Position Statements & Other Policy Engagement Documents
As leaders in wildlife science, management and conservation, The Wildlife Society has a responsibility to address national and international issues that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world. The diligent development of authoritative statements on wildlife issues is essential for interjecting wildlife concerns into decision-making processes.
For members of the Sacramento-Shasta Chapter, this webpage includes:
Standing Positions – These are broad topic statements that are fundamental to wildlife conservation and/or the wildlife profession. Standing Positions have been identified as long-standing, foundational positions of The Wildlife Society. Examples include, Conservation Law Enforcement, Hunting, Traps, Trapping, and Furbearer Management, and Urban Wildlife.
Position Statements – These are broad and topical statements on a wildlife issue that defines the issue, contains factual background data, describes the most probable biological, social, and economics results of alternative actions, and may also contain a recommended course(s) of action. Examples include, The U.S. Endangered Species Act, Wolf Restoration and Management in the Contiguous United States, Alternations of Stream, Riparian, and Wetland Habitat in the U.S., and Lead in Ammunition and Fishing Tackle.
Issue Statements – Issue statements are specific applications of broader policies identified in a standing position or position statement. These statements outline The Wildlife Society’s policies targeted at a specific issue or action. Examples include, Feral and Free-Ranging Domestic Cats, Feral Swine in North America, and Impacts of Wind Energy Development on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat.
Conservation Affairs Network
The Wildlife Society Conservation Affairs Network engages and unifies the efforts of The Wildlife Society, its 200+ units, and nearly 10,000 members to advance wildlife conservation policy issues at the national, regional, and local levels.
The Network operates through Conservation Affairs Committees (CAC) established within TWS Sections and Chapters. These committees are charged with identifying and addressing policy priorities within their region, and communicating their activities and needs with other CACs and TWS Staff. CACs and TWS Staff support each other in their policy activities, lending experience and expertise to enhance efforts.
Policy Toolkit
The Policy Toolkit provides TWS members, and in particular those engaged with the their local Chapter’s Conservation Affairs Committee, with guidance and knowledge regarding policy advocacy. With this understanding, TWS members will be better able to engage in the policy arena and do their part to advance the mission of TWS.
You do not have to be an experienced advocate to be effective. This toolkit will provide you with a basic knowledge of the policy process and advocacy techniques to ensure you are ready to effectively engage and make the voice of wildlife professionals heard.
