| |
|
The Black Bear Conservation Coalition (BBCC) has evolved into an independent and diverse coalition of landowners, state and federal
agencies, private conservation groups, forest industry, agricultural interests,
the academic community, and concerned citizens working together to address
management and restoration of the Louisiana black bear. Our
coalition sincerely believes we need to look for creative solutions in a
constantly changing social and political climate.
The BBCC strives to accomplish its mission through partnerships among
stakeholders, credible science-driven management, cooperation, and a genuine
commitment to the goal of bear restoration. Our primary objective is the
reversal of those factors that have brought about the steady decline of the
Louisiana black bear. With a diversity of interests working together to
accomplish its mission, the BBCC is recognized nationally as an effective,
solution-oriented organization.
Our method of resolving resource
management issues by encouraging input from all interested stakeholders serves
as a model for other conservation efforts. We succeed by putting the resource (the bear) first, finding common ground, building coalitions while
avoiding conflicts, replacing emotion with credible science throughout the
management process, and maintaining a strong commitment to the achievement of the
restoration objective.
The BBCC continues to actively solicit input from all parties that may be
affected by a larger bear population and work together to resolve potential
conflicts. This pro-active, inclusive, and cooperative effort will
increase the probability of successful restoration of the Louisiana black bear.
Incorporating the human dimension into bear management is a priority
at a time when citizens normally feel left out of the process. The objectives
and attitudes of landowners, land managers, and the general public will
determine if a healthy black bear population is considered a positive or
negative occurrence. The BBCC membership believes that a healthy bear population can
be an asset to the community and the Louisiana black bear can coexist with other
land use objectives.
With active support from the landowners, members, and an informed public, the BBCC will, succeed in helping restore a truly unique and magnificent component of
our wildlife heritage.
|
|