Abstract - The Nature Mapping Program's Approach To Improve Management of Natural Resources Through Public Education and the Use of GIS

Track: Natural Resources and Conservation

Karen Dvornich
University of Washington
Box 357980
Seattle, WA 98195-7980

Telephone: 206-543-6475
Fax: 206-685-7471
E-mail: kgap@salmo.cqs.washington.edu

The Nature Mapping Program's Approach To Improve Management of Natural Resources Through Public Education and the Use of GIS

The long-term success of any natural resource conservation effort will depend on public education and public support. The Washington GAP Analysis Project (WAGAP), in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) initiated a pilot project in September 1993. Teachers were asked to collect data for a State-wide biological database, with the long-term goal to involve students and the general public in a data gathering project to map biodiversity in a way not otherwise achievable by scientists and natural agencies alone. The program has expanded into other states conducting GAP analysis. Feedback to the public is critical. GIS maps are provided to assist the public in data collection and monitoring. ArcView software donated by Esri to 100 schools in Washington State allows schools to use coverages developed by WAGAP, WDFW and other cooperators. The Nature Mapping Wildlife software is for use by participants to collect data, conduct analyses, and to import into ArcView. The software complements the educational materials, GIS maps, and information supplied by WAGAP, WDFW, and other cooperators on the program's Web site.