data International (December 1991) Primary Research

Paper: “Acid Rain Compliance: Options, Facts and Findings.” Resource Data International (Dec. 4, 1991)

Note 1/24/20: As time allows, I will make available more details and will offer publications for download. I plan to draw on previous research for upcoming publications and to inform further research.