The public participation mode for river and lake governance is not only a beneficial exploration for the long-term management of river and lake environments

but also an important supplement to the government-led “River Chief System” governance model. Based on in-depth research on the “Civil River Chief” project in Xiangtan City

this article summarizes the modes and experiences of public participation in river and lake governance. This model breaks through the inefficient dilemma of public participation in traditional governance through the participation mode of organizational construction

publicity and recruitment

daily river patrols

and regular supervision. Its governance experience of consolidating public participation guarantee

stimulating public participation willingness

and cultivating public participation ability not only enriches the localization connotation of river and lake governance theory

but also provides practical models for public participation in river and lake governance in other regions.