Frequently Asked Questions
General

What is the reason for the panel process?
The US Fish and Wildlife Service intends to complete a status review for the Northern Spotted Owl during 2004. The panel process will bring together a group of nationally recognized scientific experts, to evaluate the scientific materials currently available, and to prepare a written report on these data. The report will compare risks faced by the owl in 2004 with those at the time of listing under the Endangered Species Act. The panel is composed of independent technical experts who are committed to using impartial and independent scientific analysis. The Service may use information presented to and by the panel in preparing their own documents for the status review.

What is SEI's role?
SEI is committed to the use of impartial science of the highest standard. SEI staff will facilitate the scientific discussions, ensuring that all appropriate information is presented. SEI will also ensure that the independent role of the panel is maintained. SEI staff will help prepare materials under panel guidance. Ultimately the panel bears responsibility for the final report.

What is SEI's position on the listing of the Northern Spotted Owl?
SEI, its staff, and the scientific panel will not make any recommendation on whether the Northern Spotted Owl should remain listed under the Endangered Species Act, or whether all or part of the species should change status. Ultimately, the technical materials will lay out the risks faced by the species, including the uncertainties associated with these risks. It will then be a matter for the Service to evaluate these and other considerations to determine status of the species.

How is SEI neutrality ensured?
SEI is a national science-oriented organization that supports many different parties in various projects. The reputation of the group hinges upon maintaining neutrality on all projects.

The Panel

Who is on the panel?
The panel comprises seven nationally recognized experts in different fields. All are paid by SEI for their participation in the process. They have all committed to providing an impartial opinion on technical issues.

Who selects the panel?
SEI alone selects the panel. Different parties have suggested potential scientists. All of these were evaluated, together with SEI's own suggestions, and selected from the National Conservation Science Network. Several senior scientists around the country were also asked for nominations. SEI then selected among the suitable, available scientists.

Does the panel advise the federal agencies on what to do?
The panel will not make any recommendations on actions to the federal agencies or others. The panel's role is to evaluate technical material. The panel will be instructed not to express any opinion on listing, what would constitute appropriate actions, funding, or any other policy decision.

Is this peer review?
This process is similar to peer review, in that science will be evaluated for completeness, competence and accuracy. It is possible that formal peer review will follow the preparation of the final documents. SEI will not administer such final review.

Will the panel vote on issues?
The panel will probably not vote on any issue. An important part of the process is the open discussion of materials and data. Where the panel's opinion is sought, for instance on the adequacy of data, the panel may either respond collectively or (if they do not all agree) separately.

How will the panel deal with uncertainty and risk?
Scientific data always carry a level of uncertainty. An important function of the panel will be to provide an opinion on the levels of uncertainty associated with different data sets, and the potential risks that these uncertainties cause. However it is not the panel's role to determine whether these risks are acceptable.

What decisions will be made by the panel?
No management decisions will be made during the panel process. It will be a discussion of technical issues only. The panel will be instructed to limit their comments to scientific evaluation of data, models or theories.

Participation

Who can attend a panel meeting?
Although this is not a formal public process, it is SEI's intent that all interested parties should have the opportunity of attending the meetings. For planning purposes, it will be important for probable attendees to inform SEI of the fact.

What can we discuss at the meeting?
The purpose of these meetings is to evaluate scientific material. SEI staff will prepare and circulate materials prior to the meeting, and will guide discussion at the meeting itself. Panelists, staffers, and others have all been instructed to avoid discussion of policy or decision-making. These will not be the basis of any formal discussions at the meetings. We ask that attendees respect the goal of the process, which is focused solely on the technical issues; other forums will allow public comment on economics, forest plans etc.

Can we present technical material?
Parties interested in presenting technical information are encouraged to contact SEI staff prior to the panel meetings, so that we can determine how to incorporate appropriate discussion. There will be ample time at each meeting for relevant material to be discussed.

Can I submit written comments?
This is not a formal government process. SEI has no role in determining what will happen regarding listing under ESA. Those persons interested in submitting comments on policy should send them to the Service, at the appropriate time. Technical comments will be welcomed by SEI up until the report is finalized.

How can I remain informed of the process?
SEI will maintain a list of interested parties and contact them with project updates, including the place and time of upcoming meetings. SEI will also prepare minutes from each meeting and circulate them. SEI has developed this website where minutes, background materials, announcements and other documents will be posted.