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5. Adaptive Management: Enhancing Scientific Inquiry and Policy Formulation
Pages 107-112

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From page 107...
... An adaptive management strategy explores ways to couple natural and social systems in mutually beneficial ways. It seeks to maintain or restore ecosystem resilience, which is defined as the capacity of key ecosystem structures and processes to persist and adapt over time in the face of natural and anthropogenic challenges (Gunderson et al., 1995; Light, 20011.
From page 108...
... Recovery of some portion of these pre-regulation processes is essential to restoring resilience in the Missouri River ecosystem. Adaptive management programs commonly aim for partial restoration of natural ecosystem structure and functions.
From page 109...
... In addition to biophysical concepts, sound ecosystem management also entails the consideration of social science issues. Economic values, public perception of and interest in ecosystem benefits, the use of scientific information by management agencies, and the ability of organizations to change and adapt are examples of social science topics that must be addressed in adaptive management.
From page 110...
... In the Columbia River basin, for example, the Northwest Power Planning Council has since the early 1980s worked closely with tribal, state, and local governments in an effort to lower barriers to participation in Columbia River management decisions (Lee, 1989~. In the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, the federal Adaptive Management Work Group includes representatives from twenty-five stakeholder groups (NRC, l999b)
From page 111...
... Thus, implementing an adaptive management program that promotes a departure from the status quo usually requires tremendous political will. The context of Missouri River management contains powerful status quo interests, a history of mistrust and environmental decline, and current management controversies.
From page 112...
... The scale and the history of differences and conflicts in water development in the Missouri River basin constitute a significant barrier to the creation of flexible organizations able to promote harmony, conservation, equity, and environmental protection. This committee harbors no illusion that adaptive management is a panacea for slicing through the basin's political and economic realities on the way to Missouri River recovery.


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