Methods and considerations for writing science syntheses for use in decision making on public lands

Abstract

Natural resource managers are required by multiple laws to use science to inform decisions on public lands in the United States. However, large numbers of science papers about conservation and management of natural resources are published annually, increasing the amount of effort required to maintain awareness of the best available science on relevant topics. As a result, products that synthesize large bodies of science can be a key tool for communicating science to natural resource managers. This report provides guidance for writing synthesis products for resource managers. Core topics and steps include coproducing syntheses with managers, scoping topics relevant to management actions and potentially affected resources, using reproducible literature search and screening methods, extracting and synthesizing multiple types of management-relevant information from science papers, organizing the synthesis product according to decision-making processes, soliciting peer and end-user review, and planning dissemination activities tailored to resource managers. Considering these topics and steps in developing science synthesis products can facilitate natural resource managers’ ability to use science in decision making and help bridge the gap between research and public land management.