June 2024

The Wildlife Management Institute and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) have initiated a new partnership to work cooperatively on landscape-level conservation throughout the western states. While the formal agreement is for six years, partners recognize that landscape conservation is more of a journey rather than a destination, and long-term dedication to ecosystem approaches are necessary to have lasting conservation impacts. To lead the landscape conservation work in this unique partnership, WMI has hired Jen Newmark, formerly with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Jen has extensive conservation experience across a breadth of species and landscapes and is both well-known and well-regarded by her western peers. This work is initially being supported through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Science Applications Program.

Earlier this year, I embarked on a transformative project on my property: the clearcutting of approximately 40 acres of loblolly pines. This decision was not taken lightly. However, it is a vital step toward restoring the native longleaf pines, an ecosystem rich in biodiversity and historical significance. The revenue generated from this timber harvest will be reinvested into the land, facilitating its restoration and management for both wildlife conservation and sustainable wood and fiber production. Our project underscores the importance of collaborative conservation efforts on private lands, ensuring that working lands remain productive while supporting native wildlife.

An Iowa company is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the federal government’s so-called “swampbuster law” that requires farmers to either leave wetlands untouched or forfeit certain federal benefits.

Some of my more personally revealing reflections occur while meandering through the woods or out in nature while running my dog or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. I had a moment of reflection the other day that inspired me to include it here. I was standing on the edge of a large wetland area and as I saw a pair of ducks wrestling their way through thick cattails, I felt great excitement and anticipation at the prospect they were potentially canvasbacks. However, upon the realization they were “just” northern shovelers, I experienced a little disappointment and was let down. Two species, both ducks, vastly different in their coloration and profile, yet I wanted so badly for them to be one species that I was seriously disappointed when they turned out to be a completely different species and that’s where the reflection began.

Have you ever been involved in a poaching incident? We need your help!

The Boone and Crockett Club and Wildlife Management Institute are conducting a nationwide study on the illegal take of big game wildlife species (deer, black bear, brown bear, elk, turkey, moose, pronghorn, caribou, mountain goat, wild sheep, cougar, or other big game species) to determine the motivations and frequency of the illegal take of wildlife in the U.S.