Rules governing the Pinelands National Reserve (PNR) are being significantly amended to improve management of the Pine Barrens forests for ecological and economic purposes. PNR is the largest area of contiguous open space on the Mid-Atlantic seaboard between Richmond and Boston. Congress established it in 1978 as the nation's first national reserve. Reinforced in 1979 with the state's creation of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission (Commission), the 1.1 million-acre PNR is protected in perpetuity and is widely acknowledged as a national treasure.

As part of an effort to get families outdoors, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is compiling a mosaic of digital images showing people enjoying nature in their backyards, local parks and nearby wild places, such as a national wildlife refuge.

As backwards as it may seem (and is), the Transactions of the 74^th (2009) North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference has been released, whereas the 73^rd (2008) Transactions has been delayed and may not be available for another month or two.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently opened continuous enrollment opportunities for the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), according to the Wildlife Management Institute.

In July, the U.S. House of Representatives made progress on two bills that will impact migratory bird conservation.? On July 16, the House passed the Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation Act by a vote of 400-0.? Then on July 29 by a vote of 26 to 16, the House Natural Resources Committee passed a bill that would increase the price of the Federal Duck Stamp, but not without facing opposition by the panel's minority members.?

On July 31, shortly before leaving for its August recess, the Senate confirmed Sam Hamilton as the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) by unanimous consent, reports the Wildlife Management Institute.? President Obama nominated Hamilton in early June and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a confirmation hearing on July 22.?