FWS Northeast Regional Director Comments on National Academy of Sciences Review of LCCs
I hope some of you were able to participate in the briefing by NAS. Their key findings were:
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The review panel concluded that a landscape approach is needed to meet the nation’s conservation challenges and that LCCs currently provide the only framework for addressing those needs comprehensively.
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Though LCCs are still relatively new, the panel noted many early accomplishments, including research and tools that are helping to improve resource management decision-making.
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The LCC network is unique in its ability to address multi-resource, landscape-scale challenges, but continuing coordination with similar programs (e.g., Joint Ventures, Fish Habitat Partnerships, USGS Climate Science Centers, NOAA Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments) is critical.
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The evaluation process for LCC work needs to be improved so LCCs and the network, as a whole, can measure and demonstrate how they have advanced methods and partnerships that can conserve resources at large scales.
The report acknowledged an Appalachian LCC research project that is already improving conservation actions—Assessing Future Energy Development across the Appalachians—noting the models and mapping tool developed from this research can help guide the balance between energy development and resource protection.
I would like to recognize and thank the National Academy of Sciences, as well as David Whitehurst and Appalachian LCC Steering Committee member Dr. Dan Odess, for their consultations with the panel.
The NAS report affirms the importance of a landscape conservation approach and of our work as an LCC partnership, and provides important recommendations for improvement going forward.
We have set up a web page with resources on the NAS review including the NAS Press Release, Prepublication copy of the Review , Statement by the LCC Network and recent article on Greenwire.
We look forward to working with you to more fully review these findings and address the recommendations.
