Steven Courtney

Steven Courtney is a British biologist and environmental policy expert. He has published extensively on bird and insect ecology, and on animal behavior. He has pioneered the use of independent scientific review as a way to solve environmental disputes.^[1][2]

Courtney's scientific research concerns the ecology and evolution of behavior. The 'hierarchy-threshold' model of diet choice,^[3] has been useful in understanding how animals (particularly insects) make decisions about resource use. Previously Director of Science at RESOLVE, he is currently Principal Scientist at WEST and an Associate at NCEAS.

His programs include conservation planning for threatened and endangered species, as well as large scale ecosystem management plans. He has also led several investigations into scientific integrity. Beginning in 1997, Courtney led scientific teams that established scientific consensus in the Headwaters Forest controversy, ultimately leading to the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan that brought peaceful resolution to many years of confrontation.

In 2004 Courtney led a team that summarized all scientific information regarding the northern spotted owl.^[4] This scientific synthesis altered the tenor of the debate over this iconic species, contributing to a recognition that fire and invasion by the barred owl were just as important threats as timber harvest.^[5] This scientific panel recommended the development of the first Recovery Plan to be finalized for the species. However the federal planning process was marred with controversy and accusations of political interference, leading to Courtney's recall to provide transparent and independent scientific evaluations.^[6] Ultimately the panel recommended significant changes,^[7] which led to a final Recovery Plan, and the current conservation strategy which distinguishes between fire-prone east-side forests and moister west-side forests. The shooting of barred owls to save spotted owls remains controversial.^[8]

Courtney has also provided independent scientific evaluations for other controversial issues, such as management of marbled murrelet,^[9][10] sage grouse, the Everglades,^[11] and several large North American river systems.^[12][13] He has also led teams investigating allegations of scientific misconduct.^[14][15] In 2014 he led a team of scientists that evaluated the genetics and taxonomic analysis underlying the proposed removal of ESA protections from the wolf. The panel unanimously concluded that the science used was not the best available, a finding that fueled the ongoing controversy over management of the species ^[16]

In 2000, Courtney survived the crash of Singapore Airlines flight 006.^[17][18] He was recognized with a Red Cross Good Samaritan award for rescue of other passengers.^[19]

References

1. "Independent Science Review in Natural Resource Management: Evaluation’s Role in Knowledge Use" (PDF).
2. "EVALUATION OF SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING PREBLE’S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE" (PDF).
3. "A general model for individual host selection".
4. "Scientific Evaluation of the status of the Northern Spotted Owl" (PDF).
5. "The invasion of barred owls and its potential effect on the spotted owl: a conservation conundrum" (PDF).
6. "Bush calls for review of Spotted Owl plan".
7. "Scientific Review of the Draft Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Plan and Reviewer Comments]" (PDF).
8. "Shooting one owl to save another]".
9. "Efficacy of Audiovisual and Radar Surveys for Studying Marbled Murrelets in Inland Habitats".
10. "Managing Second-Growth Forests in the Redwood Region for Accelerated Development of Marbled Murrelet Nesting Habitat" (PDF).
11. "Everglades Multi-Species Avian Ecology And Restoration Review ]" (PDF).
12. "Panel Review of Restoration on the San Acacia Reach, Rio Grande".
13. "Science Review of Testimony in the Delta Smelt Cases Summary Report]" (PDF).
14. "Science Review of Testimony in the Delta Smelt Cases Summary Report]" (PDF).
15. "Investigation clears US interior-department staff of misconduct ]".
16. "Science Behind Plan to Ease Wolf Protection Is Flawed, Panel Says]".
17. "Singapore Airlines Jet Crashes at Taipei Airport ]".
18. "Singapore Airlines plane bound for L.A. in flames after hitting runway ]".
19. "Passenger took control as cabin staff panicked ]".