Ruffner at conference

“I Thought You Knew That…”Hard-learned Lessons from the Trenches: 

“I Thought You Knew That…” Hard-learned Lessons from the Trenches

SR 82 Rockfall Mitigation and Safety Project: 

SR 82 Rockfall Mitigation and Safety Project A Case Study

Unique Project Setting: 

Unique Project Setting Parallels Sonoita Creek, a perennial stream Supports outstanding riparian habitat

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Hosts distinctive birds and other animals Attracts birding enthusiasts Includes 100-year-old sycamore trees

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Adjacent to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Endangered aquatic species in Sonoita Creek Immediately adjacent to the Telles Family Shrine

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SR 82, designated “State Scenic Byway” Active public—Friends of Scenic Highway 82 Circle Z Ranch access in close proximity

Rockfall Problem—Remedy Needed: 

Rockfall Problem— Remedy Needed

Severity of Hazard: 

Severity of Hazard Level of severity—high Substantial unstable rock Potential for catastrophic failure of slope

Rushing the Decision-making Process: 

Rushing the Decision-making Process

Initial Engineering Concept Conceived by ADOT: 

Initial Engineering Concept Conceived by ADOT Notable realignment of SR 82 away from rock face toward Sonoita Creek, and construction of rockfall containment ditch Required the removal of numerous trees along scenic section of highway within world-renowned birding area

ADOT’s Initial Engineering Solution Presented to Public: 

ADOT’s Initial Engineering Solution Presented to Public

Intense Public Opposition from Interested Parties: 

Intense Public Opposition from Interested Parties Local residents Landowners and land managers Members of public interest groups Worldwide birding enthusiasts

Issues Raised: 

Issues Raised Scenic resources and recreation Regional socioeconomics Outstanding biological resources

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Riparian habitat and rare birds Cultural resources Pedestrian safety

Back to Go: How to Lose Time, Money, and Public Confidence: 

Back to Go: How to Lose Time, Money, and Public Confidence

Reestablishing Communication, Cooperation, and Trust : 

Reestablishing Communication, Cooperation, and Trust Use professional facilitator to establish lines of communication and foster mutual respect Establish a diverse, community-based study team to provide local knowledge, enhance public outreach, and assist in decision-making Develop new alternatives to address community concerns

Makeup of Study Team: 

Makeup of Study Team Town representatives Community activists Conservation organizations Environmental groups Birding enthusiasts Public interest groups

Study Team Commitment: 

Study Team Commitment Regular meetings over 2-year period Hundreds of hours invested

The Yin and Yang of Public Involvement: 

The Yin and Yang of Public Involvement

Benefits of Study Team Process: 

Benefits of Study Team Process Offers new perspectives Provides local knowledge and expertise Expands and refines project objectives to address community concerns

With Study Team Participation: 

With Study Team Participation Project objectives were established 16 new alternatives were developed

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Alternatives were evaluated using established criteria “Context Sensitive Design” was applied Proposed Action was selected and refined

New Proposed Action Outshines Original Solution and Establishes Public Support: 

New Proposed Action Outshines Original Solution and Establishes Public Support Protects Sonoita Creek Preserves riparian habitat and scenic quality

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Improves motorist and pedestrian safety Maintains tourism and birding opportunities

50 Mitigation Measures Employed: 

50 Mitigation Measures Employed Minimize ground disturbance and loss of foliage Minimize erosion/sedimentation Minimize disturbance to nesting birds

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Minimize impact on scenic quality Maintain access to rest area and shrine

Ongoing Engagement of Public-at-Large: 

Ongoing Engagement of Public-at-Large Agency scoping meeting Three public information meetings Public review of Draft Environmental Assessment Public hearing

New Players in Partnering and Construction: 

New Players in Partnering and Construction Pre-construction: study team advises contractor on uniqueness of site ADOT hires local naturalist to monitor construction Post-construction: team reviews project success and discusses “lessons learned”

Key Lesson Learned:Meaningful Public Participation : 

Key Lesson Learned: Meaningful Public Participation Include full public disclosure—not smoke and mirrors Engage public early in process Use public input to shape/refine project alternatives and process

NPHQ National Achievement Award: 

NPHQ National Achievement Award The SR 82 Rockfall Mitigation and Safety Project transformed public outrage into a national award- winning project