This project explores collaborative efforts involving the United States Forest Service and the communities it serves. By contributing to our understanding leadership dynamics within collaborative groups in this setting, this project provides resource managers and communities with a more refined insight into how collaborative groups are maintained or improved over time. A survey was developed and delivered to "leaders" within selected collaborative groups. The survey was comprised of sixty-three items generated by splitting eight leadership competencies into discrete behavioral subset items that could be rated on a scale. One initial item pertained to the geographic location of the participant. The results indicate that the survey instrument is generally reliable, with some exceptions within several competency subset areas. Where reliability was established, the results indicate that all leadership competencies reviewed are generally important to collaborative success, with significant variation across all competency areas. These results may reflect either localized variations in what competencies are important, differing perspectives of individual participants, or some combination of both. Follow up interviews with participants and a more in-depth comparison of localized conditions between the collaborative groups studied is recommended. Leadership development centered on collaborative competencies is discussed and a recommendation for the establishment of a leadership development and research center focused on leadership within collaborative settings is also put forth. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]