CWS 115: Foundations of Wildlife Conservation and Management

This course introduces students to the institutions, policies, ethical frameworks, and professional practices that shape wildlife conservation and management. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of conservation in North America, the roles of federal, state, tribal, academic, and non-governmental organizations, and the human dimensions of wildlife management, including communication, stakeholder engagement, and co-management. Students examine how scientific information is generated, evaluated, shared, and applied within real-world conservation decision-making, while developing professional skills necessary for careers in wildlife conservation and management. Population and habitat manipulation are examined from a management, governance, practical, and ethical perspective; data collection methods and detailed ecological modeling and quantitative evaluation are addressed in subsequent advanced ecology and quantitative courses.