The Human Dimensions Branch of the National Wildlife Refuge System recently launched a website for wildlife management professionals to provide access to tools and resources that assist in understanding the “human dimensions” of resource management decisions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Resource Portal is part of the Human Dimensions website known as HDgov. This multi-agency project provides interactive information for resource management professionals and social scientists to support their conservation efforts. The FWS Resource Portal provides an interactive search tool to help guide the user to resources of interest. Additionally, the site offers a one-stop-shop for agency-specific trainings, podcasts, webinars and
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On March 2, at a press conference at the National Press Club, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources released their recommendations on providing dedicated funding for conservation and to increase the relevancy of conservation to the public. The panel determined that dedicating $1.3 billion annually from revenues from energy and mineral development on federal lands and waters to state fish and wildlife agencies through the currently unfunded Wildlife Conservation Restoration program could help address conservation needs for thousands of species. Panel members are presenting the recommendation to members of Congress with the intention of
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The American Woodcock Society (AWS) and Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) are asking hunters training dogs this spring, bird watchers and outdoorsmen/women to participate in the National American Woodcock Migration Mapping System, an online tool to track the spring and fall migrations of the American woodcock. Woodcock enthusiasts are encouraged to enter their woodcock sightings and activity reports through April 30, 2016. “This mapping is provided to display the progress of American woodcock migration so that dog trainers and birders have an idea when the birds should be in their area and they in turn provide their own reports that benefit
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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service recently announced the investment of $7 million in 11 new projects and $33 million in existing projects through the national Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership. Going into the third and final year of the agreement, the West Virginia Restoration Venture (WVRV) will receive $2.7 million. Under this Venture the West Virginia NRCS will receive $ 1.8 million and the Monongahela National Forest will receive $900,000 to continue to improve the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems where public and private lands meet. Raymond Phares is no stranger to the
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The 693-acre Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area (HCC SNA) is a breathtaking haven for wildlife with ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. Time spent visiting the pastoral cove, trekking the miles of hiking trails, or fishing cold trout streams will be well spent. Check out these recent updates from the cove! Golden-winged Warbler Habitat Restoration Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area is one of only three state natural areas in the Blue Ridge province of Tennessee and is home to one of the largest breeding populations of Golden-winged Warblers (GWWA) in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Golden-winged Warbler is a
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Gov. Nathan Deal recognized three corporate forest landowners today for their stewardship and land management practices benefiting Georgia’s wildlife. Plum Creek, Georgia Power and CatchMark Timber Trust were honored by Gov. Deal as 2015 partners in the Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, a program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Forestry for Wildlife Partnership is a voluntary program that promotes sustainable forest and wildlife conservation in corporate forestry practices. Partners select and tailor guidelines to improve management for reforestation, harvesting techniques, recreation, sensitive sites and outreach. Representatives were recognized in a brief ceremony Wednesday at the
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