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Science in the Public Sphere: Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Planning from a Transdisciplinary Perspective

March 18, 2010

Integration of scientific data and adaptive management techniques is critical to the success of species conservation, however, there are uncertainties about effective methods of knowledge exchange between scientists and decisionmakers. The conservation planning and implementation process for Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; ) in the Mono Basin, Calif. region, was used as a case study to observe the exchange of scientific information among stakeholders with differing perspectives; resource manager, scientist, public official, rancher, and others.

The collaborative development of a risk-simulation model was explored as a tool to transfer knowledge between stakeholders and inform conservation planning and management decisions. Observations compiled using a transdisciplinary approach were used to compare the exchange of information during the collaborative model development and more traditional interactions such as scientist-led presentations at stakeholder meetings. Lack of congruence around knowledge needs and prioritization led to insufficient commitment to completely implement the risk-simulation model. Ethnographic analysis of the case study suggests that further application of epistemic community theory, which posits a strong boundary condition on knowledge transfer, could help support application of risk simulation models in conservation-planning efforts within similarly complex social and bureaucratic landscapes.

Publication Year 2010
Title Science in the Public Sphere: Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Planning from a Transdisciplinary Perspective
DOI 10.3133/ofr20101049
Authors Alicia Torregrosa, Michael L. Casazza, Margaret R. Caldwell, Teresa A. Mathiasmeier, Peter M. Morgan, Cory T. Overton
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 2010-1049
Index ID ofr20101049
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Geographic Science Center