“In recent decades it has become apparent that [environmental challenges such as global warming and population growth] encompass more than simply science and economics, and an innovative model is supplanting traditional decision-making methods. This new model is collaborative environmental planning, and it is being used increasingly as an approach to solving resource issues and problems. This paper begins with an introduction to the history and theoretical components of collaborative environmental planning in Chapter Two, and then defines the concept by operationalizing several elements of the model in the subsequent chapter. Chapter Four examines rural communities, specifically the issues many currently face, and how collaborative environmental planning is assisting in the revitalization of faltering resource-based economies. Chapter Five provides an in-depth look at three rural collaborative environmental planning efforts, and the uncertainties and accomplishments of each. The final chapter provides lessons that can be applied to collaborative environmental planning and sustainable rural development.”