Application of an Issue Evolution Model to Wildlife Issues in National Parks
Leong KM, Decker DJ, Wild MA, Karish J. 2006. Application of an Issue Evolution Model to Wildlife Issues in National Parks. The George Wright Forum. 23(1):62-71
THE OFTEN-QUOTED PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) is “to promote and regulate the use of ... national parks ... which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations” (National Park Service Act, 1916).Within the legally defined boundaries of a particular park, NPS resource managers face the challenge of simultaneously attending to both the conservation and public enjoyment of resources. Adding to this challenge, parks encounter many natural resource management issues,1 such as those related to wildlife, that are not limited by park boundaries. Among these, human–wildlife interactions can elicit strong positive and negative emotions in people. Park actions affecting wildlife can evoke equally strong and often disparate public reactions. These commonly evolve into public issues as managers deal with the practical aspects of responding to wildlife concerns that extend beyond park boundaries or involve controversial management practices that attract larger regional or national dialogue.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Leong, Kirsten; Decker, Daniel; Wild, Margaret; Karish, John
- Units
- BRD , NRSS
- Keywords
- human dimensions, issue evolution model, management cycle, Social Science, Wildlife