An exploration of the conservation movement known as "collaborative conservation", which emphasizes local participation, sustainability and inclusion of the disempowered. The book brings together writing, reporting and analysis from those involved in implementing the approach.

Contributors examine: - the failure of traditional policy approaches - recent economic and demographic changes that serve as a backdrop for the emergence of the movement - the merits of, and drawbacks to, coliaborative decision-making - the challenges involved with integrating diverse voices and bringing all sectors of society into the movement In addition, the book offers in-depth stories of eight noteworthy collaborative initiatives-including the Quincy Library Group, Montana's Clark Fork River, the Applegate Partnership, and the Malpai Borderlands-that explore how different groups have organised and acted to implement their goals. Among the contributors are Ed Marston, George Cameron Coggins, David Getches, Andy Stahl, Maria Varela, Luther Propst, Shirley Solomon, William Riebsame, Cassandra Moseley, Lynn Jungwirth, and others. Across the Great Divide is an important work for anyone involved with collaborative conservation or the larger environmental movement, and for all those who care about the future of resource management in the West