| dc.description.abstract | Decision making in conservation planning requires recognition of ecological, social, and
political perspectives and the economics of management strategies. Through the process
of structured decision-making, stakeholders can provide expertise, and beliefs are used
for deliberation of important ecological and population processes and uncertainties to
identify management strategies most likely to achieve agency and stakeholder desires.
The Nebraska Games and Parks Commission (NGPC) recognized implementing
structured decision making was needed for Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus,
PTM), a prioritized species for management lacking an organized management plan in
Nebraska. In collaboration with NGPC, we have designed decision analysis tools to aid in
managing PTM in Nebraska. Two models have been developed to the α-level with a
Bayesian belief network to target management and a Bayesian decision network to rank
management actions at stream sites. I have outlined further sensitivity analysis and
recommendations for alterations needed to complete these modeling efforts. Through this
approach, a standardized, non-regulatory management plan can be used to conserve PTM
in Nebraska through defensible management decisions. | en_US |
