Structured science syntheses are peer-reviewed, published reports, coproduced with resource managers, that synthesize science information about a priority management issue on public lands. Read more about them in our fact sheet.

The process for developing structured science syntheses

In this project, we are compiling a menu of best practices and considerations for creating science syntheses for public land managers, based on our experience developing structured science syntheses. Each structured science synthesis is coproduced by researchers and resource managers. Our initial set of published syntheses were coauthored by staff from the USGS, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). In addition, throughout the writing process, we worked to gather feedback from BLM resource managers at headquarters, state, and field office levels. 

After they are published, we share syntheses using a variety of outlets, such as staff meetings and webinars for BLM programs, internal and public news releases, conference presentations, and internal information hubs, such as the BLM Science in Practice Portal.

Tailored for a resource management audience

Synthesis topics address the combination of a proposed action and potentially affected resource. In our initial syntheses, we worked with key BLM program staff to select and scope priority topics for the BLM. Syntheses typically incorporate four types of science relevant to NEPA analyses: data about resources and the proposed action, scientific studies about potential effects of the proposed action on resources, analysis methods for quantifying potential effects, and approaches to mitigating or avoiding adverse impacts. This information is organized (that is, “structured”) according to a decision or analysis process, such as the steps in NEPA analysis. 

Media

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Potential benefits to land management agencies

Structured science syntheses package science information in a new way, with the intention of helping to bridge the research-management gap in the context of federal public lands management (Carter and others, 2020). By creating a library of structured science syntheses, we hope to provide the BLM and other land management agencies with tailored, practical science products that can directly inform their decision making, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

The USGS, BLM, and FWS are working together to coproduce this project to create practical, actionable science that informs planning and management decisions on public lands (see BLM’s Coproduction Toolkit for more information on coproduction).