Wildlife Management Notes PDF

Experimental Population and Bear Conservation Notes 10(J) - Experimental Population Special Category in the E.S.A. ​ Experimental Population: Refers to the designation of certain animal populations as 'experimental' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which allows for more flexible...

Experimental Population and Bear Conservation Notes 10(J) - Experimental Population Special Category in the E.S.A. ​ Experimental Population: Refers to the designation of certain animal populations as 'experimental' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which allows for more flexible management and conservation strategies. Bear Mortality Factors ​ Trains and Vehicles: ○​ Many bears die due to collisions with trains, especially near areas like Glacier and Highway 2. ○​ Vehicle accidents also account for bear deaths. ○​ Insight: Implementing wildlife crossings and speed reductions in known bear habitats can reduce these incidents. ​ Lethal Removals in Residential Areas: ○​ Occurrences where bears enter human residential zones and pose threats, leading to lethal control measures. ○​ Prepared-Aggressive Bears: Bears accustomed to human environments may exhibit more aggressive behavior. ​ Interspecies Conflicts: ○​ Cases of grizzly bears killing other species such as cows and sows. ​ Human Self-Defense: ○​ There were six reported cases of human self-defense involving bears in 2024. Legal and Conservation Updates ​ 1/27/2025 - USFWS Announcement: ○​ USFWS announced a decision to not delist a species, which was later revoked. ○​ Delisting: Refers to removing a species from the Endangered Species list, implying recovery or error in listing. ○​ Insight: Legislative actions can dramatically impact conservation policies, emphasizing the dynamic nature of wildlife management laws. System Commentary ​ Messy System Insight:  ○​ Acknowledgment that the wildlife management system often doesn't align with expectations or rules, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of conservation efforts. Bear Population Estimations ​ Population Estimates: ○​ GYE: ~700 ○​ NCDE: ~1,000 ○​ Cabinet-Yaak: ~50 ○​ Selkirk: ~80 ○​ North Cascade: ~20 ○​ Bitterroot: Officially none, but potentially exist ​ Cross-Border Movement Insight: ○​ Limited crossover of bears into Canada due to major roads and rivers, showing how natural and man-made barriers influence animal movement and ecosystem connectivity. Conservation Implications ​ Monitoring and Management: ○​ The data highlights the need for continued monitoring and adaptive management of these populations to ensure long-term viability and coexistence with human populations. Seven Pillars/Sisters of Wildlife Management Overview: The following notes outline the foundational principles of wildlife management, often referred to as the "Seven Pillars" or "Seven Sisters." These guidelines help ensure wildlife is managed effectively for public benefit, both now and in the future. 1. Wildlife Held in Public Trust ​ Key Case: Martin v. Waddell (1841) ○​ Supreme Court case establishing that wildlife cannot be privately owned. ​ Public Trust Doctrine (PTD):  ○​ Wildlife is a resource managed by the government as a trustee for public benefit. ○​ Insight: This principle prevents privatization and ensures wildlife conservation for collective benefit. 2. No Markets for Game ​ Principle: Prohibition on selling wild game to avoid overexploitation. ​ Exceptions: ○​ Blurry lines exist, like fur bearing animals, sheds, and farm-raised game. ○​ Insight: While primarily preventing commercialization, some regulated exceptions may contribute to conservation funding. 3. Allocation of Wildlife by Law ​ Democratic Process: ○​ Wildlife resources are managed through legislation ensuring democratic distribution. ○​ Insight: This ensures fair access, addressing public interest and ecological needs. 4. Only Kill for "Legitimate" Purpose ​ Historical Context (1874): ○​ Congress condemned "useless" killing of bison. ​ Purpose: ○​ Hunting mainly for food, self-defense, protection of property. ○​ Upholding "No Wanton Waste" laws in 13 states. ○​ Insight: These laws stress ethical hunting, reducing wastage, and promoting sustainability. 5. Wildlife as International Resources ​ Cross-border Management: ○​ Wildlife doesn't adhere to political borders, necessitating international cooperation. ○​ Insight: Global efforts are needed for migratory species and shared habitats to ensure sustainable ecosystems. 6. Science-Based Wildlife Policy  ​ Foundation: ○​ Wildlife management should be evidence-based. ○​ Insight: A science-driven approach enables adaptive management, adjusting to ecological changes and new scientific data. 7. Hunting/Public Access ​ Accessibility: ○​ Hunting and wildlife should be available to everyone. ○​ Insight: Promotes inclusivity and equitable resource use, enabling diverse participation in wildlife stewardship and recreational activities. These seven pillars serve as the groundwork for ethical, sustainable, and inclusive wildlife management, ensuring the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity for generations. Human Dimensions of Wildlife Overview Understanding the motivations and values of stakeholders in wildlife fields encompasses various aspects that have evolved over time. This field is particularly concerned with human interaction, behavior, and decision-making regarding wildlife. Historical Context (1982) ​ Quality of Wildlife Experiences ○​ Focus on enhancing satisfaction in wildlife interactions. ○​ Insight: Stakeholder satisfaction can drive conservation efforts positively. ​ Wildlife Decisions and Politics ○​ Wildlife management often intersects with political agendas. ○​ Insight: Effective policies require navigating and influencing political environments. ​ Encouraging Desired Behaviors ○​ Promoting actions that align with wildlife conservation goals. ○​ Insight: Education and incentives can foster conservation-friendly behaviors. ​ Understanding Non-users ○​ Acknowledges those who don't directly engage with wildlife but impact conservation.  ○​ Insight: Non-users' opinions can shape broader public policies and perceptions. Demographic Insights ​ 5% or Less of US Population Hunt ○​ Suggests a niche but impactful hunting community. ○​ Insight: Conservation efforts must consider hunters' influence on ecosystems. ​ 11-15% Fish ○​ Represents a larger community potentially more engaged with wildlife. ○​ Insight: Fishing regulations can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. Present Context (2021) ​ Behavioral Change for Progress ○​ Human actions must align with conservation goals for true progress. ○​ Insight: Awareness and behavior modification campaigns can be pivotal. ​ From Utilitarian to Mutualist Views ○​ Shift from viewing wildlife for utility to mutual coexistence. ○​ Insight: Educating the public on mutualistic relationships can enhance conservation efforts. ​ Integration in Curriculum ○​ Incorporating human dimensions in Wildlife Biology (WBIO) curricula. ○​ Insight: Training future professionals in both scientific and human aspects ensures holistic management. Collective Action Problems ​ Graph Analysis ○​ Illustrates challenges like free rider problems and inefficient policies. ○​ Insight: Collective efforts must overcome these barriers for effective conservation. ​ Terminology ○​ Free Rider Problem: Some benefit without contributing to conservation efforts. ○​ Production Function: Relationship between efforts and conservation outcomes. Overall, understanding the human dimensions of wildlife involves analyzing how human behaviors, policies, and education impact wildlife conservation. Addressing these perspectives can lead to improved coexistence and sustainable management of wildlife resources. Public Trust Doctrine (PTD) and Wildlife Conservation Overview The Public Trust Doctrine (PTD) is a principle guiding the protection of wildlife species beyond the scope of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Key Points ​ States' Obligations: ○​ States are bound by the PTD. ○​ They cannot privilege private interests over public beneficiaries. ○​ Prevention of impairment of the trust, which includes protecting wildlife species. Insights: The PTD ensures that governments act as trustees of natural resources, preserving them for public use and enjoyment. ​ Addressing Violations: ○​ If PTD is believed to be violated, legal action might be pursued. Insights: Public participation and legal advocacy play critical roles in enforcing the doctrine. Principles of Land Management ​ Policy Intentions: ○​ Land management policies aim to balance environmental and developmental goals. ○​ Focus on operational effectiveness at the ground level. Insights: Successful land management requires understanding both policy frameworks and the practical challenges faced by stakeholders, including conflicts over private land ownership. ​ Tension Between Needs:  ○​ Managing land involves addressing current needs and conserving resources for future generations. Insights: Sustainable practices are crucial in mitigating disputes between conservation objectives and immediate economic interests. Role of Science and Democracy ​ Science in Wildlife Allocation: ○​ Science should play a central role in wildlife resource management decisions. ○​ Implementing these decisions requires adherence to laws and democratic processes. Insights: Integrating scientific findings within legal and democratic frameworks is essential but can be complex. Audubon Society Context ​ Historical Context: ○​ The Audubon Society, initially associated with Grinnell, failed to sustain. ○​ Revitalized by two women in Massachusetts, continuing to thrive. Insights: Understanding the historical context and contributions of various individuals and entities is crucial in the evolution of conservation organizations. Summary The notes encompass the broader application of the Public Trust Doctrine, emphasizing state responsibilities and legal frameworks in wildlife conservation while highlighting the intersection of science, law, and societal roles in sustainable management. The historical account of the Audubon Society enriches the understanding of organizational dynamics in conservation efforts. Fact vs. Value Statement: Hume Understanding Fact ("Is") vs. Value ("Ought") 1.​ Questions about System Functioning: ○​ Fact-Based Questions ("Is"): ​ How does that species interact with the environment? ​ How might that species respond to management? 2.​ Insight: Understanding ecosystem dynamics and species management responses is crucial in conservation biology. These questions help clarify scientific observations and hypotheses. 3.​ Ethical Consideration ("Ought"): ○​ What is the right thing to do? ○​ What would successful management achieve? 4.​ Insight: These normative questions address ethical considerations in environmental management, emphasizing desired outcomes such as sustainability and biodiversity. The Relationship between Knowledge and Human Values ​ Human Values: The graph suggests that human values play a role in shaping our understanding of knowledge from ignorance to truth.​ Insight: Reflects the philosophical idea that values influence our interpretation and goals within scientific and ethical contexts. Challenges with Scientific Interpretation ​ Both sides of an issue often claim scientific backing.​ Insight: This highlights the polarization and selective use of “science” in debates, suggesting a need for critical evaluation. Dangers of Centering "Science" in Decision-Making ​ Uncertain Nature of Science: ○​ Science isn’t always definitive, often focusing on short-term and measurable results. ​ Insight: Emphasizes the need for adaptability and caution when relying solely on scientific data for policymaking. ​ Human Element in Science: ○​ Scientists have human values and errors.  ​ Insight: Acknowledges the subjective aspects inherent in scientific research, advocating for a diverse and inclusive approach to knowledge. ​ Exclusion of Other Voices: ○​ Reliance on scientific logic, data, and professionalism can overshadow other perspectives. ​ Insight: Encourages considering diverse viewpoints, stressing that a holistic approach enhances decision-making. Conclusion This discussion illustrates the balance needed between facts and values in scientific discourse, emphasizing ethical considerations and the complexity of integrating human values into environmental management. Early Conservation Efforts ​ 1900-1910: Teddy Roosevelt's contributions to conservation ​ 230 million acres set aside for national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges Legislation and Acts ​ 1913: Migratory Bird Act (protected migratory species) ​ 1934: Duck Stamp Act (funded conservation efforts) ​ 1941: Pittman-Robertson Act (tax on hunting gear for conservation funding) Key Environmental Movements ​ 1960s-1970s: Rise of modern environmentalism ​ 1964: Wilderness Act (protected undeveloped federal land) ​ 1970: Establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ​ 1973: Endangered Species Act (protection for threatened wildlife) Federal Natural Resource Agencies ​ U.S. Forest Service (USFS) - manages national forests ​ Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - oversees public lands ​ National Park Service (NPS) - preserves national parks and historic sites ​ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - manages fish, wildlife, and natural habitats Major Environmental Conflicts  ​ Logging vs. conservation in the Pacific Northwest ​ Water rights disputes in the western U.S. ​ Wildlife protection vs. land development Key Figures in Conservation ​ John Muir - Advocate for national parks, founder of the Sierra Club ​ Gifford Pinchot - First Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, promoted sustainable forestry ​ Aldo Leopold - Author of A Sand County Almanac, introduced land ethic principles Modern Challenges ​ Climate change and its impact on public lands ​ Wildfire management strategies ​ Balancing resource extraction with conservation efforts Ball & Cup Resilience Diagram ​ Represents system stability and change ​ Ball = Current state of the system ​ Cup/Basin = Stability landscape (how much stress a system can take before shifting states) ​ Shallow Basin = Less resilience, more prone to shifting ​ Deep Basin = More resilience, harder to shift ​ Thresholds = Points where small changes push the system into a new state ​ Application: Used to understand ecosystem resilience and human impact on environmental stability Core Principles of Public Engagement 1.​ Inclusivity – Engage diverse stakeholders in decision-making 2.​ Transparency – Open and clear communication about processes and decisions 3.​ Deliberation – Encourage informed discussion and debate 4.​ Collaboration – Work with stakeholders to find solutions 5.​ Accountability – Decision-makers are responsible for outcomes 6.​ Adaptability – Adjust approaches based on feedback and changing conditions Ladder of Participation (Arnstein’s Model)  ​ Non-Participation ○​ Manipulation – Authorities “educate” public to sway opinions ○​ Therapy – Public engagement as a way to placate dissent ​ Tokenism ○​ Informing – Providing information, but no public input ○​ Consultation – Asking for feedback, but no real influence ○​ Placation – Public has some role, but power remains with authorities ​ Citizen Power ○​ Partnership – Shared decision-making between authorities and the public ○​ Delegated Power – Public has meaningful authority in decisions ○​ Citizen Control – Public holds full decision-making power Public Trust Doctrine ​ Legal principle that natural resources (wildlife, air, water) are held in trust by the government for public use ​ Key Ideas: ○​ Wildlife is a public resource, not privately owned ○​ The government must manage resources for current and future generations ○​ Influences U.S. conservation laws, including the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation North American Model of Wildlife Conservation 1.​ Wildlife as a Public Trust Resource – Government manages wildlife for the public 2.​ Elimination of Markets for Game – Laws prevent the sale of wildlife products 3.​ Allocation of Wildlife by Law – Regulation of hunting and conservation efforts 4.​ Kill Only for Legitimate Purposes – Ethical hunting practices 5.​ Wildlife as an International Resource – Cooperation between countries for species conservation 6.​ Science-Based Wildlife Policy – Management decisions rely on scientific research 7.​ Democracy of Hunting – Hunting access is available to all, not limited to elites Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones (Map Summary) ​ Six Primary Recovery Zones in the U.S.:  ○​ Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem ○​ Northern Continental Divide ○​ Cabinet-Yaak ○​ Selkirk Mountains ○​ North Cascades ○​ Bitterroot Ecosystem (proposed but not active) ​ Key Issues in Grizzly Bear Recovery: ○​ Habitat fragmentation and loss ○​ Human-wildlife conflicts ○​ Genetic isolation of populations ○​ Debate over delisting from Endangered Species Act protections Why Stories Matter (Role of Narrative in Conservation & Decision-Making) ​ Shapes Public Perception – Stories influence how people understand environmental issues ​ Builds Connection to Nature – Emotional engagement fosters support for conservation ​ Simplifies Complexity – Narratives help communicate scientific concepts to the public ​ Drives Policy Change – Personal stories can push decision-makers to act ​ Examples: ○​ Indigenous knowledge and storytelling in conservation ○​ Media framing of endangered species recovery efforts ○​ Personal testimonials in public engagement processes