Advancing the Model in a Changing World: Reflections on Societal

Values and Trends

FWS Region 5 Biologists MeetingFebruary 17, 2011

Presentation Outline

Evolution of national conservation policy

Societal changes Conflicts with the NA Model Conservation challenges Planning for the future

1908 Governors’ Conference

Participants Issues of the day

Forests Water Minerals

Conservation Development

1930 American Game Policy Issues of the day

Artificial propagation Predator control Human population growth Habitat decline Increased agricultural and

forestry operations Private landowner incentives Wildlife education and

profession Conservation funding

1973 North AmericanWildlife Policy

Issues of the day All habitat types All species of fish and wildlife International scope Ecosystem services Conservation funding Private landowner incentives Agency competencies

2008 White House Conference

Issues of the day Conservation funding Habitat conservation Land access Recruitment and retention Agency coordination Climate change Energy development

Societal Changes - Then

Production economy (2 World Wars) Urban, suburban, rural Technology – horse, car, plane,

moon Baby boomer population growth Trust in government (until the 60’s)

Societal Changes - Now

Production v. service economy Increased urbanization Technology – social media Minority population growth Trust in government

What does this societal change mean for conservation?

Focus on a service-oriented approach Engage urban residents Adopt new communication technology Develop minority-based conservation

programs – “diversity”

“Public’s trust” does not portend well for the “Public Trust Doctrine”

Conflicts with the NA Model Privatization of wildlife Privatization of access Wildlife markets Enforcement of wildlife laws Legitimate purpose and use Professionalism v. politics & courts Democracy of hunting

Current Conservation Challenges Habitat destruction and fragmentation Climate change Water quantity and quality Fish and wildlife health Contaminants and pollution Hunter and angler recruitment Increased human population Energy development Agricultural production Agency coordination Conservation funding

Planning for the Future Habitat conservation Climate change Agency coordination Science for decision-making

Strategic Habitat Conservation Landscape Conservation

Cooperatives Climate Science Centers State Wildlife Action Plans National Fish Habitat Action Plan

Planning for the Future

Conservation Funding

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Teaming With Wildlife

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Teaming With Wildlife America’s Great Outdoors Initiative

Planning for the Future Conservation funding:

State Wildlife Action Plans – State Wildlife Grants

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Teaming With Wildlife America’s Great Outdoors Initiative

Planning for the Future“Recognize the non-shooting

protectionist and the scientist as sharing with sportsmen and landowners the responsibility for conservation of wild life as a whole. Insist on a joint conservation program, jointly formulated and jointly financed.”

Source: 1930 American Game Policy(emphasis theirs)