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Conserving World-class Wildlife Resources Facilitating Responsible Development. Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative. WLCI Update July 23, 2010.
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Conserving World-class Wildlife Resources Facilitating Responsible Development Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative WLCI Update July 23, 2010
Energy source for U.S. - natural gas, oil, wind, coal, uraniumMinerals – trona, metalsSome of the highest quality habitats in the Intermountain West – SagebrushOver 1,400 family farms and ranches72% public land WYOMING GAS PRODUCTION1950-2003 WITH PROJECTIONS TO 2035 BILLION CUBIC FEET
WLCI Mission Statement The WLCI has established a long-term science-based program to assess and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats at a landscape scale in Southwest Wyoming, while facilitating responsible development. • Design • Landscape Scale • (Work across borders on public and private lands) • Science Based • Partner Support & Collaboration via LPDT & Central Data Information Sharing • Leverage Resources • Adaptive Management
Current Partnerships • US Forest Service • US Geological Survey • Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture • Wyoming Game & Fish Dept. • Bureau of Land Management • Bureau of Reclamation • Conservation Districts • County Commissioners • National Park Service • Natural Resources Conservation Services • US Fish &Wildlife Service
Priority Objectives Fragmented Habitat Migration Corridors Emphasis on WLCI identified communities Consequences of development Invasive Species Loss of historic vegetation Loss of critical forage Changes/disturbances in cycles Water Quality & Quantity Livestock and wildlife access Effect of changes on the landscape Indigenous species concerns Water health for fisheries
USGS Role in WLCI • Integrated Research and Technical Assistance • Why, Where, What, How… Is it working? • Addressing management needs • Advancing scientific understanding • Developing transferable methods
Accomplishments Other Efforts Science Integration • WLCI also participated with the Wyoming Basin Native Plant Development Program. This program’s intent is to provide a source of native seeds and plant materials for restoration and reclamation projects. • Scientific and technical support for WLCI includes evaluating the effectiveness of habitat treatments, assessing cumulative effects of development on important habitats and species, integrating science findings with on-the-ground actions, and promoting and integrating new methodologies and protocols.
Accomplishments Fragmented Habitats • 1,364 acres of conifer removal through mechanical treatments and prescribed burns • 27 miles of fence converted to wildlife friendly standards • Completion of a wildlife underpass • 270 acres of shrub and grassland treatments • 25,219 acres of habitat protected through conservation easements and exclosures • 13 aquatic fish barriers removed • 57 miles of native fish habitat protected
2007-2010 WLCI Project FundingFor every dollar spent by the WLCI on projects, that dollar is matched by at least $6.70 from other partners and funding sources!
Contact: Justin Caudill WLCI Coordination Team Member Office: (307) 352-0378 Cell: (307)350-5480 E-mail: jcaudi@state.wy.us Wyoming Front Aspen Treatment Project Fora list of projects please request a Facts and Projects handout or visit the WLCI website at wlci.gov