FOR 330 Forest Resources Practicum
2000 Land Ethics Assignment,
All Majors
William L. (Bill) Hoover
Note: This assignment is given now so that you can acquire the book before leaving for camp. Read it book at your leisure. Take time to reflect on what you’ve read. Discuss it with your classmates, professors, and friends prior to actually writing the essay. But, write your own essay. I’ll know if two or more of you turn in the same essay, as has happened in past years. This assignment involves reading for meaning, not for facts.
A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold, Oxford University Press, New York, 1987, paperback, about $10.00. The book will be available at Von’s about March 1st.
Background:
One of your biggest challenges as a natural resource manager will be to interpret your management practices to the public and to include the public’s perception of what practices are appropriate into your management plans. The public no longer accepts without question that professional managers will do what’s best for the resource and for the people who depend on it. They question and criticize, frequently based on values fundamentally different than those of scientifically trained natural resource professionals.
Arguably the most influential
modern nature writer is Aldo Leopold. A
Sand County Almanac is the basis for a great amount of the prevailing
attitude toward nature in the U.S.
Developing an intimate familiarity with this work is necessary to
understand how influential segments of the public view nature. It may also help
you to better formulate your own values. This work is also the basis for the
land ethic article recently added to the Society of American Forester’s Code of
Ethics, attached. It also relates to the Code of Ethics for The Wildlife
Society and the American Fisheries Society, also attached. (Note that Professor Leopold uses the
word “land” in the same sense that we use the word “environment” today. )
Scientists are trained to formulate hypotheses, make relevant observations, test the hypotheses and draw conclusions. The textbooks you read for most of your classes are based on this approach. They tend to be “how to manuals,” i.e., given this situation, this is the recommend course of action. A Sand County Almanac is different. It is literature. The meaning you take from it depends on what you bring to the reading. If Dr. Leopold’s words don’t move you deeply, you may be pursuing the wrong career.
Assignment:
After reading the book, please write an essay of approximately 2000 words that addresses at a minimum the questions listed below. But also tell me what you got from the book on a personal level. Be creative. Do you agree that this is an important book? What’s all the fuss about? Is this really a great book?
1. What is the overall theme? What skills as a student of nature (reader of the land itself) does Prof. Leopold demonstrate that are important for you to acquire?
2. What values did Prof. Leopold bring to this writing? Cite specific passages that indicate his values.
3. What economic or utilitarian role did Prof. Leopold assign to nature (natural resources)?
4. After you make certain you understand what the term “ethic” means, define what you believe Prof. Leopold’s land ethic is? Again cite specific passages to demonstrate your points.
5. After reading the code of ethics for the professional society you’ll be associated with when you graduate, discuss how a “land ethic” is reflected in the code for that society.
Over please:
Due Monday, June 5, 2000. If you’re a Fisheries and Aquatic Science major please give your essay to Prof. Krug prior to leaving camp for Indiana fish camp.
Specifics:
Your essay must be typed. Do it on a word processor so you can revise it. Whatever you want to say, say it well. Read what you’ve written and edit it.
The Society of
American Foresters:
Code of Ethics
PREAMBLE
Stewardship
of the land is the cornerstone of the forestry profession. The purpose of these
canons is to govern the professional conduct of members of the Society of American
Foresters in their relations with the land, the public, their employers,
including clients, and each other as provided in Article VIII of the Society's
Constitution. Compliance with these canons demonstrates our respect for the
land and our commitment to the wise management of ecosystems, and ensures just
and honorable professional and human relationships, mutual confidence and
respect, and competent service to society.
These
canons have been adopted by the membership of the Society and can only be
amended by the membership. Procedures for processing charges of violation of
these canons are contained in Bylaws established by the Council. The canons and
procedures apply to all membership categories in all forestry-related
disciplines, except Honorary Members.
All
members upon joining the Society agree to abide by this Code as a condition of
membership.
CANONS
2.
A
member's knowledge and skills will be utilized for the benefit of society. A
member will strive for accurate, current, and increasing knowledge of forestry,
will communicate such knowledge when not confidential, and will challenge and
correct untrue statements about forestry.
3.
A
member will advertise only in a dignified and truthful manner, stating the
services the member is qualified and prepared to perform. Such advertisements
may include references to fees charged.
4.
A
member will base public comment on forestry matters on accurate knowledge and will
not distort or withhold pertinent information to substantiate a point of view.
Prior to making public statements on forest policies and practices, a member
will indicate on whose behalf the statements are made.
5.
A
member will perform services consistent with the highest standards of quality
and with loyalty to the employer.
6.
A
member will perform only those services for which the member is qualified by
education or experience.
7.
A
member who is asked to participate in forestry operations which deviate from
accepted professional standards must advise the employer in advance of the
consequences of such deviation.
8.
A
member will not voluntarily disclose information concerning the affairs of the
member's employer without the employer's express permission.
9.
A member
must avoid conflicts of interest or even the appearance of such conflicts. If,
despite such precaution, a conflict of interest is discovered, it must be
promptly and fully disclosed to the member's employer and the member must be
prepared to act immediately to resolve the conflict.
10. A member will not accept
compensation or expenses from more than one employer for the same service,
unless the parties involved are informed and consent.
11. A member will engage, or advise the
member's employer to engage, other experts and specialists in forestry or
related fields whenever the employer's interest would be best served by such
action, and a member will work cooperatively with other professionals.
12. A member will not by false statement
or dishonest action injure the reputation or professional associations of
another member.
13. A member will give credit for the
methods, ideas, or assistance obtained from others.
14. A member in competition for
supplying forestry services will encourage the prospective employer to base
selection on comparison of qualifications and negotiation of fee or salary.
15. Information submitted by a member
about a candidate for a prospective position, award, or elected office will be
accurate, factual, and objective.
16. A member having evidence of
violation of these canons by another member will present the information and
charges to the Council in accordance with the Bylaws.
Adopted by the Society of American Foresters by Member Referendum, June
23, 1976,
replacing the code adopted November 12, 1948, as amended December 4, 1971
The 1976 code was amended November 4,1986, and November 2, 1992.
American Fisheries Society
Preamble:
A
member of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) has an obligation to perform
his/her duties in an ethical manner. First and foremost, on joining the AFS, a
member accepts the responsibility to serve and manage aquatic resources for the
benefit of those resources and of the public, based on the best scientific
data, as specified by the Society's "North American Fisheries Policy"
(see Fisheries 21[3]:2629). He/she acts ethically in his/her relationships
with the general public and with his/her employers, employees, and associates,
and he/she follows the tenets of the Society's Equal Opportunity Policy (see
19971998 AFS Membership Directory and Handbook, page 3). He/she strives to
preserve and enhance the fisheries profession. All members must adhere to the
"Standard of Professional Conduct" as herein established.
Each
member of the AFS shall:
I-1.
Avoid actual or apparent dishonesty, misrepresentation, and unprofessional
demeanor by using proper scientific methodology, by adhering to the Society's
"Guidelines for Use of Fishes in Field Research" (see Fisheries 13[2]:
1721) by fully documenting technical conclusions and interpretations, and by
encouraging these practices by others;
I-2.
Not speak for, represent, or imply in any way that he/she represents the
Society without the express approval of the president or Governing Board. No
member of any Chapter, Division, or Section may speak with authority for that
group without specific authorization;
I-3.
Give appropriate credit for professional work done by others;
I-4.
Make the fisheries profession more effective by exchanging information and
experiences with colleagues, students and the public via formal publications,
reports, and lectures; informal consultations; and constructive interactions
with professional societies, journalists, and government bodies; I-5. Approve
only those plans, reports, and other documents he/she has helped prepare or has
supervised;
I-6.
Make professional recommendations and decisions to benefit fishery resources
and the public, base them on the best available scientific data and judgments,
and give a clear and balanced exposition of the consequences of following and
of not following such recommendations and decisions;
I-7.
Restrict, to the extent feasible, criticisms of technical results and
conclusions of other researchers to professional forums such as meetings and
technical journals;
I-8.
Treat employees justly and fairly with respect to recruitment, supervision, job
development, recognition, and compensation.
Each
member of the AFS shall:
II-1.
Serve each client or employer professionally without prejudice or conflict of
interest; unless the member's professional convictions conflict with the
policies of the employer, in which case the member will provide the employer
with full supporting evidence and sufficient time for study and action; II-2.
Maintain confidential relationships with employers and clients unless
authorized by the employer or required by law or due process to disclose
information or results produced while employed by that client;
II-3.
Advertise his/her professional qualifications truthfully, without exaggeration
and without denigration of others;
II-4.
Express opinions on an aquatic resources subject only if qualified to do so by
training, experience, or study;
II-5.
Clearly separate professional opinion from accepted knowledge or fact in all
communications;
II-6.
Advise against any action or decision by an employer, client or colleague that
violates any law or regulation. If a member finds employment obligations
conflict with professional or ethical standards, the member should advise the
employer of the conflict. If such a conflict is not resolved in a timely
manner, or if the action appears to materially affect the public health, safety,
or welfare, then the member shall advise AFS of the objectionable condition or
practice and supply substantial evidence of the problem. The member should
reject attempts by employers and others to coerce or manipulate professional
judgment and advice. The member should exercise professional judgment without
regard to personal gain, and refuse compensation or other rewards that might be
construed as an attempt to influence judgment;
II-7.
Not distort or withhold information solely to substantiate a personal point of
view;
II-8.
Give expert testimony to a court, commission, or other tribunals only when
based on adequate knowledge and honest conviction and give balanced judgments
about the consequences of alternative actions;
II-9.
Expose scientific or managerial misconduct, including misrepresentation to the
public of aquatic science/professional information, by informing the president
of the AFS. The president shall refer this material to "The Ethics and
Professional Conduct Committee."
Note: Revision currently
under consideration by AFS Board.
Bylaws of The Wildlife Society
(as amended and approved 14 December 1989)
The principal objectives of
The Society are: (1) to develop and promote sound stewardship of wildlife
resources and of the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend; (2) to
undertake an active role in preventing humans-induced environmental
degradation; (3) to increase awareness and appreciation of wildlife values; and
(4) to seek the highest standards in all activities of the wildlife profession.
Section 1. CODE OF ETHICS –
Each member, in striving to meet the objectives of the Society, pledges to:
1.
Subscribe to the
highest standards of integrity and conduct;
2.
Recognize research and
scientific management of wildlife and their environment as primary goals;
3.
Disseminate information
to promote understanding of, and appreciate for, values of wildlife and their
habitats;
4.
Strive to increase
knowledge and skills to advance the practice of wildlife management;
5.
Promote competence in
the field of wildlife management by supporting high standards of education,
employment, and performance;
6.
Encourage the use of
sound biological information in management decisions; and
7.
Support fair and
uniform standards of employment and treatment of those professionally engaged
in the practice of wildlife management.
Section 2. ENFORCEMENT –
Violations of this Code by a member may result in censure or censure and
suspension from membership in the Society. All reported violations will be
reviewed by a Presidentially appointed Board of Inquiry or by the Council of
the Society, hereinafter referred to as “the Council.”