Exploring the frontiers of leadership with Lewis and Clark.

This is the fourth in a series of articles revolving around the topics that will be presented at the 16th Annual Leadership Summit scheduled for September 11-13 at the Resort at the Mountain (Mt. Hood) in Welches, Ore. The program, "Exploring the Frontiers of Leadership in Local Government," includes underlying themes of exploring change, collaboration, conversation, courage and the personal challenges of serving as a leader in local government.

One of the most precious documents in American history happens to be a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson to a 29-year-old gentleman named Meriwether Lewis. In this letter, composed on June 20, 1803, Jefferson laid out a blueprint for the expedition he wanted Lewis to lead.

In its entirety, it is a lengthy composition, which takes a while to read, and even longer to absorb. But at quick glance, some of the details give a glimpse into the mind of President Jefferson.

The letter began with a preamble, which talks of the need to keep this expedition secret. Then, after several paragraphs, Jefferson gave Lewis his instructions. He wrote, "The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River and such principal stream." Or, in other words, Jefferson wanted Lewis to start at the mouth of the Missouri River, follow it to the source, cross the watershed and then follow that unknown river (Columbia) all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Aware that he was sending Lewis on a twisting and curving path, Jefferson requested a precise pinpointing of the route. Lewis would have to purchase a sextant and learn how to use it so that he could measure the stars and find his location exactly as if he were the captain of a ship.

Jefferson wrote, "Beginning at the mouth of the Missouri River, you will take observations of latitude and longitude at all remarkable points."

Jefferson then instructed Lewis to write everything down with "great pains and accuracy," and, when he encountered "the people inhabiting the line you will pursue," Lewis was to record the name of the tribe, the boundaries of their territory, relations with other tribes, diet, attire, customs and language.

At this point, the average person would have told Jefferson that this was too much for any human to do, but Lewis seemed unaffected. Jefferson was just getting started.

Next, the President instructed Lewis to bring back samples of soil; observe all new vegetation and bring back seeds; record and catch any new animal species; look for fossilized remains; explore for minerals and volcanoes; and keep an accurate record of the weather, noting the direction of the wind twice each day. In other words, besides exploring the west, Jefferson wanted Lewis to turn himself into a one-man, mobile Smithsonian Institution, collecting samples for scientific research.

Next, Jefferson requested Lewis investigate all tributaries and map their course. He wanted a complete picture of this unknown part of North America, but he did not want Lewis to use force; this was to be a peaceful expedition without the loss of life. Whenever he met natives, Lewis was instructed to "treat them in the most friendly and conciliatory manner."

Jefferson was sending a highly motivated individual out into the wilderness. He knew it was impossible to "prescribe the exact degree of perseverance with which you are to pursue your journey." Instead, he gave Lewis these instructions: "We wish you to err on the side of your safety, and bring back your party safe."

Jefferson thought of everything. In the last paragraph of this remarkable letter he instructed Lewis how, "in the event of your death," he was to officially transfer the leadership powers to another individual in writing, signed and dated. Yes, he thought of everything.

As a local official, there are often times when an overwhelming or even routine challenge arises within the community that seems daunting at first. While striving to serve the community, it may seem the Solution is to do what Jefferson asked Lewis to do--carry out a number of high-priority tasks and challenges while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. In this ease, that would be the well-being and long term future of cities and towns.

The job of a local official can be a formidable expedition as they endeavor to meet the not always predictable needs and ever-changing landscape of communities. Time and again, a wide range of issues require attention at any given time as they look toward the future success of their communities.

On their expedition, Lewis and Clark saw a wide variety of landscapes ranging from prairies to mountains and forests and hardscrabble soil. However, in their opinions, one of the most enchanting places was where the Columbia River sliced through the Cascade Range.

The Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge area will provide the setting for the 16th Annual Leadership Summit, which will explore the frontiers of leadership as well as several miles of this unique landscape that fortunately still remains remarkably as Lewis and Clark saw it 203 years ago.

Details: The annual Leadership Summit is NLC's premiere leadership development program for local officials. Designed as a leadership retreat, the summit provides personal leadership development that is focused on community perspectives. For more information, contact the Leadership Training Institute at (202) 626-3127 or visit the NLC website at www.nlc.org.

Rex Ziak is the author of "Lewis & Clark, Stories from Their Journey Home," "Lewis and Clark, Down and Up the Columbia River," and "In Full View." Ziak grew up in Washington State on the shores of the Columbia River where Lewis and Clark traveled to the Pacific Ocean. He has painstakingly researched the day-by-day progress of the expedition.