Integrating Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing in Puget Sound Planning

Every two years, watershed organizations within the Puget Sound develop strategic plans for estuarine restoration activities. Historically, these plans have been focused on political and ecological goals. With greater... [ view full abstract ]

Every two years, watershed organizations within the Puget Sound develop strategic plans for estuarine restoration activities. Historically, these plans have been focused on political and ecological goals. With greater political will and new tools developed over the past five years, social science is being increasingly integrated in the decision-making process. This presentation describes the policy window created through the backbone government agency called the Puget Sound Partnership and the ways in which social scientists are leveraging these windows to build more holistic approaches to managing social-ecological estuarine systems.