Nov 9-10, 2015: Sustaining Big Game Migrations in the West: Science, Policy, and People

Date: Nov 9, 2015 – Nov 10, 2015
Location: University of Wyoming – Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie, Wyoming

Hosted by the Ruckelshaus Institute and the Wyoming Migration Initiative

The science of big game migration is developing quickly and we are now gaining a better understanding of corridor habitats, animal behavior, and herd-level benefits associated with mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and other migrations in Wyoming and the West. As animals migrate between distant seasonal ranges, they traverse myriad jurisdictions and land ownership types, requiring managers to coordinate their efforts amid a diverse regulatory and policy landscape. The result is tremendous complexity, but also an opportunity to learn and collaborate.

The forum will open with a half-day on November 9 to explore the science of long-distance big game migrations, from a global to local perspective. Day two will be about the intersection of people, policy, and wildlife migration. Through interactive panel discussions with outfitters, landowners, non-profits, state and federal agency leaders, and others, presenters and audience members will identify critical opportunities and gaps in public policy and private initiatives to further the management and conservation of big game migration in the West.

Read more on forum website

DOI Issues New Policy on Climate Change

A new DOI manual chapter provides guidance for addressing climate change impacts. The chapter provides guidance for addressing climate change impacts upon the Department's mission, programs, operations, and personnel. View DOI manual chapter on climate change policy

Excerpt from the policy: It is the policy of the Department to effectively and efficiently adapt to the challenges posed by climate change to its mission, programs, operations, and personnel. The Department will use the best available science to increase understanding of climate change impacts, inform decision making, and coordinate an appropriate response to impacts on land, water, wildlife, cultural and tribal resources, and other assets. The Department will integrate climate change adaptation strategies into its policies, planning, programs, and operations, including, but not limited to, park, refuge, and public land management; habitat restoration; conservation of species and ecosystems; services and support for tribes and Alaska Natives; protection and restoration of cultural, archeological and tribal resources; water management; scientific research and data collection; land acquisition; management of employees and volunteers; visitor services; construction; use authorizations; and facilities maintenance.