To put it simply, they are the movers and shakers behind conservation action in North America. And they came together for two days at the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
From elk to wild sheep, ducks to mule deer and beyond, the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) is a consortium of 50 organizations that represent the interests of millions of America’s hunters, professional wildlife and natural resource managers, wildlife scientists and researchers, conservation educators and those who cherish the outdoors. Though each individual organization has its own goals, members come together as a collective AWCP force in support of conservation priorities for the greater good.
The primary business for this meeting was to set policy priorities for the next presidential administration and Congress. The consensus policy is contained in the Wildlife in the 21st Century document (W21).
“RMEF plays a leading role, serving on the AWCP steering committee, and led the chapter in W21 on Migrations policy,” said Ryan Bronson, RMEF director of governmental affairs. “RMEF policy priorities have been adopted throughout the W21, including access, farm bill, active forest management and Endangered Species Act reforms.”
During one of many presentations, Bronson spoke of future RMEF priorities including making migration corridor programs permanent by establishing an authorization for Secretarial Order 3362 and expanding it to the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture. He also mentioned a recommendation to establish a permanent highway crossing program by increasing state and wildlife agencies’ participation in the planning process.
AWCP maintains the adoption of its recommendations by the next administration will improve federal agencies’ stewardship of the nation’s fish, wildlife, habitat and landscapes.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)
