A framework for evaluating proposals for scientific activities in wilderness

Abstract

This paper presents a structured framework for evaluating proposals for scientific activities in wilderness. Wilderness managers receive proposals for scientific activities ranging from unobtrusive inventorying of plants and animals to the use of chainsaws and helicopters for collecting information. Currently, there is no consistent process for evaluating proposals, resulting in confused and frustrated scientists and managers, as well as lost opportunities for gaining valuable information about a wilderness. The framework presented here is based on two premises: that both benefits and impacts are fully considered, and that communication between scientists and managers occurs at the beginning of the evaluation process.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Landres, Peter. 2000. A framework for evaluating proposals for scientific activities in wilderness. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-3. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 239-245