ENSURE EFFECTIVE FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE LEADERSHIP

There is a great need to re-emphasize the value of experienced and effective federal department and federal agency leadership. The United States has the most successful conservation system of its size and duration in the world. It has evolved over the past 100 years. In the next five years, as many as 50% of federal agency wildlife biologists may retire. This drain of skilled and trained personnel is of crisis proportions and must be dealt with now if we are to preserve and continue our unique conservation success.

In addition, over the past few years, federal land management agencies appear to have emphasized protection over conservation. This has had the effect of discouraging active management of habitats, which require maintenance or restoration.

The Administration should reduce the loss and continue the employment of seasoned professionals and fully train those assuming new agency leadership. It is imperative that appointed Department Secretaries, Directors, and agency leaders have comprehensive knowledge of natural resource conditions, the U.S. conservation system, and the outdoor cultural heritage that has prevailed for more than 100 years. This includes demonstrated commitment to multiple use management and to sport hunting.