Washington Comprehensive Fish & Washington Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation StrategyWildlife Conservation Strategy

Federal mandate required states to complete Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies by October 1, 2005

Biggest statewide fish & wildlife conservation/management initiative in over 30 years

Orients WDFW shift toward ecosystem & ecoregional management

WDFW required to determine Species of Greatest Conservation Need; not just T & E species; proactive

Determined priority habitats based on species needs

Examined threats and recommended actions tied to species and habitats

Washington Comprehensive Fish Washington Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy& Wildlife Conservation Strategy

Connectivity Issues Integral to Recommended Actions

Develop statewide land cover/threats data layers to support planning for improved connectivity between priority areas Identify key connectivity areas and wildlife corridors between fragmented habitats and between protected areas Restore habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors where appropriate on both public and private landsProtect connectivity areas & wildlife corridors through acquisitions, conservation easements, etc.