The WGPs were developed by combining public trust thinking (the philosophy that underlies the legal Public Trust Doctrine) and good governance norms into a set of 10 aspirational statements that can be used to guide the practices and procedures that determine how decisions are made and implemented, and how responsibilities are exercised in wildlife conservation. The WGPs address strategic thinking and adaptability, use of evidence in decision-making, transparency and accountability, inclusiveness and diversity, and capacity for conservation. Under the 2016 MSCG, a team including Dr. Decker, Meghan Baumer, Ann Forstchen, Dr. Lederle, Michael Schiavone of the NY BOW, and WMI?s Western Field Representative Chris Smith developed an online survey administered by Cornell University that allows agency staff to assess agency traits, such as being pro-active versus reactive, and agency practices, such as seeking diverse kinds of information for decisions. When the assessment is complete, workshop participants use the results of the survey to identify performance areas where an agency aligns with the WGPs and areas where practices could be modified to improve alignment. To ground the results in practical issues, each workshop also analyzes a case study or ongoing issue for the agency.

In addition to developing the assessment tool and conducting the four pilot workshops, the team is putting together a webinar for wide distribution through the AFWA Management Assistance Team. The webinar will be available by the end of the year. Under the 2017 MSCG, the team will further application of the WGPs by conducting training available to each of the AFWA regions next year. The training will prepare state agency personnel to use the assessment tool and conduct their own workshops.