Re: Public Sector Simulations LO2311

Peter Buesseler (pbuessel@fergus.cfa.org)
Wed, 02 Aug 95 14:19:18 -0700

Replying to LO2272 --

Bob,

On July 31 you wrote:
>For some time now we have been seeking inter-active computer
>based, simulation exercises to be used in training to expose
>senior public service executives to decision-making - in a
>manner similar to the experiences provided to business
>executives through the use of business games and computer
>simulations of business cases and scenarios.

I am the State Prairie Biologist for MN Dept. of Natural Resources. I also
have been interested in trying to use simulation exercises for
decision-making in the public sector. We've just received funding to
develop a simulator/learning process to look at policy choices relating to
the ending of a major federal agricultural program, the Conservation
Reserve Program (CRP). This is a federal ag-land retirement program which
began in 1985. Through CRP, the federal government paid farmers to retire
highly erodible farmland for 10 years. The goal was to control production
levels, reduce erosion, and provide wildlife habitat. 30+ million acres
were enrolled nationally (2M ac. in MN). I've attached a text file copy
of the proposal below.

I also recently received a copy of "Concept Report: Policy Exercise for
the International Joint Commission". They apparently have developed a
policy exercise to assist the IJC and various stakeholder groups in
developing the understanding necessary for implementing meaningful
management strategies for the Great Lakes ecosystem. The overall exercise
was described as having four phases: 1) the Ecosystem Philosophy Game, 2)
the Issue Seminar, 3) the Debriefing, and 4) a working paper. The project
was jointly funded by EPA and the IJC. The Concept report was prepared by
a Univ. of Michigan Design team, including Dr. Steven Underwood, Dr.
Richard D. Duke, Ms. Anne R. Carmichael. Ms. Andrea I. Frank, and Mr.
James J. Nitcita.

Finally, I sent a copy of your message to Steve Light. Steve has worked
with Dr. C.S. Hollings in a simulation project looking at water
management policies for the Florida Everglades. This exercise is described
in their recently published book: "Barriers and Bridges" (Island Press?).
Steve is now working for MN DNR and helping us explore the use of
simulation models and other tools for integrating ecological understanding
with socioeconomic and institutional context in managing ecosystems and
watersheds.

--
Peter Buesseler <pbuessel@fergus.cfa.org>