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In the most recent edition of the Wildlife Management's Institute's Outdoors News Bulletin, Jon Gassett wrote this excellent article about the ground-breaking Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI). The WCI is a comprehensive conservation partnership between three of our coalition members: the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI) designed to conserve fish and wildlife species in private working forests. “The overarching WCI goal is simple: to conserve common, at-risk, and listed species through active forest management on private working forests while also providing regulatory certainty for the landowners,” wrote Mr. Gassett.
“The partnership between the WCI and NAFO is a natural fit, as both organizations prioritize the health and wellbeing of the nation’s forests and their inhabitants. NAFO members understand that responsible forest management practices contribute significantly to the conservation of sensitive wildlife and fish species. In turn, the WCI provides valuable resources, research, and support to help these forest owners maintain healthy ecosystems on their lands. Collectively, the WCI partners collaborate to employ science-based approaches, adaptive management techniques, and active partnerships to ensure the survival of at-risk species and the overall health of the nation's forests,” he added.
Conservation without Conflict celebrates this ground-breaking initiative. It is a great example of our Operating Principles in action!
To read the full article, click here.
Photo and photo credit: A federally threatened Red Hills salamander (Phaeognathus hubrichti) found at a WCI/NAFO property. This species is only known to occur in southern Alabama, where it is the official state amphibian. Photo by Darren Miller, NCASI.
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