According to a recent press release by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), Nevadans now have a chance to help shape a statewide wildlife conservation plan that will address wildlife conservation efforts for wildlife ranging from mule deer to desert reptiles.
NDOW is seeking public input until August 5th on its recently completed draft of the Nevada Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS), the first-ever of its kind, which will proactively help to steer wildlife conservation efforts statewide.
The plan can be found on NDOW's web site at www.ndow.org/wild/conservation/cwcs/.
The draft plan identifies 27 wildlife habitat types throughout the state like aspen woodlands, agricultural lands, caves and mines, sagebrush, desert scrub, sand dunes and badlands, developed landscapes, among many others. Working within these eco-regions, CWCS identifies problems facing priority species of concern and their habitats.
CWCS also identifies research needs, conservation strategies, partnerships and more.
NDOW has been working for many months to create a 10-year CWCS. The plan focuses on the species and habitats in greatest need of conservation in Nevada.
The CWCS planning effort seeks to conserve Nevada's species before populations decline to a point where they require protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The development of the CWCS is required to continue to receive State Wildlife Grant funds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for conservation of Nevada's wildlife.
The CWCS is being completed through a partnership between NDOW, Nevada Natural Heritage, Lahontan Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy.
In the initial stages of the planning effort for CWCS, more than 60 organizations and interests turned out to comment on the conservation strategy.
Participants in the public input process included private land interests, county planners and commissioners, developers, mining interests, sportsmen and conservationists.
Some top issues of concern included water, wind energy, development and private property interests.
NDOW must submit the CWCS to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the end of September 2005.
