Barrier 3: Agency governing bodies may not represent the nature-based values and outdoor interest of broader constituencies
Many members of the public who serve on agency commissions/boards/councils are avid hunters and anglers and are attracted to agency governance because of their passion for these pursuits and support for the agency. Some members of the public may perceive an agency commission/board/council as favoring or prioritizing issues related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and management of game species. There may be a perception by some constituencies that commissions/boards/councils are less interested in, or have less understanding of, the needs of nongame and users who participate in other forms of outdoor recreation or nature appreciation. In addition, the demographic makeup of commissions/boards/councils may not reflect a state’s or province’s population, which can be perceived as an obstacle to the commission/board/council relating to, understanding, and collaborating with diverse audiences.
Strategy 1: Build greater understanding of and responsiveness to diverse nature-based values of broader constituencies in agency governing body.
Because of their statutory responsibilities, agency commissions/boards/councils must spend a significant amount of time reviewing and approving regulations related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating. These decisions may have less relevance to the majority of constituents who do not hunt, fish, or trap but they are still important. Routinely briefing or asking commissions/boards/councils to act on issues that are important to broader constituencies will help the larger public see the value and importance of fish and wildlife agencies and may inspire greater participation and support.
Step 1: Complete a synthesis of the diverse nature-based values and outdoor interests of all constituencies.
Tactic 1: Acquire and synthesize information on nature-based values and outdoor interests and link them to demographic and social trends.
It is important to understand the needs and outdoor interests of broader constituencies and the demographic trends that may be influencing those interests. The Outdoor Participation Report, the Nature of Americans Report, the National Survey of Fishing Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation, General Social Survey, state- or province-specific data, demographic statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources of information should be reviewed and synthesized into a report for policymakers and the public to inform them about changing trends.
Step 2: Present the synthesis and discuss issues important to broader constituencies with the agency governing body to improve awareness, responsiveness, and decision-making.
Tactic 1: Present the results of the synthesis to agency governing body.
Once compiled, the synthesis should be made available to commissions/boards/councils and the results presented in a public setting. A discussion with representatives from diverse outdoor interests could lead to a greater understanding of their needs and interests and how these relate to the agency mission.
Tactic 2: Routinely bring issues and concerns of broader constituencies to the attention of the agency governing body.
Public meetings and forums held by commissions/boards/councils often have a large part of their agenda devoted to topics related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and management of game species. Because of their regulatory authority, these issues are important and need to be deliberated in a public forum. Routinely inviting agency staff, partners, academics, and representatives of diverse constituencies to report on other issues and concerns can provide a motivation for broader constituencies to participate in public meetings and engage with the agency.
Political and legal constraints success story: providing information
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provided its commission with an overview of the biodiversity of the state and then created an episode of the WildCast audio and video series on the subject.
Step 3: Increase agency governing body understanding of and responsiveness to the values and interests of broader constituencies.
Tactic 1: Develop relationships with and collaboration between agency governing body and diverse constituencies.
Leaders and members of organizations of that represent or support hunters, anglers, and trappers often have a unique relationship with and access to agency commission/board/council members. These governing bodies should seek out the expertise of, develop relationships among, and explore opportunities to collaborate with the leaders of diverse conservation and outdoor recreation organizations.
Tactic 2: Work with diverse constituencies to identify or support agency governing body nominees who can represent the values and interests of broader constituencies.
The selection process and composition of commission/board/council members varies widely by state or province. Governing bodies may allocate seats (formally or informally) across regions and with a set number of seats reserved for interests such as private landowners, urban/rural residents, agriculture, etc. Special consideration may be given to prospective members who hunt and fish. The process for selecting members of agency governing bodies may fall to a governor, legislative body, or advisory committee. Involvement of broader constituencies in the nomination process could help build broader support and ensure governing bodies have the expertise and experience to work on a broad suite of issues important to traditional and broader constituencies.
© Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Agencies must increase their understanding of the needs of constituents who participate in other forms of outdoor recreation or nature appreciation beyond hunting, fishing, and trapping.
