Conservation Organizations Call on Government to Collaborate with Landowners and Outdoor Enthusiasts
The American Wildlife Conservation Partners has published a set of nine recommendations for President Trump’s upcoming term.
A coalition of 52 conservation organizations urges the Trump administration to ensure public access to lands while fostering better relationships with private landowners, all in a bid to safeguard wildlife and natural resources.
Since its inception in 2000, AWCP has provided recommendations to both the presidency and Congress at four-year intervals.
The current recommendations encompass enhancing funding for conservation initiatives, broadening public access, and synchronizing efforts between public and private sectors for wildlife conservation.
The first of these nine suggestions emphasizes the need for stable and adequate funding for current programs.
Matt Lindler, the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) government affairs director, pointed out that the solution isn’t merely increasing financial resources; often, political challenges are at play.
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Lindler noted that much of the federal funding for conservation initiatives is encapsulated within the Omnibus Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation that covers a variety of federal programs, including agriculture, food production, food safety, nutrition, forestry, and wildlife conservation.
“Recent farm bills have encountered legislative obstacles, such as insufficient support for House passage, presidential vetoes, and delays leading to short-term extensions,” the report indicates.
Lindler attributed the stagnation of the Farm Bill to ideological clashes over various programs included in it. He believes that the upcoming 2024 election could facilitate the current Farm Bill’s passage.
Lindler expressed optimism.
“It’s the largest mechanism for private lands conservation within our government. Thus, it funds all private land incentive programs executed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service,” he told The Epoch Times. “I believe a bill will come to fruition. While it may not be the ideal version, it will still be a solid bill.”
Nonetheless, funding comprises only one of the issues put forth by AWCP. The organization is also advocating for regulators to engage closely with landowners and conservation advocates.
John Devney, the incoming chairman of AWCP and chief policy officer for Delta Waterfowl, a research organization established in 1911, emphasized the need for collaboration.
Brendan Beatty, director of the Montana Department of Revenue (R), engages in conversation with Scott Vollmer from the Montana Outfitters Guides Association at the Las Vegas outdoor show on January 22, 2025. Michael Clements/The Epoch Times
Devney noted that historically, government bodies have tended to impose restrictions on public land usage as a primary method of conservation.
According to Devney, AWCP aims to bring together all stakeholders—including government authorities, landowners, hunting communities, business interests, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts—to collaborate on conservation strategies that facilitate public access while safeguarding natural resources.
Among the recommendations is a proposal for incentive programs directed at private landowners to foster wildlife habitat preservation. This could involve compensating landowners and developers to protect vital habitats, such as migration corridors for species like sheep, deer, and elk.
Ranchers, oil firms, developers, and various other landowners would receive compensation for conserving designated areas and granting access to hunters, anglers, hikers, and campers.
Moreover, the recommendations urge government agencies to clarify the reasons behind land closures. Under AWCP’s proposed guidelines, an agency must articulate why a specific area is being shut down, the expected duration of the closure, and provide alternative options for recreation.
For instance, if a forest area is closed for recreational shooting, such as target practice, the agency must propose another location for shooting, possibly including the establishment of a public firing range to accommodate those affected by the closure.
Devney pointed out that the recommendations extend to wildlife refuges and management areas, many of which currently restrict public access.
Last year, the federal government collected $3.3 billion in licensing fees and excise taxes designated for conservation initiatives.
Devney emphasized that outdoor enthusiasts are invested in conservation, as their activities depend on the availability of land and water resources.
“We still face challenges in accessing enough private lands to meet the demands of hunters wishing to pursue their sport,” Devney expressed to The Epoch Times.
A Comprehensive Perspective
Brendan Beatty, director of the Montana Department of Revenue and a rancher, had not reviewed AWCP’s recommendations, but he supports the notion of uniting outdoor sports enthusiasts, landowners, and governmental entities in collaborative efforts.
Beatty remarked that the government has often adopted a “my way or the highway” stance regarding conservation, neglecting to consider how policies impact all involved parties. This practice can lead to unforeseen consequences, he noted.
He referenced the sage grouse, which nests on the ground, explaining that in efforts to protect the species, the government barred all mineral extraction and oil development within its habitat.
“The same policymakers selected half a million acres in Montana suitable for solar panel development aimed at clean electricity. … If an oil well poses a threat to sage hens, consider the impact of thousands of solar panels blanketing the sagebrush,” Beatty remarked to The Epoch Times.
He maintained that every land parcel should be assessed to ascertain its optimal use.
“A holistic perspective is essential, with increased public acceptance of diverse land uses. Certain areas should indeed remain untouched wilderness, while others may be appropriate for mining, drilling, or hunting,” he stated.
