Conserving hidden diversity the unprecedented challenge of the survey and manage mandate

Abstract

When the Northwest Forest Plan became law via the record of decision in 1994, it contained an unprecedented provision for conducting regionwide surveys of poorly known and usually ignored taxa, such as fungi, mollusks, lichens, and mosses. The purpose was to enhance the very limited understanding of persistence issues for these taxa and, thereafter, to develop science-based management recommendations. The surveys represented an adaptive management mitigation put in place to protect more than 400 species of apparently rare, old-growth-associated species. The challenge of accomplishing this was mind-bending, and the unwieldy "survey and manage" provision has been blamed subsequently for the stalling—critics would say failure of the Northwest Forest Plan. A PNW Research Station scientist worked on an interagency team tasked with developing a strategic survey framework to guide the effort. The team also designed a variety of survey approaches for immediate implementation prior to the signing of the 2001 supplemental environmental impact statement and record of decision for survey and manage. The final framework document now guides the $3.5 million strategic survey effort of the regional survey and manage program.

Citation

Duncan, Sally. 2004. Conserving hidden diversity the unprecedented challenge of the survey and manage mandate. Science Finding 61. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 5 p