REPORT ON HDR ON WILDLIFE & FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

We know that the discipline of the study of the human dimensions of natural resource management had its origins in efforts to conserve New England forests led by
Cornell University and has since spread to the management of other natural resources. Today the relevance of human dimensions research (HDR) in wildlife (and
fisheries) management is a particularly popular subject. The importance of understanding human values in tandem with strong ecological science is increasingly viewed
as being fundamental to understanding current complex wildlife and biodiversity management issues, and to the development of successful and lasting solutions. In class
lecture and discussions we’ve been introduced to the Point Reyes Fallow Deer management problem and to the Bambi Syndrome. In fact prolific HDR work is being done and
applied to the management of urban deer populations around the country. Concepts of social psychology, identity theory, model-based planning, and public engagement and
stakeholder involvement in decision-making are bringing the insight and power of social science into wildlife management, from waterfowl management plans, to building
support for wildlife refuges, and even to efforts to alter inappropriate dog owner behavior. For this second of four graded written assignments, you are to locate,
read, and report on an instance of published contemporary research on an issue involving the application of HDR to wildlife management. The research must have been
published in print or on-line within the past four years and must relate to management of wildlife, fisheries, or biodiversity resources. The report should identify
the primary researchers and their academic/agency/or industry affiliation, and the sponsor of the research; discuss generally the scope and methodology of the
research; report on its findings and applications; and discuss its possible broader relevance, if any.