Resource Management
Environmental laws and resource management policies such as the Endangered Species Act, State and National Environmental Policy Acts, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) provide avenues for citizen participation in resource decision-making. However, citizens and conservation groups often cannot keep up with the bewildering array of technical consultants and information brought into public proceedings. In many instances, citizens are expected to provide highly technical input, such as analyses of species status for a petition to list under ESA, or comments on the costs and benefits of a proposed development. These efforts are often beyond the training of the average citizen, or out of reach for groups without a full-time scientific staff.
How We Can Help
10,000 Years Institute supports citizens and organizations who seek more in-depth, focused participation in the policies and agency actions that affect public resources. We organize complex technical information and help develop scientific data to support public conservation initiatives and public participation in policy proceedings. 10,000 Years Institute scientists are experts at identifying gaps in existing data and opportunities to improve restoration, resource management, and study proposals.
Examples of Current Work
Specific proposals, analytical tools, and invasive species control for habitat restoration projects, conservation actions, and management strategies; including organizations and projects, such as:
Jefferson County - Middle Hoh River Resiliency Plan
Field survey and assessment of the Hoh River 100-year flood extent for Natural Systems Design.
Trout Unlimited - Owl Creek
Wild Salmon Center - Bockman Creek
Technical review and comment on policy proposals, environmental impact statements, critical habitat designations and other management plans that affect natural resources.
Examples of Previous Work
Completed a technical review of a proposed aquaculture facility for a neighborhood association in Totten Inlet, Puget Sound, Washington.
Conducted basic research in headwater streams to test the assumptions of and basis for Washington State's Forest Practice Rules. Also, provided alternative methods for designation of riparian buffers.
Developed a risk model to help fisheries managers on the Lewis River in southeastern Washington evaluate combinations of passage technologies to maximize fish population success while minimizing costs.