Wildlife Action Plans

Did you hear about the Wildlife Action Plans submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by each state and the six U.S. territories? If the service approves each plan, it will have a national strategy for species conservation so that none become threatened or endangered.

Each plan had to include details about low and declining populations of wildlife and the habitats that they need, pinpoint challenges affecting those populations, identify survey and research programs to improve conservation efforts, and choose priorities and actions.

Interior Secretary Gail Norton said, "These plans represent a future for conservation in America that is rooted in cooperation and partnership between the federal government and states, tribes, local governments, conservation groups, private landowners and others with a commitment to the health of our land and water, fish and wildlife.

"Working together, we are tapping into the expertise of those who live and work on the land so that we can conserve our fish and wildlife before they become threatened or endangered," she said.

Eight U.S. FWS biologists and five state wildlife administrators are reviewing the plans and will share their recommendations to the FWS director. If approved, the plans allow states and territories to receive grants through the State Wildlife Grant program, signed into law in 2001.

You can learn about your state plan by visiting Teaming with Wildlife.