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The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) is available to conduct reviews of wildlife and natural resource agency programs and functions. At the request of agencies, WMI has successfully completed over 70 reviews of fish and wildlife programs in more than 40 states and 4 provinces. WMI has also compiled and published national summaries of the organization, authority and programs of state fish and wildlife agencies in 1948, 1968, 1977, 1987 and 1997. In recent years, WMI has been especially effective in helping fish and wildlife agencies determine the scientific adequacy of their data gathering processes. In today’s world of increased scrutiny of wildlife and natural resource agency programs and decisions, it is important that scientific information be accurate, reliable, and defensible when challenged. WMI reviews are structured to assist agencies in delivering these outcomes. WMI reviews assess decision-making within the agency and classify the scientific foundations needed for each type of agency decision. WMI then assesses the scientific rigor of data gathering activities to insure those decisions that need to be founded on good science are defensible if challenged. WMI also assesses the training, attitudes and application of science activities by agency staff. The costs for each review vary and depend upon the nature and extent of the review. WMI works closely with each agency in developing appropriate objectives and parameters for the work. WMI guarantees confidentiality and releases review information only to the contracting agency. Following are some examples of recent scientific reviews: PROJECT 1 Description: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department contracted with WMI in March of 2006 to provide an evaluation of agency hunting and angling surveys. The scope of the evaluation was described as performing the necessary tasks to: 1) Evaluate the current Angling and Hunter Harvest Survey systems for information gathering, analysis and reporting. 2) Explore alternative systems for information gathering, analysis and reporting for more efficient, cost effective and defensible methods. 3) Develop recommendations and provide a report on the most appropriate, effective, efficient and timely Angling and Hunter Harvest Survey system for MFWP. Services: WMI reviewed methodology and use of surveys for hunter harvest of black bear, deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion harvest, mountain lion sightings, upland game birds, furbearers, and turkey and for angling pressure and satisfaction. WMI explored alternative systems to the MFWP system for harvest information gathering, analysis, and reporting for more efficient, cost effective, and defensible methods. Alternatives were structured with information gleaned from WMI’s analysis of current MFWP survey methodologies, examination of other state fish and wildlife agency survey systems, and conversations with private vendors offering survey products. The final report was delivered in November, 2006 and included responses to clarifications made by agency staff. PROJECT 2 Description: The 1994 and 2001 Fish and Wildlife Service biological opinions on transfers of non-native fishes from the Central Arizona Project aqueduct to the Gila River basin called for the Bureau of Reclamation to transfer funds to the Service to fulfill two major purposes: 1) achieve conservation actions (recovery and protection) for federally listed or candidate fish species by implementing existing and future recovery plans, and 2) accomplish research on, and control of, non-native aquatic species. The resultant CAP Fund Transfer Program produced a document entitled Long-term Direction, Project Allocation Guidance, and Rationale (guidance document) that describes in detail the program's purposes, goals, priorities, and project selection processes. A 5-year strategic plan also was produced that provides specific objectives to assist with the near-term implementation of the program. Policy and technical committees established to oversee the program determined that an external review of these documents should be conducted to gain additional independent input into the program's processes, goals, assumptions, and objectives. Services: In 2005, WMI completed extensive document review, field interviews of current and past committee members and analysis of contracts let under the program. The WMI analysis, findings and recommendations were delivered orally in October 2005. The final report included responses to clarifications made by program staff. PROJECT 3 Description: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) contracted with WMI to provide a broad review of science-based activities of the Wildlife Division and State Parks Division. The review was intended to answer the following questions: 1) Why are we doing what we are doing? 2) Is what we are doing being done well (i.e., are we using the best science available)? 3) Are there critical data gaps that will improve our ability to manage wildlife resources? Services: Over the course of six months, WMI completed extensive document and method review, field interviews of field and program biologists and analysis of employee opinions to obtain an understanding of use of scientific data to guide management programs for wildlife in Texas. The WMI analysis, findings and recommendations were delivered orally in November 2004. The final report included responses to clarifications made by program staff. PROJECT 4 Description: Ring-necked pheasant abundance in Pennsylvania has declined despite the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s management of wild pheasant populations and provision of an extensive stocking program. WMI was asked to review the efforts completed to date, assess current and future habitat conditions and threats, and advise the agency on whether stocking programs were an adequate replacement for, or supplement to, wild popuations. Services: In 2000, WMI completed extensive assessment of field conditions, including interviews of Commissioners, agency staff and land managers. The WMI analysis, findings and recommendations were delivered to the Executive Director of the PA Game Commission in 2000. PROJECT 5 Description: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department requested a WMI review of the scientific foundations of big game management techniques. Included in the WMI assessment was harvest and population surveys, hunter preference surveys, environmental management models, and use, reporting and administration of big game data. WMI conducted extensive interviews at different locations in WY. Both agency staff and members of the public were interviewed. Services: In 1995, WMI completed extensive document and method review, field interviews of field and program biologists and analysis of employee opinions to obtain an understanding of use of scientific data to guide management programs for big game in Wyoming. The WMI analysis, findings and recommendations were delivered orally in November 1995 to the Wyoming Board of Commissioners. The final report included responses to clarifications made by program staff. To see the complete list of WMI Science Reviews, download this pdf. Download this entire report (PDF)
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