Innovations in stakeholder involvement: What's the next step?

In recent years stakeholders have sought greater involvement in wildlife ma nagement. Responding to their expectations, wildlife agencies have found th emselves dealing with the daunting task of balancing conflicting interests. Agencies have addressed this challenge by experimenting with numerous tech niques to involve stakeholders in wildlife management. One recent innovatio n, co-management, requires a partnership in which agencies and stakeholders share responsibility. Some agencies concerned about loss of authority have viewed co-management with skepticism; others have developed policies and t aken actions that have kept them in a leadership role, even while delegatin g some responsibility to stakeholders. These proactive agencies frequently have developed a more supportive, educated, and involved public. Go-managem ent has proved effective in varied situations throughout North America, inc luding management of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in suburban areas of New York State and goose (e.g., Branta canadensis minima) managem ent in remote parts of Alaska.