Wildlife Corridors

Support the identification and conservation of wildlife corridors, including migratory routes and routes used by resident/non-migratory aquatic and terrestrial species

• Authorize studies, task forces, working groups and/or public engagement campaigns to develop corridor designations and recommendations.
• Direct state agencies to identify and protect state-designated wildlife corridors, and encourage agencies to raise awareness regarding the benefits of state-designated corridors.
• Require incorporation of connectivity information into State Wildlife Action Plans via revision or amendment.
• Use state-designated wildlife corridors to inform federal, regional, local and other initiatives such as federal land agency planning, and local land use planning/growth/development codes.

Improve connectivity data collection, analysis, storage and distribution

Direct relevant state agencies to:

• Coordinate, collect and store wildlife corridor and connectivity data and analyses.
• Establish a publicly-accessible statewide database of important connectivity data and identified terrestrial and aquatic wildlife corridors.
• Use the best available science to develop wildlife connectivity models and maps.

Develop statewide plans and best management practices for connectivity conservation

• Authorize or direct state agencies to develop interagency, statewide plans for connectivity conservation aimed at preserving state-designated wildlife corridors.
• Require development of best management practices (BMPs) for ensuring protection of wildlife corridors for linear infrastructure such as roads, railways, pipelines, and transmission lines.
• Require development of BMPs for ensuring protection of wildlife corridors for forestry, mining, grazing and related activities on state lands.

Formulate economic instruments for promoting wildlife movement on private lands

• Require agencies to provide technical assistance to private landowners who want to take advantage of federal incentive programs, e.g., Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentive Program and Conservation Reserve Program.
• Provide state-based programs that encourage restoration on private lands.
• Establish state-based incentive programs such as conservation banking.

Develop partnerships that drive positive outcomes for connectivity

• Direct the state wildlife agency to develop BMPs to foster public-private partnerships (PPPs).
• Authorize PPPs that promote effective policy for wildlife corridors across multiple jurisdictions.

Facilitate robust, long-term funding options

• Authorize funding for designated corridors.
• Appropriate funds to specific agencies to facilitate connectivity projects.
• Direct state agencies to develop a list of existing funding sources and potential new funding mechanisms to identify, prioritize and conserve/improve ecological connectivity.