Science-influence National Parks? Good

And, about time, too. From the National Park Service:

WASHINGTON – National Park Service (NPS) Director Jon Jarvis is announcing
the appointment of Dr. Gary Machlis as the first ever Science Advisor to
the Director. The Science Advisor will play a key role in advancing
science within the NPS and advising the NPS director on science policy and
programs.

“Applying the very best science and scholarly research to management of
national parks is critical,” said NPS Director Jon Jarvis. “The appointment
of Dr. Machlis to this new and important position will advance the role of
science within our agency as we meet the challenges and opportunities of
the 21st century. Dr. Machlis’ is a proven leader and innovator within the
scientific community.”

In his role as Science Advisor to the Director (NPS), Machlis will provide
his expertise and advice on matters of science and will help in the
effective delivery of scientific information to NPS managers, decision
makers, the Department of the Interior (DOI), Congress, stakeholders, park
visitors, and citizens. He will help assure that NPS uses the best
available science to address the complex natural and cultural resource
challenges facing the Service, from climate change to science education for
youth. Dr. Machlis will work to advance the Director’s and DOI Secretary’s
commitment to science as a means of managing and preserving the resources
entrusted to the NPS.

“I am enthused and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the first
Science Advisor to the NPS Director,” said Dr. Machlis. “This is an
extraordinary time to advance science within the Service, and I look
forward to working with the DOI and NPS leadership, our outstanding
scientists, partner agencies, field professionals, and the scientific
community.”

Dr. Shirley Malcom, Director, Education and Human Resources, American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) said, “Dr. Machlis’ broad
science and policy background and knowledge of the NPS make him an ideal
choice to serve in this first of a kind role. I applaud Director Jarvis in
recognizing the value of science to the Service and in selecting a seasoned
professional with strong links to and networks within the science
community.”

Dr. Gary Machlis received his B.S. and M.S. in forestry at the University
of Washington, and his Ph.D. in human ecology at Yale University. He is
Professor of Conservation at the University of Idaho and has served as the
NPS Visiting Chief Social Scientist, and as the National Coordinator of the
Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Network. He has written several
books on conservation, and his recent research has been published in
journals as varied as Climatic Change, Society and Natural Resources,
BioScience, and Conservation Biology. Gary is a member of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) National Committee on
Opportunities for Women and Minorities in Science, and the Advisory Board
to the AAAS Center for Advancing Science and Engineering Capacity.