The Science Consistency Review A Tool To Evaluate the Use of Scientific Information in Land Management Decisionmaking

The paper outlines a process called the science consistency review, which can be used to evaluate the use of scientific information in land management decisions. Developed with specific reference to land management decisions in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the process involves assembling a team of reviewers under a review administrator to constructively criticize draft analysis and decision documents. Reviews are then forwarded to the responsible official, whose team of technical experts may revise the draft documents in response to reviewer concerns. The process is designed to proceed iteratively until reviewers are satisfied that key elements are consistent with available scientific information. Variations of the science consistency review have been applied elsewhere, but this paper represents the first effort to standardize the process for application to decisions within the agency.