@misc{abd1f5637c41404bbd67bd05cf7bd6e0,
title = "Collaborative Approaches to Strengthen the Role of Science in Rangeland Conservation",
abstract = "• The use of science to inform conservation practices is limited by broad generalities generated from limited sampling alongside narrow ecosystem service perspectives. • Collaborative science approaches featuring “social-ecological system” perspectives are being used as a means to improve the utility of science. • We review our approach to collaborative science to improve brush management outcomes in rangelands in the Chihuahuan Desert. • Expanding the use and utility of collaborative science requires stable support via targeted funding and technical expertise, as well as web-based tools and mobile applications that link specific locations to science information and conservation practice guidelines.",
keywords = "Brush management, Ecological sites state, Monitoring collaborative adaptive management, Transition models",
author = "Bestelmeyer, {Brandon T.} and Burkett, {Laura M.} and Leticia Lister and Brown, {Joel R.} and Schooley, {Robert L.}",
note = "Funding Information: Significant investment from government agencies or other organizations is required to initiate and sustain long-term collaborative science programs. 1 Our work with RNM is possible because of sustained funding from BLM and NRCS partners, in-kind support from the ARS-JER, and competitive USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funding. Similar support is hard to obtain and sustain in most landscapes. Furthermore, long-term involvement of science technical staff in local communities would need greater support. Research institutions, including universities and government labs, are spread throughout the United States and support interactions with stakeholders. The number of the research institutions and scientists, however, is likely insufficient to serve all those who might benefit from direct interactions. We see two options to scale up the technical expertise needed to make science tools available to numerous, distinct communities: 1) funding to involve federal science agencies, university extension, and private contractors (e.g., technical service providers that work on behalf of NRCS) in collaborative projects, and 2) appropriately trained scientists embedded within the offices of NRCS, BLM, Forest Service, or landscape collaborative organizations (e.g., the Malpai Borderlands Group). Rangeland and ecology programs at universities are well positioned to develop and deliver the needed training for early career scientists, 38 including interdisciplinary and collaboration skills that are emphasized in “translational ecology.” 39 Local scientists can be continually supported (in, for example, data analysis) via collaborations with national science programs at federal research laboratories and universities. Funding Information: We thank the staff and leadership of the BLM Las Cruces District Office for supporting this collaboration, especially Jack Barnitz, Lane Hauser, Don McClure, Ray Lister, and Phil Smith. We also thank the NMACD for their support of the interactions with stakeholders, especially George Chavez, Don Ellsworth, and Ken Leiting. We also thank our scientific collaborators John Coffman, Brad Cosentino, Neeshia Macanowicz, and Darren James for support of the Restore New Mexico studies. Finally, we thank the NRCS CEAP Grazinglands program, Leonard Jolley, and Lori Metz for their support of this and related programs. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2019",
year = "2019",
month = oct,
doi = "10.1016/j.rala.2019.08.001",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "41",
pages = "218--226",
journal = "Rangelands",
issn = "0190-0528",
publisher = "Society for Range Management",
}