Wyoming Wildlife Habitat Memorandum of Understanding

On October 17, WSGA joined Governor Mark Gordon and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington DC for the signing of the Wyoming Wildlife Habitat Memorandum of Understanding. This MOU, the first of its kind, represents commitment to invest “technical capacity and resources in the conservation, restoration, and management, and long-term stewardship of both public and private lands that support migratory big game. Participation in the pilot project by private landowners is strictly voluntary. Both current practices that support migratory wildlife and new initiatives will be eligible for participation in these funding opportunities.

In his comments on the MOU, Governor Gordon noted the role of stock growers and other landowners in providing habitat for migrating wildlife. Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of collaborative, locally-driven initiatives. He expressed his hope that success with the Wyoming initiative will lead to similar programs in other states.

In conversation with the Governor and Secretary, WSGA’s Executive Vice President Jim Magagna urged that federal agencies within USDA be given broader flexibility to work with landowners to accomplish the objectives of the MOU. He added that these initiatives can only be successful if all parties recognize the unique knowledge and understanding of wildlife movements possessed by ranchers and farmer who are on the land every day. WSGA was involved in the development of this MOU and will continue to carefully monitor its implementation.