Species risk determinations…

Species risk determinations and the means of protection should decided by qualified scientists using empirical evidence. Their work should meet highest standards of scientific study.

These experts should work at arms length from the government, free from political interference. Because our 5 year election cycles reward short term results over long term stability. This is incompatible with the long term work of supporting and protecting vulnerable plants and animals that play a vital role in the health of natural systems humans depend on for survival.

The government should provide adequate and stable funding for this vital work. Interruptions in data gathering and analysis will leave the government and citizens dangerous uninformed when making decisions.

Economics should NOT be a major factor in species risk determinations or the methods of conservation being employed in their protection. Market tools have proven they are not capable of accurately "valuing" complex natural systems; as evidenced by the need to protect against the extinction of more and more species.