to reduce overlap, better direct/prioritize the focus of research, optimize the use of funds, and maximize the dissemination of results and advances in the science. A pipe dream, I know. But just think for a moment of how many universities, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and consulting firms fund, conduct, and/or publish research regarding wetland science and closely related subjects. At the federal level alone, here is a quick list of agencies that fund, conduct, and/or publish research about wetlands science: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DOI-U.S. Geological Survey, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA-Forest Service, DOI-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DOI-U.S. Bureau of Reclamatiion, DOI-U.S. Bureau of Land Management, DOC-NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, DOI-National Park Service, DOD-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOT-Federal Highway Administration, Department of Energy, DOT-Federal Aviation Administration. If you add in the universities, state agencies, NOGs, professional societies, and consulting firms that also are involved, it is dizzying. I know that there are clear and legitimate reasons for much, if not most, of these efforts. On the other hand, there is a great deal of overlap in study topics, no apparent coordination of all the research in terms of directing/prioritizing steadily decreasing funds for increasingly important needs, and no real central clearinghouse for reports. How’s a wetland scientist to keep current and informed? Any suggestions?
Effective Strategies, Sensible Solutions