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Characterizing the Decision Process of Land Managers when Managing for Endangered Species of Fire Dependent Ecosystems: The Case of the Kirtland’s warbler (Septophaga kirtlandii Baird)

Myer, Mary Gwyneth
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339715533

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Environment and Natural Resources.
While the Endangered Species Act is generally viewed as a strong tool for environmental conservation, concerns have been raised over its effectiveness at recovering listed species. While every listed species requires the development of a plan to recover population levels, it has been argued that management activities to recover listed species have resulted in an overemphasis on individual species with detrimental impacts to other ecosystem components. For example, management for the Kirtland’s warbler (Septophaga kirtlandii Baird), a neotropical bird with nesting grounds in the northern great lakes region, has led to questions regarding decreased biodiversity, homogenized landscapes, the displacement of rarer ecosystem types, and development of hazardous fire management conditions. Such potential conditions create a challenge for managers who are charged with preserving critical habitat for threatened and endangered species while also restoring ecosystem processes and conditions that may pose short-term risks to listed species. Drawing on the case of the Kirtland’s warbler, this project examines the factors that influence management decisions regarding the development and preservation of habitat, the use of fire as a management tool, and restoration of ecosystem integrity. Twenty-five management personnel from federal and state government agencies and other key stakeholders involved in Kirtland’s warbler recovery efforts participated in in-depth interviews where they were asked questions pertaining to Kirtland’s warbler and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) ecosystem or habitat management. Results were then coded to determine the legal, psychological, and social factors influencing management decisions. Results indicate legal mandates and policies as the largest factor influencing management. Risk aversion was also predominant in affecting management decisions. Collaboration and information exchange were also central to management decisions. Desired management strategies were also identified along with obstacles to their achievement. Recommendations to overcome these obstacles include: broadening the stakeholders involved in the management, including specialists of varying backgrounds; using alternative management demonstration sites for learning as well as for public education; the use of a structured decision making process to accurately assess management alternatives and their tradeoffs; the inclusion of more researchers in the management decisions; and to draw on further social science research to develop an informed understanding of the decision process and public stakeholders.
Eric Toman (Advisor)
Robyn Wilson (Committee Member)
P. Charles Goebel (Committee Member)
83 p.
Environmental Management; Environmental Studies; Natural Resource Management; Wildlife Management
decision making; land management; fire management; endangered species; kirtland's warbler; risk aversion; status quo

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Myer, M. G. (2012). Characterizing the Decision Process of Land Managers when Managing for Endangered Species of Fire Dependent Ecosystems: The Case of the Kirtland’s warbler (Septophaga kirtlandii Baird) [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339715533

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Myer, Mary. Characterizing the Decision Process of Land Managers when Managing for Endangered Species of Fire Dependent Ecosystems: The Case of the Kirtland’s warbler (Septophaga kirtlandii Baird). 2012. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339715533.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Myer, Mary. "Characterizing the Decision Process of Land Managers when Managing for Endangered Species of Fire Dependent Ecosystems: The Case of the Kirtland’s warbler (Septophaga kirtlandii Baird)." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339715533

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.