Media Advisory: Energy, Business and Conservation Leaders to Announce Strategy to Prevent Endangered Species Crisis

Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources

MEDIA ADVISORY

Energy, Business and Conservation Leaders to Announce Strategy to Prevent Endangered Species Crisis

Press Conference at National Press Club on March 2 at 3:00 pm EST

Contact:         Jodi Stemler (703) 915-1386

                        Patricia Allen (202) 838-3461

A group of energy, business and conservation leaders will release their recommendations on how to avert the growing fish and wildlife crisis in this country. The number of species petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act has increased by 1,000 percent in less than a decade. In addition, over 12,000 species have been identified by states as species in greatest conservation need. The recommendations to be released on March 2 represent the vision of a diverse group of 26 conservation and business leaders and focus on how to proactively manage species to reduce taxpayer costs and the regulatory red tape that comes when species are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources was created in 2014 to develop policy options on the most sustainable and equitable model to fund conservation of the full array of fish and wildlife species. The panel was co-chaired by former Wyoming governor, David Freudenthal, and John L. Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops and includes representatives from the outdoor recreation retail and manufacturing sector, the energy and automotive industries, private landowners, educational institutions, conservation organizations, sportsmen’s groups and state fish and wildlife agencies.

Who:      Dave Chanda, Director of the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies       

David Freudenthal, Former Governor State of Wyoming; Senior Counsel, Crowell and Moring

John Morris, Founder Bass Pro Shops (Invited)

Jeff Crane, President Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation

When:    Wednesday March 2, 2016 at 3:00 pm EST

Where: National Press Club, Murrow/White/Lisagor Room 13^th Floor

Dial In: 800-768-2950

RSVP:   detail1@fishwildlife.org

Don't Get Lost Without your Roadmap: A Webinar on Strategic Planning for Fish & Wildlife Agencies

A Timmons Group Webinar Series

In the world of Fish and Wildlife agencies, customers expect mobile solutions and the ability to interact with data from agencies anywhere and at any time.  This webinar will present case studies to show what organizations are doing well related to data management, mobile solutions for the public, and use of technology solutions to better support internal operations, create efficiency and growth.
Lowell will focus on building an effective RoadMap with an emphasis on organizations who are looking to provide better efficiencies inside their organizations and better services to their clients. Lowell will emphasize the importance of prioritizing business strategies, advise on the best practice techniques for improvement, and share how to increase internal efficiencies while improving outreach and education.

About the Presenter
Lowell has 23 years of experience and is a recognized leader in the integration of geospatial and traditional information technologies and GIS Strategic Planning. Timmons Group’s technology and geospatial division has years of strategic planning and data/application development experience.

When:
Thursday, February 25th
2-3pm EST

Presented by:
Lowell Ballard
Director of Geospatial Technology

Hosted by:
Sarah Dennis, GISP
Geospatial Client Manager

Click HERE to Register TODAY!!

ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION 101 WORKSHOP - April 26-28, 2016 – CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

The workshop is designed to train state fish and wildlife agency and federal agency personnel who are involved in the review and permitting of electric transmission line projects.  The workshop provides the opportunity for state and federal agency staff to meet members of the electric utility industry and gain an understanding of the planning and design process for electric transmission. 

The objectives of the workshop are to: 

• Inform agency personnel about the electric transmission planning and design process
• Help agency personnel understand how to effectively integrate into the electric transmission planning, design and permitting process  
• Facilitate communication with industry and the permitting authorities to design these projects to avoid and minimize impacts to fish and wildlife resources 

The training course is based on the Electric Systems Short Course developed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The instructors will include staff from EEI, Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC), Duke Energy, North Carolina Wildlife Commission and FWS Region 4 personnel.   

Where: Duke Energy Environmental Center in Huntersville, NC (just north of Charlotte)

When: April 26-28, 2016 (includes field trip to electrical transmission line rights-of way

Lodging: Country Inn and Suites Lake Norman, Huntersville, NC (704-895-6565), with a room rate of $89.00/night for April 25^th-29^th. 

Note: Make reservations BEFORE April 4th 

Food: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch will be provided all three days as well as a welcome dinner on Tuesday night.

Cost: $75 for state and federal employees and $100.00 for industry and non-governmental organizations.
Registration OPEN now until April 18th.  Click here to register.

Limit: 50 participants
Check out the Flyer here.

Travel assistance is available from AFWA for a limited number of state fish and wildlife agency personnel.  This would include airfare, hotel, per diem and registration.  Please contact Kathy Boydston (kboydston@fishwildlife.org 512-389-8522) as soon as possible if you require travel assistance. 

Pipeline Workshop - North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference

Onshore Oil and Gas Subcommittee -March 16th, 1-5 pm, Pittsburgh, PA

This is a four hour workshop during the Onshore Oil, Gas and Mineral Subcommittee.  This workshop will provide a forum for federal and state agencies, the industry and conservation organizations to discuss the pipeline permitting process at the federal and state level.  Attendees will be involved in the discussion of current permitting processes, best management practices and will be able to engage with the pipeline industry to better understand their development and permitting process and how to work together more effectively to minimize the impacts of pipelines on fish and wildlife resources. 

Speakers are from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Williams Energy, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy and Integrated Vegetation Management Partners.

The conference hotel is the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh; 

Attendees will need to register at the one day conference rate- you can register here. 

There is some limited travel support for state fish and wildlife agencies to attend this workshop, please contact Kathy Boydston with AFWA (kboydston@fishwildlife.org  512-389-8522).  If you have questions regarding the workshop, please contact Kathy.  

Press Release- Regional Conservation Partnership Program Pools Together $220 Million Investment from USDA, up to $500 Million from Local Partnership to Improve Water Quality, Soil Health, Habitat and More

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) applauds today’s $720 million funding announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack on the second round of Regional Conservation Partnership Programs (RCPP). The RCPP was created by the 2014 Farm Bill to support partnership-driven, innovative conservation projects on farms, ranches and private forest land.

“I’d like to thank USDA Secretary Vilsack and Chief Jason Weller of the Natural Resources Conservation Service for their continuing support of fish and wildlife conservation projects and partnerships that are important to and priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies across the country,” stated AFWA Executive Director Ron Regan. “RCPP is one of many examples of successful collaborative conservation that keeps our lands working for our nation’s fish and wildlife, and all Americans while reducing regulatory threats and risks, providing national food security, and keeping the rural economy humming.”

The 84 projects selected for 2016 included proposed partner matches totaling over $500 million, more than tripling the federal investment alone. These projec

ts will help communities improve water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agriculture viability. The Association is pleased to see that five of the selected 2016 projects list state fish and wildlife agencies as the lead partners. Twenty-five percent of awarded funds focus on fish and wildlife habitats as the primary resource concern and address a variety of priority species including the greater sage-grouse, monarch butterfly, lesser prairie-chicken, and golden cheeked warbler.

The USDA is committed to invest $1.2 billion in RCPP partnerships over the life of the 2014 Farm Bill. Today’s announcement brings the current USDA commitment to almost $600 million for conservation activities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

> Read the USDA’s RCCP announcement
> Learn more about AFWA’s Agricultural Conservation Focus Area

> Check out our press release online.

Webinar (recorded): Applying Diversity Best Practices to Conservation Education

We invite you to watch this recorded Conservation Education Strategy's monthly webinar that explores diversity within our agencies and the public that attend our outreach events.

David Buggs, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer with Texas Parks and Wildlife will be our guest presenter.

Click here to view the webinar. 

Webinar: Bsal Rulemaking and Permitting Q&A Session #1

This is the FIRST of three Q&A webinars sponsored by Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) to address a) the recent USFWS rulemaking listing salamanders as injurious in the Lacey Act, b) potential impacts to existing research and conservation efforts from the rulemaking, and c) permitting requirements and compliance. Two or more USFWS representatives from the branches involved in the rulemaking and in the permitting, or in law enforcement, will be on the line to answer questions directly.

Rescheduled Date: Feb 8th
Time: 2PM ET
Duration: 2 hours
Register HERE!

Webinar- Power of Empowerment

Register TODAY for Power of Empowerment (POE-101) Webinar

Date: February 11, 2016 from 1-2PM ET.

Course Fee: None

No matter your position, most organizational pressure to perform is self-imposed. It’s a result of being so busy being busy, not doing what you’re really supposed to do, or not understanding your role and responsibility. Learn the truth about your leadership weaknesses and the impact on your team and agency, and position yourself to change your thinking and behaviors.

Simply put, when you do your job better, you are in a better position to help your employees perform theirs better too.

At the end of this webinar, Participants will know the following:

Distinctions between delegate & empower

• Significance of TRUST
• Barriers to empowerment
• Benefits of empowerment
• Significance of empowerment leadership development

National Conservation Leadership Institute Fellowship Applications

The National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI) will begin accepting nominations for its eleventh Cohort on February 1st, 2016 from state fish and wildlife agencies and the conservation community nationwide. 

In today's rapidly evolving world, organizations face unprecedented challenges that demand professionals with extraordinary leadership skills. NCLI was designed by multiple conservation groups ten years ago to address that demand. Today numerous organizations realize the value of the program, sending employees year after year. Following the world-renowned principles of Adaptive Leadership™, NCLI helps high-achieving conservation professionals learn advanced, adaptive problem-solving skills; establish life-long, high-trust relationships across organizational boundaries; and foster meaningful dialogue among the diverse voices that collectively represent conservation in America.

We encourage you to submit up to three nominations from your agency to compete for one of 36 spaces in this world class leadership development program. Final selection is highly competitive so begin your internal recruitment now. 

As always, applicants to the NCLI must be nominated by their agency director. Nominations will be accepted February 1 until April 30, 2016. Please visit www.conservationleadership.org for further information on the nomination process, or contact Amanda Myers at 304.876.7797.

Staff Contact: Amanda Myers; amandam@matteam.org

Webinar: Bsal Rulemaking and Permitting Q&A Session #3

Mark your calendars! This is the last of three Q&A webinars sponsored by Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to address a) the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rulemaking listing salamanders as injurious in the Lacey Act, b) potential impacts to existing research and conservation efforts from the rulemaking, and c) permitting requirements, and compliance.
Rescheduled Date: Feb 10
Time: 1 PM ET
Duration:2 hours
Register HERE!

Webinar: Bsal Rulemaking and Permitting Q&A Session #2

Mark your calendars! This is the second of three Q&A webinars sponsored by Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to address a) the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rulemaking listing salamanders as injurious in the Lacey Act, b) potential impacts to existing research and conservation efforts from the rulemaking, and c) permitting requirements, and compliance.

Rescheduled Date: Feb 9
Time: 1 PM ET
Duration:2 hours
Register HERE!

Jan. 22 Nomination Deadline This Week for Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources

Do you know individuals or organizations that are making a difference to increase understanding of climate impacts on natural resources and/or providing innovative approaches to reducing impacts, improving response capabilities, and increasing resilience in a changing climate?


Nominate them for the new Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources and help us recognize their outstanding efforts to increase awareness and safeguard U.S. natural resources from climate change.

The deadline to submit nominations is January 22, 2016. Learn more at www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/award.

The Climate Adaption Leadership Award is sponsored by the National Fish, Wildlife and Plant Climate Adaptation Strategy in partnership with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Forest Service, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Hurry Hurry!

Teaming with Wildlife Fly-in and Release of the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations

SAVE THE DATE
March 1-2, 2016
Washington, DC

Association Applauds Greater Sage-Grouse Decision

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, speaking for its 50 state fish and wildlife agency members, territories and provinces, today congratulates U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for the federal government's decision not to list the Greater sage-grouse as a threatened or endangered bird under the Endangered Species Act. The Greater sage-grouse lives in 11 of the Western states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and has a range reaching across 257,000 square miles, including two Canadian provinces. AFWA President Dave Chanda, Director, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, wishes to express AFWA's members' gratitude for the states, the federal agencies, the ranchers and the energy industry leaders that came together to protect the sagebrush habitat and this iconic western bird. Chanda stated, "In this unprecedented collaboration between federal, state and local agencies, and the private sector, we have gained enormous experience in what we can accomplish on a landscape scale when we work together."

> Check out this and other news releases.

Environment Canada releases its new 2015 Migratory Game Bird Hunting e-Permit

On August 4, 2015, Environment Canada launched an improved e-Permitting system to allow the purchase of printable electronic Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Permits online. The e-Permit is available to hunters in Canada and the United States. On average, 17,225 U.S. hunters purchase the MGBH permit each year in Canada. The MGBH e-permitting system is available at the following web link: permis-permits.ec.gc.ca/en

The National Conservation Leadership Institute Announces the Fellows of Cohort 10

The National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI) is pleased to announce the 10th cohort of 36 Fellows for the 2015-2016 leadership development program. These conservation professionals will join the ranks of Fellows, now alumni, previously selected since 2006 from state agencies, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and companies working in the natural resources industry. NCLI Fellows have become widely regarded as future senior leaders who will help to build a conservation legacy for the next generation.

Dawn Anderson, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 

Scott Anderson, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission 

Peter Bangs, Alaska Department of Fish and Game  

Mandy Chadwick, Caterpillar, Inc.  

Steve Chadwick, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Karie Decker, Nebraska Department of Game and Fish 

Paul Dey, Wyoming Game and Fish Department 

Jennifer Doherty, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation  

Patricia Dorsey, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 

Billy Dukes, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Geofrey Eckerlin, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Guy Foulks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service    

Dan Garren, Idaho Department of Game and Fish

Christine Hall, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

Mandy Harling, National Wild Turkey Federation

Gerold Holden, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Alan Jenne, Nevada Department of Wildlife

William Labiosa, USGS Northwest Region

Michael Larson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Mike Livingston, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Eric Lobner, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources


Kristin Madden, New Mexico Game and Fish


Kirsten Mauritzson, Caterpillar, Inc.   

Michelle McClure, NOAA Fisheries

Craig McMullen, Arizona Game and Fish Department
 

Kara Meckley, NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation 

Adam Miller, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife


Brian Moyer, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries   

Louise Murgia, Society of American Foresters

Eben Paxton, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center 

Carole Stanko, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife

Catherine Phillips, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  

Stephen Shea, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Jason Sumners, Missouri Department of Conservation  

Matt Wagner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 

Ted Will, Georgia Department of Natural Resources 

The 36 Fellows of Cohort 10 will begin their intensive 8-month training experience at the National Conservation Training Center in October 2015. They will join an ever-growing network of more than 317 professionals who have come together from conservation organizations across the nation to further develop their leadership capacity through the NCLI experience. 

> To learn more about the NCLI, go to conservationleadership.org 

The Summer Issue of The AFWA Strategist- Now Online!

The Summer issue of The AFWA Strategist is now available! Articles include brief updates on re-authorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund; State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program FY16 Funding; ESA Petition Rule, information about two upcoming Blue Ribbon Plan Listening Sessions; details about FWA's upcoming Annual Meeting; and more.

> Download the Summer 2015 issue of the AFWA Strategist

AFWA's HQ office move

AFWA HQ is in a whirl of activity as we prepare to move to our new office starting tomorrow. Well, I guess that's what happens when you're boxing up 100+ years of Association history. We'll be back up and running on June 2nd!


Please note our new address:
1100 First Street NE
Suite 825
Washington, DC 20002

Phone: 202/838-3474
Fax: 202/350-9869 

Statement from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA’s Proposal on Endangered Species Petitions Regulations

The Association of Fish &  Wildlife Agencies applauds the intent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services) announcement today to increase engagement with state fish and wildlife agencies in formulating petitions to list species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).          

As part of the Services’ proposal, petitioners would be required to consult with state fish and wildlife agencies prior to filing ESA petitions. AFWA agrees with the Services that this action is consistent with the intent of the Endangered Species Act—that listing decisions be based on the best available science. 

The proposal acknowledges the states’ substantial experience, expertise and information relevant to the conservation of at-risk species. It also directs the Secretary of the Interior to account for the efforts being made by state agencies to protect species when considering listing petitions.

The Association also appreciates the Services’ recognition of the states’ jurisdiction and responsibility for managing and conserving freshwater fish, wildlife and plant species and respect for the states’ special conservation role and responsibilities. Pro-active conservation programs to keep imperiled species off the Endangered Species List are more successful and considerably less costly to American taxpayers than the “emergency room” approach that goes into effect under the ESA. 

AFWA encourages Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and the Services to continue to work closely with their state agency partners in the critical work ahead to conserve the great diversity of our nation’s fish, wildlife and plant species.


To read the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's official announcement, go to www.fws.gov.

Have you checked out AFWA's 2014 Annual Report yet?

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies released its 2014 Annual Report featuring cover photography by George Andrejko of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

As AFWA’s 2014-2015 President, Larry Voyles, shares in his welcome letter, “Every hour of every day, the greatest conservation system in the world is hard at work safeguarding North America’s precious fish and wildlife resources and their habitats.”

Throughout the pages in the report, the Association considers the gas, the grease and the heart that drive the intricate machine of fish and wildlife conservation on a continental and hemispheric scale across a tapestry of public and private lands.

The report also reflects AFWA’s four strategic goals to (1) advocate for sound conservation policies and legislation; (2) secure and sustain funding for conservation; (3) strengthen conservation partnerships; and (4) support members’ engagement within the Association. 

> Download and share a PDF version of AFWA's 2014 Annual Report