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• 21. [Article] A Comparison of Conservation Perspectives Between Scientists, Managers, and Industry in the West Coast Groundfish Fishery

  There are several assumptions regarding the behavior and motivations of participants in fishery management that may hinder the effectiveness of the management process. In this research, we examine whether ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Comparison of Conservation Perspectives Between Scientists, Managers, and Industry in the West Coast Groundfish Fishery Author: Sylvia, Gilbert, Harms, John There are several assumptions regarding the behavior and motivations of participants in fishery management that may hinder the effectiveness of the management process. In this research, we examine whether the commercial fishing industry is a homogeneous group whose decision-making is dominated by short-term economic considerations to the detriment of long-term resource conservation. Mail surveys were sent to scientists, managers, and industry members in the West Coast groundfish fishery to examine attitudes on conservation, resource abundance, and biological risk. Results demonstrate that although scientists and industry considered themselves conservation-minded, scientists were relatively critical of industry's conservation ethic. Scientists and industry differed strongly in their perception of resource abundance, but found common ground in their assessments of acceptable levels of biological and economic risks. In general, industry demonstrated considerable diversity in their responses, contradicting assumptions that industry is a monolithic group with little regard for resource conservation. Results indicate a disjuncture between industry's stated concerns and their observed participation in discarding, over-harvesting, or habitat destruction. However, this disjuncture may be the result of misaligned institutional incentives, rather than myopic values and beliefs. This evidence suggests a need to redesign institutions and property rights in order to align the interests of industry, scientists, and managers in conducting effective science and sustainably managing the West Coast groundfish fishery. Title: A Comparison of Conservation Perspectives Between Scientists, Managers, and Industry in the West Coast Groundfish Fishery Author: Sylvia, Gilbert, Harms, John There are several assumptions regarding the behavior and motivations of participants in fishery management that may hinder the effectiveness of the management process. In this research, we examine whether the commercial fishing industry is a homogeneous group whose decision-making is dominated by short-term economic considerations to the detriment of long-term resource conservation. Mail surveys were sent to scientists, managers, and industry members in the West Coast groundfish fishery to examine attitudes on conservation, resource abundance, and biological risk. Results demonstrate that although scientists and industry considered themselves conservation-minded, scientists were relatively critical of industry's conservation ethic. Scientists and industry differed strongly in their perception of resource abundance, but found common ground in their assessments of acceptable levels of biological and economic risks. In general, industry demonstrated considerable diversity in their responses, contradicting assumptions that industry is a monolithic group with little regard for resource conservation. Results indicate a disjuncture between industry's stated concerns and their observed participation in discarding, over-harvesting, or habitat destruction. However, this disjuncture may be the result of misaligned institutional incentives, rather than myopic values and beliefs. This evidence suggests a need to redesign institutions and property rights in order to align the interests of industry, scientists, and managers in conducting effective science and sustainably managing the West Coast groundfish fishery. Close

• 22. [Article] Keying forest stream protection to aquatic ecosystem values in multi-ownership watersheds

  Forested lands of western Oregon provide aquatic habitat for many fish and riparian dependent species, including a wide variety of salmon species. Current policies set riparian protections using fixed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Keying forest stream protection to aquatic ecosystem values in multi-ownership watersheds Author: Pickard, Brian R. Forested lands of western Oregon provide aquatic habitat for many fish and riparian dependent species, including a wide variety of salmon species. Current policies set riparian protections using fixed buffers on streams for federal and private lands based on stream type or size. These buffers can create a series of disjointed riparian protections, as federal lands require buffers that are much larger than private lands. In addition, the fixed buffer approach is neither flexible nor tailored to aquatic ecosystem values. This thesis presents a framework for comprehensively assessing stream networks using site specific watershed features and then suggests riparian conservation strategies that key stream and riparian protection to aquatic ecosystem values. Seven study watersheds were used in this analysis, totaling over 2.5 million acres of forested lands in western Oregon. Employing a set of geospatial tools, called NetMap, streams in each watershed were classified into higher and lower priorities using criteria of intrinsic potential, erosion/debris flow susceptibility, and thermal loading potential. Results demonstrated the inherent variability within and among watersheds based on the geomorphic and ecological processes determined important for selected salmon species. Within each watershed, both federal and non-federal lands had many miles of higher priority fish-bearing and non-fish bearing streams, suggesting the need for comprehensive, holistic watershed conservation strategies. Based on the partitioning of streams into higher and lower priorities, an alternative riparian conservation strategy was then modeled for federal lands that allocate protection on the basis of the ecological context of a stream segment’s potential and particular location while still meeting federal aquatic conservation goals and objectives. Possible increases to the land base for long-term timber production were then identified if this strategy were applied to federal Matrix lands. Results demonstrated that 8-30 percent of the current riparian buffers could be reallocated to the land base for long-term timber production. An additional 26-45 percent of current buffers could be managed simultaneously for both timber production and aquatic ecosystem goals. Results also provided a framework for targeting of conservation and restoration efforts towards higher priority streams within each watershed. As many of the most ecologically important streams were located on non-federal lands, riparian conservation policies focused on streams classified as higher priority on those lands may be needed to protect aquatic species and their environments. Title: Keying forest stream protection to aquatic ecosystem values in multi-ownership watersheds Author: Pickard, Brian R. Forested lands of western Oregon provide aquatic habitat for many fish and riparian dependent species, including a wide variety of salmon species. Current policies set riparian protections using fixed buffers on streams for federal and private lands based on stream type or size. These buffers can create a series of disjointed riparian protections, as federal lands require buffers that are much larger than private lands. In addition, the fixed buffer approach is neither flexible nor tailored to aquatic ecosystem values. This thesis presents a framework for comprehensively assessing stream networks using site specific watershed features and then suggests riparian conservation strategies that key stream and riparian protection to aquatic ecosystem values. Seven study watersheds were used in this analysis, totaling over 2.5 million acres of forested lands in western Oregon. Employing a set of geospatial tools, called NetMap, streams in each watershed were classified into higher and lower priorities using criteria of intrinsic potential, erosion/debris flow susceptibility, and thermal loading potential. Results demonstrated the inherent variability within and among watersheds based on the geomorphic and ecological processes determined important for selected salmon species. Within each watershed, both federal and non-federal lands had many miles of higher priority fish-bearing and non-fish bearing streams, suggesting the need for comprehensive, holistic watershed conservation strategies. Based on the partitioning of streams into higher and lower priorities, an alternative riparian conservation strategy was then modeled for federal lands that allocate protection on the basis of the ecological context of a stream segment’s potential and particular location while still meeting federal aquatic conservation goals and objectives. Possible increases to the land base for long-term timber production were then identified if this strategy were applied to federal Matrix lands. Results demonstrated that 8-30 percent of the current riparian buffers could be reallocated to the land base for long-term timber production. An additional 26-45 percent of current buffers could be managed simultaneously for both timber production and aquatic ecosystem goals. Results also provided a framework for targeting of conservation and restoration efforts towards higher priority streams within each watershed. As many of the most ecologically important streams were located on non-federal lands, riparian conservation policies focused on streams classified as higher priority on those lands may be needed to protect aquatic species and their environments. Close

• 23. [Article] FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort

  Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort Author: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation on state and private lands, and a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of rangeland fires. Since public lands make up roughly half of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are critical. The BLM and USFS land use plans will conserve key sagebrush habitat, address identified threats to the greater sage-grouse and promote sustainable economic development in the West. The plans were a key factor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determination that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans will not only benefit the greater sage-grouse, but will also preserve the West’s heritage of ranching and outdoor recreation; protect hundreds of wildlife species such as elk, mule deer and golden eagles that also rely on sagebrush habitat; and promote balance between conservation and development. A healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem are inextricably linked. The sagebrush habitat supports a vibrant ranching economy, as well as over $1 billion in economic activity from outdoor recreation. The plans conserve the most important sage-grouse habitat while still providing access to key resources. For example, the vast majority of areas with high potential for oil, gas and renewable energy development are outside of sage-grouse habitat. Strong federal plans are one part of the equation. States, ranchers, sportsmen, energy developers and other partners are also implementing smart, effective conservation measures that will help ensure the health of iconic sagebrush landscapes for years to come. More than 1,100 ranchers and partners across the West are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative to restore more than 4.4 million acres of habitat while maintaining working landscapes. Additionally, the FWS and the BLM have also have commitments on 5.5 million acres in Candidate Conservation agreements on private and federal lands. Title: FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort Author: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation on state and private lands, and a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of rangeland fires. Since public lands make up roughly half of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are critical. The BLM and USFS land use plans will conserve key sagebrush habitat, address identified threats to the greater sage-grouse and promote sustainable economic development in the West. The plans were a key factor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determination that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans will not only benefit the greater sage-grouse, but will also preserve the West’s heritage of ranching and outdoor recreation; protect hundreds of wildlife species such as elk, mule deer and golden eagles that also rely on sagebrush habitat; and promote balance between conservation and development. A healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem are inextricably linked. The sagebrush habitat supports a vibrant ranching economy, as well as over $1 billion in economic activity from outdoor recreation. The plans conserve the most important sage-grouse habitat while still providing access to key resources. For example, the vast majority of areas with high potential for oil, gas and renewable energy development are outside of sage-grouse habitat. Strong federal plans are one part of the equation. States, ranchers, sportsmen, energy developers and other partners are also implementing smart, effective conservation measures that will help ensure the health of iconic sagebrush landscapes for years to come. More than 1,100 ranchers and partners across the West are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative to restore more than 4.4 million acres of habitat while maintaining working landscapes. Additionally, the FWS and the BLM have also have commitments on 5.5 million acres in Candidate Conservation agreements on private and federal lands. Close

• 24. [Article] Conservation volunteer tourism at a reserve in Ecuador : effects of perceptions, discourse, and motivations on human-environment relations

  The number of people traveling to other countries to volunteer for conservation or humanitarian projects has increased dramatically in the past three decades. Despite substantial interest in volunteer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conservation volunteer tourism at a reserve in Ecuador : effects of perceptions, discourse, and motivations on human-environment relations Author: Grimm, Kerry E. The number of people traveling to other countries to volunteer for conservation or humanitarian projects has increased dramatically in the past three decades. Despite substantial interest in volunteer tourism, few researchers have examined: (a) the role of promotional material (e.g., brochures, internet websites) in motivating volunteers; (b) factors that attract volunteers and pull them to countries, organizations, and volunteer projects and sites, and how managers and volunteer coordinators perceive these volunteer motivations; and (c) how key terms (e.g., 'conservation') are used, interpreted, and affect human-environment relations at the volunteer project and site. This dissertation contains three separate articles that help to address these knowledge gaps. To collect my data, I conducted semi-structured interviews, engaged in participant observation, and examined promotional material at a volunteer project in a reserve in Ecuador. Findings showed that volunteers almost exclusively used the internet to search for volunteer tourism opportunities. Volunteer decisions to select the organization or project were influenced by both website appearance (e.g., organized, professional) and specific content (e.g., photographs, volunteer comments, project descriptions, buzzwords). Volunteers listed a range of motivations for selecting the country, organization, and volunteer project and site. Managers and volunteer coordinators correctly identified some of these volunteer motivations (e.g., travel, price), but mentioned far fewer reasons than volunteers and overlooked several major factors, especially altruistic and project-specific reasons. Ideological and cluster criticism revealed that participants interpreted 'conservation' differently and this affected characterizations of people and environmental issues, as well as participant behavior and interactions at the project and site. I created typologies for organizations and volunteer tourists based on differences. I suggest that rhetorical criticism can offer a method for conducting replicable and comparable analyses of environmental discourse in political ecology. I conclude with implications for managers, theory, and future research. Title: Conservation volunteer tourism at a reserve in Ecuador : effects of perceptions, discourse, and motivations on human-environment relations Author: Grimm, Kerry E. The number of people traveling to other countries to volunteer for conservation or humanitarian projects has increased dramatically in the past three decades. Despite substantial interest in volunteer tourism, few researchers have examined: (a) the role of promotional material (e.g., brochures, internet websites) in motivating volunteers; (b) factors that attract volunteers and pull them to countries, organizations, and volunteer projects and sites, and how managers and volunteer coordinators perceive these volunteer motivations; and (c) how key terms (e.g., 'conservation') are used, interpreted, and affect human-environment relations at the volunteer project and site. This dissertation contains three separate articles that help to address these knowledge gaps. To collect my data, I conducted semi-structured interviews, engaged in participant observation, and examined promotional material at a volunteer project in a reserve in Ecuador. Findings showed that volunteers almost exclusively used the internet to search for volunteer tourism opportunities. Volunteer decisions to select the organization or project were influenced by both website appearance (e.g., organized, professional) and specific content (e.g., photographs, volunteer comments, project descriptions, buzzwords). Volunteers listed a range of motivations for selecting the country, organization, and volunteer project and site. Managers and volunteer coordinators correctly identified some of these volunteer motivations (e.g., travel, price), but mentioned far fewer reasons than volunteers and overlooked several major factors, especially altruistic and project-specific reasons. Ideological and cluster criticism revealed that participants interpreted 'conservation' differently and this affected characterizations of people and environmental issues, as well as participant behavior and interactions at the project and site. I created typologies for organizations and volunteer tourists based on differences. I suggest that rhetorical criticism can offer a method for conducting replicable and comparable analyses of environmental discourse in political ecology. I conclude with implications for managers, theory, and future research. Close

• 25. [Article] A Look Beyond: Wolves, Freedom and the Landscape

  The article focuses on the wolves and the need for conservation plans including a wildlife corridor that runs from the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico, north along the Rocky Mountains to the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Look Beyond: Wolves, Freedom and the Landscape Author: Johns, David Year: 2006 The article focuses on the wolves and the need for conservation plans including a wildlife corridor that runs from the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico, north along the Rocky Mountains to the Yellowstone ecosystem and on to the Canadian Yukon. A broad coalition is working to protect and restore the health of the land, water and wolves in this 4,000-mile-long international passage, often referred to as the ?Spine of the Continent.? Title: A Look Beyond: Wolves, Freedom and the Landscape Author: Johns, David Year: 2006 The article focuses on the wolves and the need for conservation plans including a wildlife corridor that runs from the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico, north along the Rocky Mountains to the Yellowstone ecosystem and on to the Canadian Yukon. A broad coalition is working to protect and restore the health of the land, water and wolves in this 4,000-mile-long international passage, often referred to as the ?Spine of the Continent.? Close

• 26. [Article] Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

  The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy Author: Stiver, S. J. The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats and ecosystems that sustain these populations. This Strategy outlines the critical need to develop the associations among local, state, provincial, tribal, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens to design and implement cooperative actions to support robust populations of sage-grouse and the landscapes and habitats upon which they depend. The justification for this effort is widespread concern for declining populations and reduced distribution of sage-grouse. Title: Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy Author: Stiver, S. J. The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats and ecosystems that sustain these populations. This Strategy outlines the critical need to develop the associations among local, state, provincial, tribal, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens to design and implement cooperative actions to support robust populations of sage-grouse and the landscapes and habitats upon which they depend. The justification for this effort is widespread concern for declining populations and reduced distribution of sage-grouse. Close

• 27. [Article] Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Conservation Objectives: Final Report

  This report delineates reasonable objectives, based upon the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of its release, for the conservation and survival of greater sage-grouse. Individual ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Conservation Objectives: Final Report Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This report delineates reasonable objectives, based upon the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of its release, for the conservation and survival of greater sage-grouse. Individual team members contributed by providing technical information and data, participating in critical discussions, providing critical reviews and edits, or authoring sections of the report. While the team tried to achieve consensus it was not always achieved. The report is provided to the Director, USFWS, at his request, to provide additional information for his use and consideration pertinent to future decision making relative to greater sage-grouse. The report will also serve as guidance to federal land management agencies, state sage-grouse teams, and others in focusing efforts to achieve effective conservation for this species. Title: Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Conservation Objectives: Final Report Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This report delineates reasonable objectives, based upon the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of its release, for the conservation and survival of greater sage-grouse. Individual team members contributed by providing technical information and data, participating in critical discussions, providing critical reviews and edits, or authoring sections of the report. While the team tried to achieve consensus it was not always achieved. The report is provided to the Director, USFWS, at his request, to provide additional information for his use and consideration pertinent to future decision making relative to greater sage-grouse. The report will also serve as guidance to federal land management agencies, state sage-grouse teams, and others in focusing efforts to achieve effective conservation for this species. Close

• 28. [Article] BriggsJohnFisheriesWildlifeMarineSpeciesInvasions.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: BriggsJohnFisheriesWildlifeMarineSpeciesInvasions.pdf Author: Briggs, John C. Title: BriggsJohnFisheriesWildlifeMarineSpeciesInvasions.pdf Author: Briggs, John C. Close

• 29. [Article] BriggsJohnFisheriesWildlifeMarineSpeciesInvasions(AM).pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: BriggsJohnFisheriesWildlifeMarineSpeciesInvasions(AM).pdf Author: Briggs, John C. Title: BriggsJohnFisheriesWildlifeMarineSpeciesInvasions(AM).pdf Author: Briggs, John C. Close

• 30. [Article] Participatory Forest Management and Actor Role Dependency in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya

  Conservation management of state-controlled forests has shifted away from strict, centralized management by incorporating community-based co-management initiatives. Often termed participatory forest management, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Participatory Forest Management and Actor Role Dependency in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya Author: Thomas, Christopher Year: 2013 Conservation management of state-controlled forests has shifted away from strict, centralized management by incorporating community-based co-management initiatives. Often termed participatory forest management, these initiatives include local residents in forest planning, implementation, and management. This thesis examines two case studies located at the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya. The case studies illustrate how imbalances of power establish participant (actor) roles through policies set by governments and NGOs. Power imbalances are perpetuated through hegemonies of postcolonialism that reinforce actor role perceptions. Awareness and understanding of role perceptions is paramount in participatory conservation initiatives that benefit both the physical environment and community development. Analyzing histories of past conservation initiatives with assessments of current and perceived future issues may reduce unrealistic role expectations. Examining actor role contributions at multiple scales of power is necessary. Reflection upon how roles influence perceptions may decrease failures of conservation initiatives involving affluent global donors and marginalized local communities. Title: Participatory Forest Management and Actor Role Dependency in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya Author: Thomas, Christopher Year: 2013 Conservation management of state-controlled forests has shifted away from strict, centralized management by incorporating community-based co-management initiatives. Often termed participatory forest management, these initiatives include local residents in forest planning, implementation, and management. This thesis examines two case studies located at the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya. The case studies illustrate how imbalances of power establish participant (actor) roles through policies set by governments and NGOs. Power imbalances are perpetuated through hegemonies of postcolonialism that reinforce actor role perceptions. Awareness and understanding of role perceptions is paramount in participatory conservation initiatives that benefit both the physical environment and community development. Analyzing histories of past conservation initiatives with assessments of current and perceived future issues may reduce unrealistic role expectations. Examining actor role contributions at multiple scales of power is necessary. Reflection upon how roles influence perceptions may decrease failures of conservation initiatives involving affluent global donors and marginalized local communities. Close