Successful sage-grouse management can be best accomplished through habitat conservation at the landscape-level but with understanding of specific habitat variables at the local level that cannot be mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) programs. The study, conducted by Kevin Doherty, formerly with the National Audubon Society in Laramie Wyoming, along with David Naugle and Brett Walker of the University of Montana, is published in this month's Journal of Wildlife Management.

On August 31, the Department of the Interior (DOI) released its proposed scientific integrity policy and is seeking comments until September 20, reports the Wildlife Management Institute. The policy was spurred by a March 2009 memo from President Obama directing agencies to develop such policies by working closely with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Following a successful workshop for state wildlife agency employees earlier this year, the Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow (CLfT) program will host three workshops in 2010-11 for nonhunting, federal and state natural resource management personnel in communication, administration and management positions. CLfT is a joint program of the Wildlife Management Institute and the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. It was initiated in 2004, to provide university Juniors, Seniors and graduate students in natural resource degree programs with an understanding of hunting in relation to conservation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced on September 8 that it was releasing $2 million in funding for fourteen projects that will support the efforts of their Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) throughout the country, reports the Wildlife Management Institute.

The newly announced Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (Council) will hold its first meeting on October 4 and 5, in Washington, D.C. The Council is comprised of 18 members who represent some of the most notable national conservation organizations in the country. The Council will provide advice to the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture related to recreational hunting and shooting and wildlife conservation on federal and private lands.

Natural resource managers can now access a comprehensive clearing-house of information resources crucial to improving hunter access, landowner relations, and wildlife stewardship on private lands, reports the Wildlife Management Institute. Combining years of exhaustive research with the expertise of numerous partnering organizations, the North American Hunting Heritage Action Plan (HHAP) Website offers a comprehensive compendium of legal information and documentation to assist administrators protect and enhance North America's hunting heritage.

Last April, the Obama Administration established the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, with a focus of identifying "how sporting activities can help Americans connect with and learn about the sporting community's stewardship and restoration of outdoor resources." The President called on a number of federal agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, to lead the effort. Since then, a number of listening sessions have been held around the country to gather input and ideas.