Advancing Implementation of the Fish and Wildlife Relevancy Roadmap
Strategic Priority
Conservation & Science - Human Dimensions & Conservation Social Science
Project Description
The conservation community has long recognized the need for innovative approaches to maintain relevance in a changing society. In response, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) led the development of the Fish and Wildlife Relevancy Roadmap to guide state fish and wildlife agency (SFWA) efforts to engage and serve broader constituencies. This project will advance the implementation of the Relevancy Roadmap by pilot testing and refining methods SFWAs can use to understand and connect with underserved and nontraditional populations. The project will employ and evaluate a three-phased process, including in-depth consulting with SFWAs and a survey of the general population in states to inform the selection and implementation of strategies outlined in the Relevancy Roadmap. This approach is currently being tested in two states, Missouri and Ohio. This project will expand the pilot test to include states representing each AFWA region(Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, and Oklahoma) to provide a greater range of social, economic, and ecological operating environments for the evaluation. Each participating state has committed significant matching funds ($25,000 per state) and in-kind support. Results will benefit all SFWAs by providing new data and insights on underserved populations and refining a process any form can use to identify and explore their own relevancy needs and goals. This project will also benefit all SFWAs by continuing support for the Conservation Relevancy Community of Practice website that is used by over 325 wildlife professionals in all 50 states to communicate regarding relevancy efforts and advance implementation of the roadmap
Project Facts
- Organization Name: Wildlife Management Institute, Inc
- Organization Status: NGO classified as 501(c)(3)
- State: Pennsylvania
- Obligation: $238,275
- Start Date: 01-01-2022
- End Date: 06-30-2023
Results
Substantial progress has been made with three states, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Connecticut. Assessments of internal “relevancy readiness” were completed in all three states. Qualitative interviews were completed with individuals and groups in Nevada and Oklahoma and are underway in Connecticut. Statewide quantitative surveys were completed in Nevada and Oklahoma. Workshops were held with staff in all three states to advance implementation of the Relevancy Roadmap. A draft relevancy plan was submitted to the Nevada Department of Wildlife for review in December 2022. Turnover in agency leadership has delayed feedback and finalization of that plan. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has completed their review of a draft relevancy plan. The project team is currently working with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to gather input from select groups and individuals to inform development of a statewide survey and agency relevancy goals. Negotiations are continuing with South Carolina and Florida to secure a commitment to participate in the project.
https://wildlifemanagement.institute/outdoor-news-bulletin/october-2022/nevada-develops-plan-increase-relevancy
