Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy
Idaho Fish & Game contracted with ESPRI to implement stakeholder outreach and other support activities in the development of Idaho’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
A public survey conducted in 2002 documented broad support for Idaho Fish and Game to manage all fish and wildlife including nongame species and the importance of nongame species to Idahoans. State fish and wildlife programs are traditionally funded by hunters and anglers leaving a gap in funding for species not hunted or fished. In 2001, Congress authorized and appropriated funds for the State Wildlife Grants Program to provide funding for states to manage and conserve non-game species. Idaho has received funds for 3 years under that program. Subsequently, Congress has directed that each state prepare a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy by October 2005 in order to be eligible for the program for FY2006.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game recognizes the importance of nongame species to game species and to the people of Idaho. Managing and conserving nongame species in a prudent manner may prevent species from becoming threatened or endangered. The State of Idaho has adopted several strategies during the last five years to prevent species from becoming listed under the Endangered Species Act. Communities such as Bonners Ferry, Idaho, have also adopted similar philosophies that the best way to have a species delisted or keep one from being listed is to recover or conserve the species. Through the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative, Bonners Ferry has developed a recovery plan for burbot.
A comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy for Idaho will identify game and nongame species with the greatest conservation need. This strategy will identify species with the greatest conservation need and conservation methods. With this strategy, Idaho will be able assist vulnerable species and avoid the restrictions and economic impacts to rural communities of species being listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The Environmental Science and Public Policy Research Institute at Boise State University under contract to Idaho Department of Fish and Game will perform several tasks in the development of a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for Idaho.
More Information about CWCS: http://www.teaming.com/state_wildlife_strategies.htm
Idaho Fish & Game CWCS: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/tech/CDC/cwcs.cfm?
Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: ESPRI Scope of Work
Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Presentation: CWCS Presentation
