Migrating towards Landscape Connectivity with Casey Stemler of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

National Wildlife Federation Outdoors

Aaron and Bill have an interesting chat with Casey Stemler, the lead for Secretarial Order 3362. S.O. 3362 was issued during the Trump Administration but continues to this day. It is aimed and conserving and resourcing big game migration corridors. It has already helped infused millions of dollars into migration areas and connectivity projects. We discuss how and why the order came to be, it’s latest status, why no sheep and moose, and other lessons learned on the conservation of migration corridors.

Links:

https://wafwa.org/so3362/

https://westernmigrations.net/

https://wildlifemigration.utah.gov/

https://migrationinitiative.org/

Show notes:

3:00 - Aaron shares a little of Casey’s background and recent work regarding wildlife corridors.

5:00 – What the crew has been doing outside recently.

6:54 – Sika deer!

9:52 – Latest news on SO 3362 (Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors).

13:34 – What exactly is wildlife migration and connectivity work? Why does it matter? Plus, some good stories regarding the amazing stuff they have learned doing this work.

20:46 – The focus of state agencies collaring animals, miniature vs. large skill migration routes, technology and what this focus reveals to us about what these critters do and what they need.

25:22 – 3362 is focused on deer, elk and pronghorn.

27:26 – We know that pronghorn don’t like fences; will they also avoid railroad tracks?

30:50 – This work benefits more species than just deer, elk and pronghorn.

35:06 – The infrastructure bill and how much it will benefit habitat connectivity.

37:13 – Short break for message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Also, for more great content, be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

38:53 -- Casey brings folks up to speed on 3362 regarding habitat conservation, due diligence, and the introduction of bighorn sheep, moose and migratory birds as species to consider.

45:16 – Habitat work regarding ducks and duck hunting.

48:07 -- Corporation with private land owners within 3362.

50:55 -- Do large chunks of area (i.e. 5,000 acres) present new problems compared to working with smaller ones?

52:00 -- Discussing other developments that are happening parallel to this which is helping move it along.

55:39 – The Tribal Wildlife Corridors Act.

58:17 – Discussing the diverse habitat projects on the border between Colorado and New Mexico and NWF rock star, Jeremy Romero.

1:00:06 – The Southern Ute Tribe is very engaged in these conservation efforts including building an overpass.

1:01:51 -- Suggestions for people on how to keep up with these issues on a local level. Skip the social media and go back to the good stuff by supporting your local newspaper and gatherings in your community!

1:04:41 -- Closing thoughts from Casey, “We have to take the initiative.”

“With privilege comes obligation. We've got this amazing natural resource, this wildlife... especially as sportsmen and women, we get to go enjoy it and bring it home and feed our our families… Go take care of it.” –Aaron Kindle.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices