The Refuge System has always relied on science to inform its actions. The bird banding studies of the early 20th century led us to understand migratory patterns and undertake a new conservation strategy. The creation and management of a series of connected habitats to meet migratory birds’ — primarily waterfowl — needs during all phases of their life history provided for the first examples of what we now call “strategic growth.”
Birders take in the scenery out West. (USFWS)
Additionally, ever since Refuge System management moved beyond the “set-aside and protect” strategy, managers have intuitively applied management actions, evaluated effects and modified management activities in the same iterative loop – albeit in a less formal fashion. Today, we recognize that as “adaptive management.” In the draft vision, which is replete with the concept of change and a sense of urgency, there remains a timeless foundation for our work: scientific integrity and excellence.
Those of us who work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service frequently say we are a “science organization.” What that means has, in part, driven the Conservation Science and the Refuge System chapter. How do our actions and processes demonstrate that we are committed to scientific excellence within the Refuge System? And how do we create an organizational culture that reflects that commitment to scientific excellence? These are fundamental questions, the very foundation for the science chapter.
The Refuge System is committed to four foundational elements for conservation science: the application of sound science to refuge management; robust inventory and monitoring; development of deliberate research agendas; and expanding communications and collaboration within the Service and among partners. Demonstrated excellence in these areas will show that we are, in fact, a science organization with a commitment to scientific excellence.
In a recent hearing on his nomination as Service Director, Dan Ashe spoke succinctly and directly to the issue of scientific integrity: “I believe sound science and scientific integrity are the foundation of everything we do.” With that as our underpinning, we can view science not as a program or something we “do,” but as a cultural thread woven throughout our management and policy.
It is only through commitment to scientific excellence, transparency about uncertainties, and seamless integration with partners in the conservation and scientific communities that we will be a credible voice for conservation – a voice that transcends the National Wildlife Refuge System. It is only through striving for continuous improvement in each of the foundational areas of the draft vision that we can sustain that credibility. While scientific excellence is the timeless foundation, it is not a static foundation. The draft vision sets out the path to improve continually where we need to go and to stay focused on scientific excellence.
Mark Chase, Chief, Natural Resource Program Center, Ft. Collins, CO
