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Groups Launch Hunt-Fish-Vote Wyoming Website
New website an educational, voter resource for Wyoming’s hunters and anglers
(Cody, Wyo.)—Today, seven hunting and fishing conservation groups launched the website Hunt-Fish-Vote Wyoming, an educational, voter resource for Wyoming’s hunters and anglers. Supporting groups include Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, American Bear Foundation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Muley Fanatic Foundation, and Wyoming Trout Unlimited.
“Wyoming sportspeople are impacted by the outcomes of elections every legislative session,” said Joy Bannon, Executive Director with the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. “WWF believes it is important to have a well-informed populace, and we are excited to partner with other sporting organizations in this educational resource for Wyoming voters.”
The website features downloadable resources, including an informational guide on state and local positions, a candidate questionnaire, and information about Wyoming hunting and fishing community priorities.
“State and local officials make decisions every day that affect public access and habitat,” said Josh Metten, Wyoming field representative for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, who lives in Cody. “TRCP is proud to contribute to Hunt-Fish-Vote Wyoming, which will help Wyoming hunters and anglers educate themselves about elected officials and commit to vote in the 2024 primary and general elections.”
The website also features links to voter resources, such as how to register to vote and important election dates.
“Every candidate has their own perspective on issues important to hunters and anglers,” said Joshua Coursey, President of the Muley Fanatic Foundation. “We urge Wyoming sportspeople to educate themselves and vote in the primary and general elections.”
Wyoming’s primary election takes place on August 20, with the general election occurring on November 5.
Hunt-Fish-Vote Wyoming is an educational voting resource for Wyoming hunters and anglers. This platform will not be used to support, endorse, or oppose any candidate or political party. Candidates’ fitness for office should be judged on a variety of qualifications that go beyond their responses to the questionnaire.
Visit Hunt-Fish-Vote Wyoming to learn more.
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land and waters access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
ICAST Summit Focuses on Shark Depredation, Offshore Wind
During the annual sportfishing trade show, TRCP moderated two panels to inform attendees about high-profile saltwater fisheries conservation issues
TRCP hosts a conservation summit every year at ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, which is offered by the American Sportfishing Association. At last week’s 2024 summit in Orlando, Fla., we were once again fortunate to offer panels of industry experts and benefit from high attendance. This year, the two panels covered issues of top concern to saltwater anglers: an increase in shark depredation and the expansion of offshore wind farms. Below are highlights of each panel.
The Effects of Shark Depredation on Recreational Fisheries
Over the last several years, saltwater anglers have observed an increase in shark numbers and are reporting losing more sportfish to these predators than they had in the past. This shark depredation, which may occur prior to landing or just after release, causes damage to or total loss of targeted fish, bait, and tackle. The problem is prevalent throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast, with shark species like bull and sandbar sharks, the two leading species involved in depredation, taking sportfish like snapper, grouper, tuna, and mackerel and even gamefish like tarpon and billfish.
A concern of panelists was that anglers could learn to resent sharks if depredation is not addressed.
“We went from several years of not having any issues with sharks, to increases where we have an encounter here or there, to encounters every day, to aggressive encounters,” said panelist Jeffrey Liederman, an offshore fisherman and tackle specialist in southeast Florida.
A major theme that arose with the panel was the irony that decades of highly successful shark conservation efforts have resulted in more sharks in our oceans – which is one reason for more conflict with anglers today. Other reasons may include more anglers on the water, the commercial fishing industry not meeting its harvest quotas, and learned behavior of sharks that takes advantage of various angling methods. The panel recognized the growing popularity of sharks in our society as well as fishery managers’ concerns that anglers could learn to resent them if depredation is not addressed.
“The more depredation occurs, the more anglers develop a negative attitude toward sharks,” said Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Leonard, American Sportfishing Association. “I worry that we’re creating this large block of people who should be supporting marine conservation being against sharks.”
Other panelists offering key insights into this issue were Randy Blankinship, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Jessica McCawley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Because shark depredation has become one of the top concerns of both recreational and commercial fishers, earlier this year bipartisan legislation to help mitigate this potential threat to fisheries, related economies, and human safety passed in the House of Representatives by unanimous vote. The SHARKED Act (short for Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act), establishes requirements to address shark depredation with a focus on creating a task force made up of fisheries managers and shark experts.
Offshore Energy Development
Offshore wind farms are already becoming a part of the future of energy production in the United States, with more on the way. The federal government is ambitiously aiming to have enough offshore wind facilities in place to power 10 million homes by 2030, a target that may be unlikely but gives a clear indication that more structures are coming to America’s offshore waters.
Currently, nearly 200 offshore wind farms are planned, though only three – in Block Island Sound off Rhode Island – are currently operating. Additional farms have been approved or are expected in the Atlantic in the next decade or more. Wind lease sales also have commenced in the Gulf of Mexico and California is preparing for development as well. Besides the benefit of providing sustainable energy, the resulting wind farms could have both positive and negative impacts for anglers and coastal communities.
“I love to look at the Atlantic Ocean because there aren’t offshore structures there, but I love to fish in the Gulf because there are structures there,” said TRCP Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Macaluso.
Panelists discussed how fisheries managers need to ensure that the recreational fishing community is better engaged as wind farms are planned and built.
A theme that emerged during the panel discussion, as well as from audience comments, was that fisheries managers need to make sure that the recreational fishing community is better engaged as wind farms continue to be planned and built. Another was that we must find a balance between the need for sustainable energy and the desires of different stakeholders, including anglers, and that while offshore energy platforms often enhance fishing opportunities, much is unknown about how installing thousands of turbines could negatively affect marine habitat and fish behavior. All of these concerns were voiced by ASA Atlantic Fisheries Policy Director Mike Waine.
“The key is finding a coexistence to offshore energy and fishing,” agreed John Walter, NOAA deputy director for science and council services.
Anglers and recreational fishing, conservation, and advocacy organizations are trying to ensure that wind development does not have adverse impacts on fisheries populations, migration patterns, sensitive water-bottom habitats, and access to fishing opportunities. TRCP, ASA, and other conservation groups have been working to advance legislation called the RISEE Act (Reinvesting in America’s Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems), which would share a portion of all offshore wind royalties with hosting states.
“We’re trying to sort this out and make sure we’re doing it the right way,” said Anderson Tran, legislative counsel for Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA).
Thanks to Our Sponsors and Presenters
We want to extend our appreciation to the panelists and attendees of the 2023 summit. We also want to thank this year’s sponsors, without whom the summit wouldn’t have been possible:
- NOAA Fisheries
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
- American Sportfishing Association
Banner photo credit: Trey Spearman, courtesy of the MSU Marine Fisheries Ecology Program
Learn more about nature-based solutions to climate change through habitat conservation.
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land and waters access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
Nevada Volunteer Project Brings Water to Desert Bighorns
NV Energy, Nevada Department of Wildlife staff, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and conservation-minded volunteers constructed a water guzzler for desert bighorn sheep and other big game
To most, the rocky, arid country of western Nevada doesn’t look like it could support more than quail and lizards. When surveying the wide expanses baking in the sun, it seems that the limited moisture available is pulled immediately to the sky, never giving creatures a chance to sip a drink. But the animals of the desert know how to endure. Iconic big game species such as mule deer, pronghorn, and desert bighorn sheep still eke out a living in the increasingly drier regions. Thankfully, there are good people, organizations, and companies who are here to offer a helping hand.
This past spring, employees of NV Energy recently joined Nevada Department of Wildlife staff, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and other conservation-minded volunteers to construct a new guzzler in Churchill County for desert bighorn sheep.
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Water is the limiting factor for wildlife in much of Nevada, and guzzlers have become a critical habitat improvement in arid climates. Guzzlers are human-made rain or snow collection systems that store water in a reservoir for wildlife to drink during drought. Many have been funded and built in the same way as this Churchill County project – through volunteers and donations.
Watch the video below to see the construction of this year’s water guzzler.
Each year for the last three decades, NBU members coordinate with NDOW to build guzzlers or other infrastructure for wildlife during the cooler spring months. Ahead of project weekends, materials are secured and supplies are replenished to fully stock the tool and supply trailer before each project. Often, other sportsmen’s groups such as Fallon NBU, Midas NBU, Elko Bighorns, and others contribute funding and volunteers. These groups use funds raised at their annual banquets to pay for supplies, materials, equipment rental, and volunteer meals for the day.
This past year, NV Energy Foundation, as part of a grant awarded to TRCP for conservation work in Nevada, funded a portion of the cost of dinner for the crowd, and several NV Energy employees and their families participated in the volunteer day. As luck would have it, this project was also designated as a “Kids Guzzler Day” where youth could come and take part in educational sessions led by NDOW’s Conservation Education staff.
“I have been involved in wildlife conservation efforts in the past, but this was my first time helping on a guzzler build,” said Tony Gildone, NV Energy director of electric delivery operations, Northeast Region. “NBU has it down to a science. The whole effort was an amazing, well-oiled machine! I was also impressed with NDOW’s efforts to include the kids and provide a unique and wonderful educational opportunity for them. My son had a blast, and we will definitely be looking for opportunities to participate in the future.”
The day of the guzzler build saw an incredible turn out of nearly 250 volunteers. After a welcome and a safety talk from the NBU board, everyone headed out to the project. Thanks to the NDOW crews who were out days prior clearing roads and preparing the site with tanks totaling 20,000 gallons of storage and the self levelling drinker, the volunteers were able to step right in and complete the project by mid-afternoon.
“Guzzlers are the most personally satisfying conservation projects to complete,” said Carl Erquiaga, TRCP Nevada field representative and 37-year Fallon NBU director. “It’s amazing to think when you show up that day, there are stacks of various building materials on the ground. When you leave that afternoon, a guzzler is ready for rain and bighorn sheep or other wildlife.”
When the work was complete, most of the workers returned to camp to relax and reflect on the day before enjoying the dinner provided by NBU and NV Energy Foundation. There was also a small raffle held for the kids that were present.
NDOW’s water development program, with an annual budget of over $1.43 million, is 100% funded by these organizations’ donations, and the work is made possible by the hundreds of volunteers who offer time and labor to complete these projects. This funding is bolstered by the matched federal dollars through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, popularly known as the Pittman–Robertson Act, that was approved by Congress in 1937. The act provides funding for the selection, restoration, and improvement of wildlife habitat and for wildlife management research.
“I have been to many NBU dinners, but this is the first guzzler build I have participated in,” said Matt Gingerich, director of land resources at NV Energy. “It was awesome to see the money raised at those events in action. I especially liked the inclusion of the kids. I look forward to being part of another one.”
Photo Credit: Jason Salisbury
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation Organizations Applaud BLM’s Decision to Align Big Game Management with the State of Colorado
Final plan creates consistency between federal and state jurisdictions for oil and gas development within high priority big game habitat, sets the table to reduce impacts from renewable energy and recreation development
Today, the Colorado Bureau of Land Management published its Proposed Final Resource Management Plan Amendment for Big Game Habitat Conservation that aligns oil and gas management with State of Colorado big game conservation policies. Colorado BLM manages 8.3 million acres of land for multiple uses, such as oil and gas development, renewable energy development, ranching, and recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping, rafting, and hiking. A significant portion of these lands – approximately 6.3 million acres– is also high priority habitat for Colorado’s elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep populations.
“Consistency between federal and state oil and gas regulators is good business, and it’s good policy,” said Madeleine West, director of the Center for Public Lands with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The BLM’s programmatic approach to state-wide planning has proved an efficient and effective way to align with state regulation to conserve Colorado’s iconic big game species and other wildlife. The BLM is on the right track with this plan, and we encourage them to similarly consider conservation of big game in their future management decisions beyond oil and gas.”
“As ungulate herds face daunting challenges from an array of uses on Colorado’s public lands, it is vital that BLM take these additional management actions to address oil and gas siting and development and lessen the pace of fragmentation to crucial habitats,” said Suzanne O’Neill, Executive Director of the Colorado Wildlife Federation.
“Providing safeguards for crucial big game habitat by creating continuity and clarity between how the state of Colorado and the BLM manage these areas makes sense on numerous levels,” said Aaron Kindle, director of sporting advocacy at the National Wildlife Federation. “It is a welcome outcome that took years of hard work by sporting conservation partners and the agencies. We look forward to seeing improved outcomes for big game herds in Colorado.”
The State of Colorado has prioritized intact habitat and migration corridor conservation for many years, including through Governor Polis’s Executive Order D 2019 011 “Conserving Colorado’s Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors” and through promulgation of new guidelines at the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission in 2020. The ECMC protocols established clearer expectations for development of oil and gas resources in the most sensitive wildlife habitats in Colorado.
The proposed final plan would amend management plans for 12 field offices to set a density limitation for greater than one active oil and gas location per square mile in big game high priority habitat and would require operators to develop and implement mitigation plans to minimize and offset direct, indirect, and cumulative adverse impacts. Through this plan, Colorado BLM is taking an important step to safeguard sensitive habitats critical to the long-term success of big game species, as well as other wildlife that utilize those habitats.
Prior to completion of this planning effort, companies that sought to develop oil and gas resources on federal land in Colorado had to follow federal leasing and permitting processes that could differ from one BLM-managed area to the next and from state permitting requirements administered by the ECMC.
This planning effort is now a model for how the BLM, and other land managers, can efficiently update plans and policies to facilitate responsible management of multiple uses on our public lands that conserve important fish and wildlife resources. The BLM is currently updating the 2012 Western Solar Plan to accommodate new science and technological advances across 11 Western states, including Colorado. Hunter, angler, and conservation organizations have called on the BLM to take a similar approach to ensure development impacts do not occur in the most sensitive big game habitat. The BLM’s proposed final Western Solar Plan revision is expected to be published this summer.
Similarly, the BLM is grappling with increased demand for recreation opportunities on the lands they manage. A 2020 report from Colorado Parks and Wildlife listed poorly-sited recreation infrastructure, such as trails for hiking and biking, as having the potential to fragment important big game habitats if not managed properly. In 2022, the TRCP released an analysis showing that 40% of Colorado’s most sensitive elk habitat is already impacted by recreational trails. Colorado’s Guide to Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind offers science-based recommendations for advancing recreational trail opportunities while maintaining viable wildlife habitat. The BLM has the opportunity to implement these State recommendations to reduce impacts to big game from new recreation infrastructure. Just last month, the U.S. Forest Service applied many of these management principles across 823,000 acres in the final Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Plan.
Today’s announcement opens a 30-day protest period prior to the BLM signing a Record of Decision to finalize the plan.
Photo Credit: Larry Lamsa
The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.
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From now until January 1, 2025, every donation you make will be matched by a TRCP Board member up to $500,000 to sustain TRCP’s work that promotes wildlife habitat, our sporting traditions, and hunter & angler access. Together, dollar for dollar, stride for stride, we can all step into the arena of conservation.
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