Plenary
| Now all of our problems are wildlife problems |
| John Bohannon |
| Coming Soon |
| Dreaming of the Next ESA |
| Gabriela Chavarria |
| Coming Soon |
| Science and Its Responsibility for Wildlife Policy |
| W. Alan Wentz |
| Wildlife policy and law must be based on science in order to be effective and successful. Wildlife scientists, managers, and administrators bear a heavy burden to be sure that wildlife policy meets that standard. Wildlife professionals are expected to ensure that wildlife populations and associated habitats are properly conserved even in the face of major challenges, such as climate change. By stepping forward and taking a more active role in setting, maintaining, or establishing wildlife policy and laws at all levels wildlife professionals can generate public support for their role in spite of political divisions and other turmoil in society. Private groups, including landowners, hunt clubs and national/international organizations are prepared to assist or even lead with their own professional staff. Examples of such actions are provided from the author’s personal experiences. |