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A NOTE FROM POLICY DIRECTOR JOHN FITZGERALD

As a political scientist, natural science is not my native language. After spending the better part of my career in wildlife conservation, environment, energy, responsive government, and related issues, however, I have learned to communicate well if scientists speak clearly and use enough helpful metaphors. Then I usually can translate science for policy makers, judges, elected representatives and agency staff, and others. But most important is not what I am able to say but how I may be able to help SCB members, Regional Sections, and local chapters speak directly on issues on which they are the experts, and speak together on positions that SCB members share globally or across North America.

It will take some time to assess our opportunities and build on SCB's existing capacity. The strength of our publications and expertise of our members probably is unsurpassed. Most policy makers who intend to remain in public service actually value expert information above all. Our job is to provide that information in a way that meets their deadlines, in language that is accurate and effective both in law and in science. We must provide expertise without undeclared biases, in terms that clarify that the relevant questions have been asked, responses weighed, and alternative solutions presented with the best available estimates of risks, costs, and benefits associated with each. At best, we can begin by helping policy makers ask the critical questions of the appropriate people. As such we are best seen as adjunct staff, asked for our advice, and trusted to give honest answers and creative suggestions that arise from either what we know, or expert suggestions about how to proceed in the face of uncertainty.

We will continue to represent SCB in arenas in which it has been active, such as the Endangered Species Coalition, and we will respond to requests for technical assistance from members of the United States Congress and others who seek our input in the near term. What we undertake and how we undertake it over time, however, will be determined by the Policy Committee and the Board of Governors, who in turn will seek guidance from all SCB's members.

The staff of the Executive Office and the several board members and other leaders I have had the pleasure of working with so far have made me feel most welcome and appreciated. They say you can't go home again, but if feels like we are already there. Please feel free to contact me at jfitzgerald@conbio.org. Thanks.

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