Pacific Northwest Research Station

Title: Integrating science and policy in natural resource management: lessons and opportunities from North America.

Author: Clark, Roger N.; Meidinger, Errol E., et al.

Date: 1998

Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-441. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 22 p

Station ID: GTR-PNW-441

Description: Relations between science and policy concerning many issues (e.g., health, energy, natural resources) have been changing worldwide. Public pressure to resolve such complex and often controversial issues has resulted in policymakers and policy implementers seeking better knowledge on which to base their decisions. As a result, scientists have become more actively engaged in the creation and evaluation of policy. In this paper we summarize the literature and experience in how Canada, Mexico, and the United States approach the integration of science and policy; we describe some apparent barriers and lessons; and we suggest some issues that may prove fruitful for discussion and future collaboration.

This paper represents a beginning to understanding science and policy interrelations in North America: we found that we have much to learn from one another. We must avoid, however, the tendency to overgeneralize from one country, or even from one case, to another. The particulars of the situation and context surrounding the cases make drawing firm conclusions and generalizations a risky business. There are some important differences among the three countries that help to explain different approaches to seemingly common problems in the integration of science and policy.

Keywords: Science, policy, natural resources, integration, forestry, North America

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Citation

Clark, Roger N.; Meidinger, Errol E., et al.  1998.  Integrating science and policy in natural resource management: lessons and opportunities from North America..   Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-441. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 22 p