U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Science Excellence Initiative

Service Science Committee

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Formation of New Science Committee

January 2005: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Former Director Steve Williams announced the formation of a new Science Committee. The Committee will be empowered to ensure the Service attains the infrastructure necessary to support and promote scientific excellence.

Scientific excellence is the foundation of the Service’s mission. It enables and empowers our employees to ensure that fish and wildlife and their habitats are protected and managed effectively and efficiently, and that those resources remain available for public use and enjoyment.

The Committee will provide a venue for collaboration on science issues throughout the Service, and help identify needs and opportunities that cut across programs and regions. Second, the Committee will also provide the Director a vehicle for seeking advice and recommendations concerning science needs, especially those related to meeting field needs for research, technical assistance, and scientific information and training. Third, the Committee will provide employees with an efficient and consistent mechanism for participating in the review of policies. Finally, the Committee will be responsible for providing the Director with an annual assessment of ways to enhance science excellence Service-wide.

The committee members have been chosen for their distinguished service, with every attempt made to appoint those who represent a diverse array of Service programs, regions and scientific backgrounds.

There will be four permanent members of the Science Committee and nine members appointed for three-year terms.

Teresa Woods, Special Assistant to Regional Director for Science and Landscape Conservation, Region 3 (Great Lakes, Big Rivers Region)
Bruce Rosenlund, Project Leader, Colorado Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance Office, Region 6 (Mountain-Prairie Region)
Ed Christoffers, Ph.D. Regional Research Coordinator, Region 5 (Northeast Region)
Rick Sayers, Ph.D., Branch Chief, Endangered Species Program, Washington, DC
Edgard Espinoza, DrPH., Deputy Director, National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, Ashland, OR
Seth Mott, Chief, Branch of Science and Planning, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Washington, DC
Jewell Bennett, Ph.D. Branch Chief, National Conservation Training Center, Shepardstown, WV *
Dan Ashe, Science Advisor to the Director, Washington, DC *
Russ Mason, Ph.D. Science Liaison, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Washington, DC *
Gary Frazer, FWS Science Liaison to USGS, Reston, VA *
Will McDearman, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Region 4 (Southeast Region)
Rex Johnson, Team Leader, HAPET, Washington, DC
John K. Wenburg, Director, Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Region 7 (Alaska)

The Science Committee is empowered to prepare draft policies, procedures, and other work products; monitor science activities and prepare special reports and recommendations; and work closely with Service employees and external partners to promote science excellence in fish and wildlife conservation.

A Directorate Oversight Council has also been appointed to oversee the activities of the Committee. The Council is made up of two Regional Directors, two Assistant Directors, and the Science Advisor include:

Dave Allen, Regional Director, Region 1
Steve Thompson, California-Nevada Manager
Paul Schmidt, Assistant Director for Migratory Birds, Washington, DC
Dan Ashe, Science Advisor, Washington, DC *

* indicates permanent member

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Establishment of Service Science Committee

Science Committee Charter

OPM Peer Review Document

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