Balancing energy development with fish and wildlife
Date
2014-09
Authors
Belinda, Steve, speaker
Belinda, Steve, moderator
International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, producer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Increased energy development such as oil, gas, solar, wind and geothermal are threatening public-lands hunting and fishing opportunities across the country. In the past 15 years, more than 40 million acres of the West have been leased for development. Recently, demands for renewable energy production have drastically compounded the issue by creating a "land rush" on areas available for development. Unfortunately, many locations pressured for energy development also hold some of the nation's best hunting for mule deer, elk, pronghorn and sage grouse, in addition to blue-ribbon fishing for trout. Hastily developed energy projects can dramatically affect fish and game populations, as seen in the Atlantic Rim region of Wyoming. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) supports responsible energy development and has worked to ensure development proceeds in a way that sustains and conserves fish and wildlife populations and sustainable opportunities for hunting and fishing for future generations. The TRCP and our conservation partners are actively engaged in policy debates, seeking solutions for domestic energy development by participating in all levels of policy development. Here, we present policy and management solutions to balance energy development with fish and wildlife. Notably, we highlight the need for better pre-development planning and landscape-scale approaches to mitigation. By working both the local and national levels, sportsmen are able to ensure fish and wildlife are adequately managed during energy development.
Description
Moderator: Steve Belinda.
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
Rights Access
Subject
Wildlife management -- Congresses
Range management -- Congresses