By Jamie Martin
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new USDA effort focused on enhancing wildlife habitat connectivity through the management of National Forests and private agricultural lands. This initiative emphasizes coordination across USDA programs, including those from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Forest Service (FS), and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Under this plan, USDA will integrate wildlife habitat considerations into its planning processes, aiming for better outcomes for terrestrial wildlife connectivity. Key actions include increasing coordination with state, tribal, and federal partners, and improving program delivery.
Robert Bonnie, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, highlighted the role of U.S. farmers, ranchers, and forest owners in providing connected habitats for diverse wildlife species. These include sage grouse, elk, and bobwhite.
Through voluntary conservation, landowners can participate in creating a mosaic of habitats that support ecological diversity and sustainability.
Dr. Homer Wilkes, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the critical habitats national forests and grasslands provide. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between public and private lands for wildlife movement.
The USDA’s efforts also encompass initiatives like the Migratory Big Game Initiative and improvements to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to enhance tribal access to conservation resources. Further, investments in non-lethal wildlife management tools and partnerships for invasive species management highlight USDA’s comprehensive approach to sustaining America’s ecological and economic health.
This strategic effort reflects a broad commitment to conserving wildlife corridors and habitats, leveraging federal, state, and tribal cooperation to ensure the sustainability of America’s natural resources.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National