Working as a naturalist in Ohio, I came to appreciate the number of resources made available by the Department of Natural Resources. They made this easy by keeping a very tidy Website. Check out these maps for example. One of my favorites is the physiographic regions map, the starting point for anyone trying understanding their landscape and its foundations in the soil and plant communities.
While living in Ohio, I noted a dramatic difference in public awareness of conservation issues. This ecological literacy is surely built on a culture of good information in part made available by the government wildlife agency. It is after all their public duty to encourage people to enjoy and respect state resources. Just look at these:
But for now, lets look at a list I've developed of common features across nearly all wildlife department homepages in the United States concerning non-game species conservation. (Forgive me if they aren't error free!)
Characteristics of Wildlife Department Websites Addressing Non-game Information
- Signals - Prominent icon with signal words that help visitor find non-game information: "Wildlife Viewing", "Enjoying Wildlife", "Conservation", "Education", "Species", "Habitats", "Diversity" “Non-Game” “Learn”, “Science”, “Ecology”, “Restoration”
- Main Page Features – rolling “features” spotlighting threatened species, conservation programs,
- Navigation - Straightforward navigation
- Portals - Use of Portals for broad topics such as Education and Conservation, such that a new page opens up and colorful images are displayed, showing the range of topics within that category, usually in hierarchical fashion so as to show relationships among topics
- Readability - Texts are broken up by subheadings. Paragraphs are short and to the point in opening pages.
- Direct Links - Direct, explicit links to conservation information and programs that are not fish/game orientated.
- Land Access Points - page links to state parks, state nature preserves, natural areas and wildlife management areas where there is access for camping, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing; including museums, welcome centers
- Critical Content
- Species Facts - information on common as well as rare species, their life histories and range distribution
- Invasive Species - what are they, where are they, what is the dept. doing, what can you do
- Restoration and Conservation efforts underway
- Recreation opportunities
- Environmental Education initiatives, No Child Left Inside, etc.
- Maps, maps, maps! - Availability of maps showing geology, topography, vegetation types, ecoregions, water features, wma’s, preserves and parks,
- Strategic/comprehensive plan for species conservation
- Publications - digital copies of wildlife posters, field guides,
- Image Variety - images of people enjoying the land in diverse ways. Hunting and fishing, of course, but also bird watchers, biologists, kayakers,
- Balance – California has done a nice job by giving you a nearly dichotomous choice from the main page Fishing & Hunting OR Conservation. The distribution of content across the continuum of Game --- Non-Game is even and in many cases focused on conservation programs
- Integration - the webpage integrates information among different areas of the departments and commissions, such that connections can be made between water quality, pollution, species diversity, etc.
- Archives - all publications, brochures, maps, etc. are made available online in a central location that is easy to use and filterable by topic
- Backyard Habitats - information on what homeowners and schools can do to enhance habitat on their property for education and enjoyment
- Land-Water Connection – water resources recognized as parts watersheds, maps
- Short URL –this helps people (teachers, students, friends, family) remember the website, get to it, share it with other people
- Vision Statement – a statement that encompasses the short and long term goals of the organization. see Maryland.
- Volunteer/Internship Opportunities – a portal/link for those who want to give back; an upfront invitation to help in conservation programs and events through structured opportunities. See Iowa's unique Americorp program.
- Calendar - An actively updated calendar on front page that has events of interest to public, both for game and non-game purposes, including community programs, public meetings, etc.
Now if you dare, I ask you to go to our Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and score our website by the criteria above. The results might surprise you.
It is important to understand that I am not criticizing the efforts of our state biologists, forest managers or educators; also I am not picking a fight with fisherman or hunters. I think fishing and hunting are great! The key here is balance.
Some of my biggest issues are issues of design. And we all know that design is everything! Consider that:
- Education and Resource Buttons are at the bottom of the page and hard to see.
- These bottom buttons disappear during navigation.
- There are no portal pages for Education or Resources.
- There is a lack of images and breaking up of content with headings and subheadings.
- Biological information is often technical and unappealing to your average teacher or junior naturalist.
To browse the rest of the 50 states follow the "Read More" link below.
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