Policy Statements » Letters from the President:
ESA Letter Plans to Close the Conservation Research Center
April 20, 2001
Secretary Lawrence M. Small
Smithsonian Institution
100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20560
Dear Secretary Small:
On behalf of the 8,000 ecological scientists who are members of the Ecological Society of America, I urge you to reconsider your intention to close the Smithsonian's Conservation and Research Center. We believe moving forward with this proposal would result in a tremendous loss, both to the National Zoo, as well as to vital scientific advances in conservation.
CRC's combination of facilities, animals, 3,200-acre open landscape, and experienced faculty and staff have a long history of excellence. The multidisciplinary work conducted for the past quarter century at this first-class center has advanced global understanding and conservation of species, such as the black-footed ferret. CRC partnerships with scientists around the world have focused on research ranging from molecular genetics, conservation biology, animal behavior, and field ecology. In addition, CRC has been a training ground for veterinarians, research scientists, college students, and K-12 teachers, students and their parents.
It is our understanding that you plan to make the Smithsonian's exhibitions a higher priority. We certainly appreciate the importance of public outreach. However, the quality of the Smithsonian Institution's public education is only as good as the research underlying it. The Institution's stellar reputation has been built on the foundation of science. To emphasize outreach while pulling back on a solid commitment to scientific research would be a grave mistake.
CRC is viewed as an international leader in conservation research, training and education programs. The research and conservation work conducted there can not be duplicated on the already limited space available at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. We ask that you reconsider your plans to close down the Conservation and Research Center.
Sincerely,
Stephen R. Carpenter, President
Dennis O'Connor, Undersecretary for Science
cc: Smithsonian Board of Regents
Lucy Spelman, National Zoo Director
