Simon Fraser University
REM


Murray Rutherford

Associate Professor
Water
B.Sc. (Geology, University of British Columbia)
LL.B. (University of British Columbia)
M.R.M. (Simon Fraser University)
M.Phil. (Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University)
Ph.D. (Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University)

Dr. Murray Rutherford is a policy scientist whose research focuses on the human dimensions of environmental policy and planning, and particularly on the values, perspectives, and institutions that shape and govern our relationships with the environment. He uses qualitative and quantitative methods to examine conservation problems and evaluate policy-making processes and outcomes. He has studied ecosystem-based management, carnivore conservation policy, water planning, environmental impact assessment, and human values and attitudes toward nature and the conservation of biological diversity.

Recent publications and reports include:

  • Rutherford, M.B., M.L. Gibeau, S.G. Clark, and E.C. Chamberlain. 2009. “Interdisciplinary problem solving workshops for grizzly bear conservation in Banff National Park, Canada.” Policy Sciences
    42: 163-187.
  • Rutherford, M.B. 2009. Impact Assessment under British Columbia’s Environmental Impact Assessment Act. Pp. 298-317 in K.S. Hanna (ed.) Environmental Impact Assessment: Practice and Participation. Second edition. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.
  • Holt, C.A., M.B. Rutherford, and R.M. Peterman. 2008. International cooperation among nation-states of the North Pacific Ocean on the problem of competition among salmon for a common pool of prey resources. Marine Policy 32: 607-617.
  • Galbraith, L., B. Bradshaw, and M.B. Rutherford. 2007. “Towards a new supraregulatory approach to environmental assessment in northern Canada.” Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 25(1): 27-41.
  • Browne, S.A., M.B. Rutherford, and T.I. Gunton. 2006. “Incorporating shared decision making in forest management planning: An evaluation of Ontario¹s Resource Stewardship Agreement process.” Environments 34(3): 39-56.
  • MacNab, J.A., M.B. Rutherford, and T.I. Gunton. 2006. “Evaluating Canada’s Accord for the Prohibition of Bulk-Water Removal from Drainage Basins: Will it hold water?” Environments 34(3): 57-76.
  • Mattson, D.J., K.L. Byrd, M.B. Rutherford, S.R. Brown and T.W. Clark. 2006. “Finding common ground in large carnivore conservation: Mapping contending perspectives.” Environmental Science and Policy 9(4): 392-405.
  • Clark, T.W., M.B. Rutherford, and D. Casey (eds.). (2005). “Coexisting with Large Carnivores: Lessons from Greater Yellowstone.” Washington, D.C: Island Press. 290 pp.
  • McLaughlin, G., S. Primm, and M.B. Rutherford. 2005. “Participatory projects for coexistence: Rebuilding civil society.” In T.W. Clark, M.B. Rutherford, and D. Casey (eds.). Coexisting with Large Carnivores: Lessons from Greater Yellowstone. Washington, D.C: Island Press, pp. 177-210.
  • Rutherford, M.B., and T.W. Clark. 2005. “Coexisting with large carnivores: Lessons from Greater Yellowstone.” In T.W. Clark, M.B. Rutherford, and D. Casey (eds.). Coexisting with Large Carnivores: Lessons from Greater Yellowstone.” Washington, D.C: Island Press, pp. 254-270.
  • Clark, T.W., M.J. Stevenson, K.Ziegelmayer, and M.B. Rutherford (eds.). 2001. “Species and Ecosystem Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach.” Bulletin 105, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, Connecticut.
  • Rutherford, M.B., J. Knetsch, and T. Brown. 1998. “Assessing environmental losses: Judgments of importance and damage schedules.” Harvard Environmental Law Review 22(1): 51-101.

Dr. Rutherford is currently working on several studies of human values and attitudes about species and ecosystems at risk in North America. He is also involved in research examining interdisciplinary problem solving, water management policy, and community forestry.

Prior to undertaking his graduate studies in environmental policy, Dr. Rutherford was a partner with a major law firm in Vancouver. He has served on the Executive Council of the Society of Policy Scientists and is a book review editor for the journal Policy Sciences. He is also a member of the Law Society of British Columbia (currently non-practicing), the Planning Institute of British Columbia, and the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Dr. Rutherford teaches Law and Resources (REM 641), Public Policy Analysis and Administration (REM 644), Water Planning and Management (REM 655), and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (REM 646).