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Published on: February 11, 2020
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Learning from conservation planning for the U.S. National Wildlife Refuges
Vicky J Meretsky1, Robert L Fischman
1School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 East Tenth Street, SPEA 430, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, U.S.A.. meretsky@indiana.edu.
Summary
The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System
Area of Science:
- Ecological planning and conservation management.
- Wildlife refuge system planning and policy.
- Environmental science and adaptive management strategies.
Background:
- The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System is revising its initial Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs).
- Existing laws emphasize ecological integrity, landscape-scale conservation, and adaptive management.
- CCPs guide conservation efforts across numerous national wildlife refuges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the content and effectiveness of completed Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs).
- To identify strengths and weaknesses in conservation planning within the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System.
- To provide recommendations for improving future CCP revisions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 185 Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) from 2005-2011.
- Review of management prescriptions for common and specialized conservation issues.
- Assessment of adaptive management components and landscape-scale conservation integration.
Main Results:
- Common conservation issues were addressed in over 90% of CCPs; specialized topics varied.
- Prescriptions for aquatic connectivity, water quantity, and climate change impacts increased over time.
- Commitment to adaptive management was stated, but planning for it was often incomplete, with direct actions most common.
Conclusions:
- Revised CCPs should better align identified threats with specific management prescriptions, especially for emerging issues like novel pests.
- Incorporating monitoring triggers and specified actions will enhance adaptive management.
- Improved integration of landscape-scale conservation and regional engagement is recommended for greater effectiveness.
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