In the face of truly epic challenges to birds, habitat, and human health, 91做厙 has its sights set on large-scale conservation that ties together and complements local, on-the-ground efforts. Thats why 91做厙 is committed to building powerful partnerships. We cant imagine a more potent partner than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. So heres the big news: As the USFWS moves toward using charismatic species as one of the most critical organizing principles for its work, 91做厙s new strategic plan fits nicely into the broadest vision for conservation in America.
In fact, 91做厙s core-habitat strategy, pioneered to protect greater sage-grouse and the sagebrush ecosystem, is one of the most important models being considered by the USFWS. Our Central Flyway work has already protected 15 million acres in the U.S. West and helped steer energy development to areas where impacts on birds are minimal.
Its a simple concept: 1) identify priority birds at conservation risk; 2) do whats needed to protect the habitat most critical for that species; and 3) in the process, preserve an ecosystem along with its values and importance for people. This fall that approach will be the focus of a forum of conservation leaders 91做厙 is hosting in collaboration with the USFWS as well as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The goal is to expand the approach to other imperiled species and habitat across the country.
For example, the disappearance of native woodlands along western rivers has made the western yellow-billed cuckoo a candidate for the endangered species list. But by focusing conservation on the remaining large tracts of cottonwoods and willows, we can help save the species and protect other wildlife in the region.
In the East, mountaintop mining and other development have ravaged forests where cerulean warblers breed, triggering decades of population declines. By identifying the placesthe Important Bird Areasmost critical to this tiny bird, we can map its future.
Weve proposed eight focal species, spanning the Western Hemispheres four flyways, to the USFWS. Each is an effective environmental barometer and ambassador for protection of its habitat; each has potential on a broad scale of landscape, backed by strong data to guide conservation; and each can focus and galvanize meaningful action.
The USFWSs response to our list of species was enthusiastic. The agencys director, Dan Ashe, said this in a letter to me: I see great potential in cooperating with 91做厙 to develop common species-based objectives and to work together to ensure landscape-scale conservation is achieved.
Im grateful to the USFWS for this opportunity to help shape what I believe can be a game-changing approach to conservation.
