The North American Model of wildlife conservation is the foundation of modern fisheries and wildlife management. Within this model, the Public Trust Doctrine establishes that wildlife belongs to the people and is managed in trust for the people of this and future generations. The Opportunity for All principle establishes that public access, regardless of race, socioeconomic, or other factors of personal identity, is a right for all members of the public. Thus, the North American Model stipulates that all aspects of wildlife conservation (e.g., public education, science-based management) and all users from appreciation to consumptive, must be provided a voice in wildlife management. As a result, our profession is challenged to manage increasingly complex environmental issues that require professionals with diverse perspectives and wide-ranging skills.
In meeting that challenge, our Lab has consistently worked toward across both research and outreach activities to enhance diversity within our profession and engagement among diverse stakeholder groups. This has occurred through a variety of mechanisms including the facilitation of opportunities, the identification of barriers, and the mentorship and advisement of the students that come after us. Below are some of the resources that we have contributed to as we attempt to diversity our profession:
Hessami, M. A., T. J. Werdel, S. J. Hoagland, and M. T. Kohl. 2022. Chapter 1: Melding past, present, and future: the importance of tribal wildlife management in wildlife conservation and management. In Valuing art: introduction to wildlife management and conservation in North America. Eds. E. Gomez, C. Bishop, T. Ryder, and J. Organ. Great River Learning.
Stricker, H., P. M. Schmidt, J. Gilbert, J. Dau, D. L. Doan-Crider, S. J. Hoagland, M. T. Kohl, C. A. Perez, L. J. Van Daele, M. B. Van Daele, and D. Dupont. 2020. Managing wildlife resources with North American indigenous peoples. In The Wildlife Techniques Manual 8th Edition. Eds. N. Silvy. John Hopkins University Press Pgs. 288-304.
Kohl, M. T., S. J. Hoagland, A. R. Gramza, and J. A. Homyack. 2017. Professional diversity: the key to conserving wildlife diversity. In On becoming a wildlife professional. Eds. S. E. Henke and P. R. Krausman. John Hopkins University Press Pgs. 188-195.
Puritty, C., L. R. Strickland, E. Alia, B. Blonder, E. Klein, M. T. Kohl, E. McGee, M. Quintana, R. E. Ridley, B. Tellman, and L. R. Gerber. 2017. For diversity initiatives, current best efforts may not be enough. Science 6356:1101-1102.
Kohl Wildlife Lab 