Students are to write a short analytical essay that critically applies some of theoretical explanations explored in the course.

Essay One -- The Lindblom, Connelly, et.al., Orren and Skowronek, and Carlson and Wilson articles are based on very different explanatory models.  Select one of these models (using the explanation at the core of the article as your foundation) and explain a single natural resource policy issue.  These may include almost any issue, large or small, that falls under the scope of the course.  If in doubt, ask!

For example, motorized recreational access to public lands can be explained in a number of ways and at and a number of different levels.  You can chose a topic at a large-scale (snowmobiles in Yellowstone) or at the level of local forest recreation plan.  Once a topic/issue has been selected, explain the current status using one of the above models.

Essays should include an introduction that summarizes the current state of the issue (what is or is not happening).  The second part of the essay is to be a thoughtful application of the thesis of the model selected to the specific case.  The Lindblom essay, for example, draws attention to the power of private economic actors relative to government agencies.  This model can be applied to almost any case as an explanation of why things are the way they are.  The final part of the essay should offer an assessment of the the strengths and weaknesses of the model as an explanation of your specific case.  What did it explain well, not so well, and why.

This is an essay assignment. Students will be graded in part on the quality of writing (sentence structure, spelling, punctuation) and proper citation of all sources. Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and NO MORE than 3 pages. Essays that flagrantly exceed the maximum length will be penalized at least 10 points.

Due 5 February

Essay Two -- The Lowry chapter includes a 2x2 table that measures the challenge of dam removal along two axes - physical and political difficulty.  In this essay you are to use this 4 cell model to explain a case of endangered species protection.  The protection of some species is a relatively simple task physically, while the politics is far more complicated - while for other species the reverse is the case.  Choose one species and an explain why it fits into ONE of the four cells.

Essays should include a brief summary of the current status of the species (or specific sub-species).  Include its formal (or not) status as threatened or endangered, and what is the scope and context for current and projected management actions.  The main section of the essay should explain your reasons for placing this species into one of the four cells.  This will require both an understanding of the logic of the model and the circumstances of the species.  The conclusion should include a brief statement of what your analysis suggests is the future for that species - will it get protection or not?  What happens in that case?

The same rules for an essay assignment (noted above) apply.

Due 5 March

Details Soon!