New conservation partnership begins today

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service began a conservation partnership with Wildlife Habitat Council today. In signing a memorandum of understanding, the organizations will work together to encourage corporate participation in habitat conservation and restoration.

FWS Director H. Dale Hall said, "The Fish and Wildlife Service is excited about working with the Wildlife Habitat Council and applying our mutual resources to vital natural resource management and education projects across the country. Today, the successful conservation of our nation’s wildlife and its habitat requires action from both the public and private sectors. The signing of this new agreement represents a major step forward in that direction.”

A 20-year-old nonprofit organization, WHC aims to increase the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. It focuses on creating partnerships with corporations and conservation groups. According to its website, more than 2.4 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects.