Using Structured Decision Making to Prioritize Projects Under a Limited Budget: A Case Study From New York

Authors: Paul* Barrett, Kelly Robinson

Year: 2015 (xlvii)

Abstract

The State of New York (NY) has invested substantial time and resources to create an organized network responsible for managing the state’s invasive species. Various entities were established as a result of the NY Invasive Species Task Force Report, including eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), the NY Invasive Species Research Institute, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Invasive Species Program, the NY Invasive Species Clearinghouse, the NY Invasive Species Council, and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee. These groups currently work together with the Department of Environmental Conservation Invasive Species Coordination Unit, NYS Parks Invasive Species Coordination, and numerous other NGOs and community groups. Each of these entities is required to set invasive species priorities, elaborate strategic plans and provide recommendations to partner organizations and volunteer networks. The groups needed to priorotize among feasible actions that make the best use of available resources. These actions should be science-based, sustainable, and environmentally ethical. During and subsequent to an April workshop, Structured Decision Making tools were used to develop a model to assist in prioritizing projects. The resulting model is transparent, standardized, and scalable, within the parameters above, to protect the environment, human health, and the economy by preventing or reducing significant negative impacts of non-native species. In light of the limited resources and conflicting mandates among the entities working to recover and manage desert fishes similar methods and models can be used to prioritize actions proposed to conserve these fishes and their habitats.