People often disagree over how our land, air, and water resources should be used and managed. Disputes arise over issues such as endangered species, private property rights, wetlands, timber management, and air and water quality. People with a stake in these issues tend to focus on their disagreements rather than building on their common
interests and creating new approaches to solving these issues. When decision-making moves from the meeting room to the courtroom, gridlock can occur.

Gridlock is not necessary. People involved in these disputes can reach mutually acceptable solutions by communicating in a more meaningful and effective way. . .