The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) Blue Ribbon Panel on the Future of Fish and Wildlife recommended state fish and wildlife agencies identify ways to increase their relevancy to America’s changing society. One way for agencies to become more relevant is to ensure they are fulfilling their public trust responsibilities for all species and all citizens in ways that are consistent with modern expectations for good governance. Wildlife Governance Principles provide a concise framework state agencies can use to accomplish this goal. The principles were developed through a collaborative process led by Dr. Dan Decker of Cornell University with participation from wildlife conservation practitioners from agencies, NGOs, and academia. Increasing alignment with the principles is expected to make state agencies more effective and relevant to our changing society.

As reported in June, WMI was awarded a Multi-State Conservation Grant in 2017 to hold training sessions to familiarize agencies with the principles, the self-assessment tool, and other ways to improve alignment with the principles. The first session was held in Estes Park, CO from May 22 – 24.

The second training session was recently completed in Potosi, MO. Participants came from the Missouri Department of Conservation, Indiana Division of Wildlife, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Missouri staff included the head of their Forestry and Law Enforcement Divisions, who brought new perspectives to the discussion. WMI Western Field Representative Chris Smith who helped develop the governance principles and training said, “Feedback from the participants showed that the principles are just as relevant to forest management and law enforcement as they are to fish and wildlife management.”