The North American Wildlife Conservation Model

This post is lengthy, but very important for everyone to be aware of. Maybe one resolution for 2015 could be learning about wildlife and ecosystems. They are the basis for enjoyment and opportunity. They affect us all regardless of age, location, or status. The North American Wildlife Conservation Model is the only one of its kind, helping sustain ecosystems and access to them. Unfortunately, people aren't aware of the model and its influence. Below you can read all about it!

Recognizing your personal role in maintaining the North American Wildlife Conservation Model is the best way to sustain ecosystems for society today and tomorrow. This model promotes varied wildlife use for every individual. It demands the scientific management to ensure ecosystem integrity. Furthermore, it enables powerful conservation efforts. Each person should learn about the model and make decisions to support it so the model remains effective.

Three key areas of impact could arise if the North American Model disappeared. These include the disappearance of the Public Trust Doctrine, suffering of ecosystem balance, and dismissal of synergized conservation efforts. Our best link to wildlife is the North American Model, but too few people realize its significance and the depth of these issues.

Diversity of wildlife use depends on the Public Trust Doctrine. Under the doctrine, wildlife protection is entrusted to the government, while the public owns the wildlife (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation).  Everyone has the opportunity and responsibility to develop systems of wildlife conservation and use (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation). One sad circumstance could result if this doctrine disappeared along with the North American Model.

The first impact is now introduced, implemented by certain organizations. They say animals can’t be owned because they are akin to humans (The Wildlife Society, 2010). But if animals aren’t owned, people no longer encounter and use wildlife to their enjoyment and benefit. Thus, the right of many individuals has become the privilege of a select few organizations

Another impact is the dismissal of scientific management. Researchers with years of knowledge and experience (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) use science so that wildlife “can be renewably and sustainably managed” (The Wildlife Society, 2010) and protected. But the organizations may try to manage wildlife without sound scientific principles. Possibly, they believe science is invasive or expensive. Perhaps they are simply ignorant to the success of scientific principles. Regardless, ecosystem health and wildlife fall short of full potential. For example, carrying capacity is ignored, leading to overpopulation, lack of food, disease, and ultimately the decimation of a once sound ecosystem. Science prevents ecosystem afflictions, but can’t be guaranteed without the model.

Lastly, the disappearance of the North American Model equates a dwindling of conservation efforts. Hunting and fishing are rights under the model and a large part of the conservation force. (Remember that hunting is the regulated and respectful harvest of animals, while poaching is criminal activity thriving on disrespect for the public and wildlife). In 2010, 749 million dollars from gun and ammunition taxes arrived at state wildlife agencies (Piccione, 2012). This money improves habitat and helps game wardens manage ecosystems. Furthermore, organizations like Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited are overwhelmingly comprised of hunters and exhibit impressive impact. Hunting is a massive move for conservation, an activity that requires collaborative effort from all of us.

Without the North American Model, people are unable to use their wildlife so they become unconcerned. Thus, they leave conservation efforts up to organizations and disregard public force.  But conservation depends on all of our ideas, efforts, and funding. It is not a concept accomplished by one organization.

With such impactful problems potentially occurring, we may ponder their causes. One reason is a lack of knowledge. People don’t learn about their ecosystems and managing them with proven biological principles. Furthermore, people possess no personal stance. They don’t hunt or view themselves as “outdoorsy” so they never considered the meaning of animals. These people won’t show wildlife significant support due to indifference. Lastly, insufficient research exists pertaining to the organizations people choose to support. People don’t know what the organization truly believes, choosing to focus on the poster message and not read between the lines. Unknowingly, they weaken the model through their organizational support. These are the main causes of the disappearance of the North American Model.

Despite the numerous issues we and our ecosystems could face, we can take steps to maintain what is rightfully ours. Decide why you care about wildlife and your uses for wildlife. Know what the model is and why the doctrine, science, and hunting make it work. Devote time to researching your local ecosystems. All of this knowledge clarifies the model so you can make educated choices. We must use this knowledge to take action when the time arises.

Tomorrow, an organization might come to your door. For example, PETA proclaims the National Audubon Society regards animals as “resources to be harvested or pests to be eliminated” (PETA). Yet upon visiting the Audubon website, you find that Audubon is partnering with landowners to ensure farm land works for birds, people, and communities (The National Audubon Society). You must decide which organization deserves your support based on your knowledge, research, and stance. This is crucial due to the amount of control organizations potentially have.

Organizations attempt to promote their agendas through messages, projects, and even laws. New laws control wildlife use and management; either enhancing or deteriorating the model. The model links you to wildlife, so know your stance and vote accordingly. Imagine if you can’t try fishing because you don’t own the wildlife. Or you visit a national park and don’t see nearly as many animals as you anticipated because the ecosystem wasn’t scientifically managed. These are unfortunate consequences prevented by proper organization support and environmental voting decisions.

Problems affecting both people and wildlife occur if the North American Wildlife Conservation Model disappears. These happen because of a loss of ecosystem knowledge, personal stance, and organization research. But you can devote time to learning and use your knowledge to support organizations and vote for laws that keep the North American Model alive. The model facilitates experience, use, and enjoyment wildlife for every generation. “The model is second to none and the most democratic and sustainable system the world has ever seen” (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation). Do your part to keep the model alive so society and wildlife benefit in the best ways possible today and tomorrow.

by Jessica Herzog

A moose in Denali National Park

References

The National Audubon Society. Putting working lands to work for birds & people. Retrieved from http://conservation.audubon.org/putting-working-lands-work-birds-people-2

PETA. Are there wildlife organizations that I should be concerned about supporting? [FAQ page] Retrieved from http://www.peta.org/about-peta/faq/are-there-wildlife-organizations-that-i-should-be-concerned-about-supporting/#ixzz3KCOdVjsi  

Piccione, M. (2012, February 1). How hunting helps wildlife. Retrieved from http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/01/how-hunting-helps-wildlife/  

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The north American wildlife conservation model. Retrieved from http://www.rmef.org/Conservation/HuntingIsConservation/NorthAmericanWildlifeConservationModel.aspx

The Wildlife Society. (2010, September). The public trust doctrine: Implications for wildlife management and conservation in the united states and Canada. Retrieved from http://www.fw.msu.edu/documents/ptd_10-1.pdf