<div dir="ltr"><div>I apologize for cross posting; this subject matter seems relevant to a couple of the PCA listserves. </div><div><br></div><div>For those who are following the Fish and Wildlife Service's progress on Surrogate Species <a href="http://www.fws.gov/landscape-conservation/pdf/DraftTechnicalGuidanceJuly2012.pdf">draft technical
guidance</a>, which will establish biological outcomes at
defined landscape scales, please see below for a summary of comments and next steps in the development of the guidance.</div><div><br></div><div><div>Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.</div><div>Botanist, Division of Scientific Authority-US Fish & Wildlife Service-International Affairs</div>
<div>Chair, Medicinal Plant Working Group-Plant Conservation Alliance</div><div>4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 110</div><div>Arlington, VA 22203</div><div>703-358-1708 x1753</div><div>FAX: 703-358-2276</div><div><br></div><div>
Promoting sustainable use and conservation of our native medicinal plants. </div><div><<a href="http://www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal</a>></div><div><br></div><div>Follow International Affairs</div>
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<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Director, FWS</b> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:fws_director@fws.gov">fws_director@fws.gov</a>></span><br>
Date: Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 11:49 AM<br>Subject: Defining Species and Population Objectives at Landscape Scales: Update on Draft Technical Guidance on Selecting Surrogate Species for Design of Landscape Scale Conservation<br>
To: <br><br><br><div dir="ltr">Memorandum<br><br>To: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employees and State Partners<br><br>From: Director<br><br>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;line-height:normal"><span style>Subject:<span> </span></span>Defining Species and
Population Objectives at Landscape Scales:<span>
</span>Update on Draft Technical Guidance on Selecting Surrogate Species for
Design of Landscape Scale Conservation</p>
<br><br>In July 2012, as a practical first step in identifying Species and Population Objectives at landscape scales using the Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC) approach, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the Draft Technical Guidance on Selecting Species for Design of Landscape Scale Conservation and formally requested its review by FWS employees and our State and other conservation partners. Dozens of workshops that drew an estimated 1,000 participants were held around the country to introduce the Draft Technical Guidance and gather comments on its strengths and weaknesses; and an additional 16 independent workshops, webinars, and focus-group discussions were conducted. A webpage to submit comments electronically was created; 2,300 comments were received from 200 sources through March 29, 2013. <br>
<br>A small but diverse team of FWS experts convened to review and discuss comments received, and produce this newest version of the Draft Technical Guidance. <br><br>I want to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to everyone who participated in this review process. With these ideas and comments, we’re finalizing technical guidance to serve as a roadmap for selecting species. Your engagement represents the meaningful and continuing dialogue needed by the FWS and our State partners to fully realize our broader vision to conserve functional landscapes across our nation capable of supporting self-sustaining fish, wildlife and plant populations for the continuing benefit of the American public. A special thanks goes to those champions of SHC implementation: the Draft Technical Guidance “trainers,” who went to great effort to ensure that the workshops were technically sound and consistent while still allowing for Regional variability; and the Review Team, who dedicated many hours reviewing and thoughtfully discussing comments. <br>
<br>Over the next few months a Revision Team composed of FWS and State agency staff is working to revise the Draft Technical Guidance and prepare the document for independent external peer review, as well as final review by FWS Programs and State Agencies. The team is planning to have the guidance ready for peer review by Thanksgiving.<br>
<br>A summary of the status of the Draft Technical Guidance, and how your input is being used as we move forward, is attached. We are committed to producing an improved document that will be more robust, both in its scientific foundation and in its ability to communicate how selecting surrogate species with our State partners fits into the larger goal of conserving fish and wildlife at landscape scales. As you will read in the summary, we are equally committed to addressing the comments and constructive feedback that speak to the larger issue of workforce engagement in SHC, albeit through forums other than the Draft Technical Guidance. <br>
<br>We move forward with the implementation of SHC fully aware that our success lies in the hands of FWS employees and our State partners. Together, we have embarked on a journey that will be full of adventure, new discoveries, and no doubt some setbacks and adaptations. Our confidence lies in our knowledge of why we are undertaking this journey, with all of its opportunities and challenges: We are doing it for the sake of the fish, wildlife and plant resources that have been entrusted to our care; and on behalf of a nation that is counting on us to meet our stewardship responsibilities with creativity, vigor and a 21st century, science-driven conservation approach.<br>
<br>For additional questions or guidance related to the Draft Technical Guidance or the Surrogate Species approach, please contact one of the Executive Oversight Team or Core Team Members listed on the attached fact sheet. <br>
<br><br><br>Attachments<br><br><br></div>
</div><br></div>