Journal of Animal Science, Vol 76, Issue 4 948-953, Copyright © 1998 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

The role of animal science in natural resource management: current decision making models and future needs

H. A. Glimp, M. J. Havercamp and S. Larson
School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, University of Nevada, Reno 89557, USA.

Sustainable systems for land and natural resource management must be biologically, economically, and socially sustainable. Scientists and educators have historically viewed their role as developing new knowledge and technology to enhance biological and economic sustainability. Scientists have traditionally viewed sociopolitical sustainability and policy development as beyond our appropriate roles. Changing public values and perceptions on appropriate land use and natural resource protection are forcing land grant universities and their scientists and educators to re-evaluate traditional paradigms. The animal science community, in concert with the social and other biological sciences, must become more proactive in decision making processes on appropriate land use and natural resource management if we are to remain relevant. This paper describes the current situation and outlines approaches for the research and education communities to be important contributors to collaborative decision making processes on land and natural resource management.