GSA Symposium

In May of 2004, ESPRI participated in creating a special symposium open to the public, “The Role of Science in Natural Resource Decision-Making.” In addition, the President of Boise State and ESPRI hosted a special policy luncheon following the symposium to further explore this topic with Dr. James Tate, Science Advisor to Department of Interior Secretary, Gayle Norton. Dr. Tate’s presentation was entitled, “Good Science, Good Policy.”

A joint meeting of two geographic sections of the Geological Society of America is slated for May in Boise. The Geosciences Department is hosting the meeting and has requested ESPRI participate in creating a special symposium open to the public, "The Role of Science in Natural Resource Decision-Making". The President of BSU and ESPRI will be hosting a special luncheon following the symposia to further explore this topic. An opportunity for a special publication may result.

The public is invited to attend a special symposium on "The Role of Science in Making Natural Resource Decisions that will be the keynote event of a joint meeting of the Cordilleran and Rocky Mountain sections of the Geological Society of America in Boise, Idaho. The symposium is scheduled for the morning of May 3, 2004 at the Center on the Grove.

Symposia: The Role of Science in Making Natural Resources Decisions. David Applegate, American Geological Institute, (703) 379-2480; Tammy Dickinson, National Research Council, (202) 334-2744.

Some of the most contentious public policy issues in the West revolve around managing natural resources. Policymakers confronted with the need to balance development and conservation interests are eager to assert that decisions should be guided by the best available scientific information, but such assertions provide scant guidance for scientists who find themselves and their data embroiled in highly politicized issues. Geoscientists have a great deal of relevant knowledge to provide, but how will that knowledge be used? This session will provide an opportunity to hear how science fits into the decision-making process on a number of key resource policy issues.

Founded in 1888, the Geological Society of America is a nonprofit organization with a global membership of more than 16,000 members in over 85 countries. dedicated to the advancement of the geosciences. The Society's primary activities are organizing scientific meetings and conferences and publishing scientific literature. Other activities include disbursing research grants, honoring outstanding scientific contributors with medals and awards, assisting teachers in geoscience education, and fostering public awareness of geoscience issues.

Geological Society of America
Cordilleran/Rocky Mountain Sections Meeting
Tuesday, May 3, 2004
8 a.m. to noon

The Role of Science in Making Natural Resources Decisions

Some of the most contentious public policy issues in the West revolve around managing natural resources. Policymakers confronted with the need to balance development and conservation interests are eager to assert that decisions should be guided by the best available scientific information, but such assertions provide scant guidance for scientists who find themselves and their data embroiled in highly politicized issues. Geoscientists have a great deal of relevant knowledge to provide, but how will that knowledge be used? This session will provide an opportunity to hear how science fits into decision making on a number of key resource policy issues.

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This page last reviewed May 2006