Photo: Barbara Tagger

Partnerships are complex and dynamic, a dance of relationships between the tensions of mutual interest and self-interest. They can form in different ways and for many reasons. In any setting it takes time and hard work to forge effective relationships that continue to be productive for all parties over time. Given the increasing commitment of the National Park Service to long-term conservation partnerships, it is imperative to glean lessons from experiences, about what does and doesn't work and to share this knowledge across agencies and with partners.