IWJV Conservation Roundup

Spring, 2012

Connect and Stay Informed!

1. Sign up for “Conservation Roundup,” our periodic newsletter.
2. Ask to be added to our Partner Database, which will allow mutual opportunities for growth and exchange.
3. Send us your conservation success stories.

Contact Ali Duvall for more information.

Celebrating 25 Years of Joint Venture Conservation Success

Message from Dave Smith, IWJV Coordinator

Clen Atchley (middle right) and his wife Emma Atchley (middle left) receive the Conservation Champion Award from the Association of Joint Venture Management Boards Chair, Arthur Feinstein (far right), and Reception Emcee, Glenn Olson (far left). (© LaVonda Walton/USFWS)

Migratory Bird Joint Ventures (Joint Ventures) are a widely recognized model for cooperative conservation. We have a proven track record of building public-private partnerships, leveraging resources, and using science to target and deliver landscape-scale bird habitat conservation.

This year marks the 25^th Anniversary of Joint Ventures. In March, JVs celebrated our accomplishments at a Capitol Hill Reception that involved numerous members of the United States Congress and a diverse array of conservation leaders. This event, which commemorated more than two decades of tangible conservation results, involved recognitions to “Joint Venture Conservation Champions” in the non-governmental conservation organization, legislative, professional, corporate, state agency, and private landowner sectors.

Three of those awards went to pillars of the IWJV partnership: Clen Atchley, a private landowner from Idaho that represented the agricultural community on the IWJV Management Board for 15 years, Ducks Unlimited, and ConocoPhillips. In addition, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies that supports state fish and wildlife agencies received the state agency award. Recognition well deserved!

It is important to look back at our origins to fully understand and appreciate the role of Joint Ventures over the last quarter century. Foremost, we evolved out of a need by conservation partners to enhance collaboration at the regional scale in a way that increased their collective, on-the-ground conservation accomplishments. Joint Ventures were not created by legislation or a government agency initiative, they arose from a desire by regional conservation leaders to work together to do the right things in the right places to conserve populations of waterfowl, and later, shorebirds, waterbirds, and landbirds.

The Joint Venture mantra is simple: the partnership is stronger than the sum of its parts.

The concept has blossomed over time with increases in federal funding from $3.2 million in FY 2000 to our highest appropriation yet in FY 2012, at $14.1 million–a testament to the proven value of these partnerships. These funds support the work of Joint Ventures by providing capacity and operating funds to catalyze bird conservation in accordance with science-based priorities established by self-directed Management Boards. It’s “ground-up conservation” in the truest sense.

Joint Ventures have enjoyed strong bipartisan support from Congress for our entire existence, largely a function of the tireless work of individual Board members that have travelled to Washington, D.C. each year to tell the Joint Venture story in a well-coordinated effort. Members and staff of the Natural Resources and Appropriations Committees know Joint Ventures well and support the model. Yet, the fiscal year 2013 federal budget cycle will undoubtedly pose significant challenges in continuing the legacy of JVs and other key conservation programs. Communication of the value of the proven JV construct is needed more now than ever.

Joint Ventures have also grown in scope and effectiveness as a result of staunch backing from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency responsible for administration of federal Joint Venture funds, and the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation. The Service has encouraged and supported the development of science capacity within Joint Ventures, resulting in the development and everyday use of spatially explicit planning tools that are currently the envy of many conservation partnerships.

Yet the heart of the Joint Venture story is its people: natural resource professionals, private landowners, and others committed to conservation. They believe, wholeheartedly, in partnerships and collaboration, working across jurisdictional boundaries and ideological divides. Most importantly, they are great, great people — the best in their individual organizations — that care immensely about their landscapes and our collective conservation futures.

We are fortunate to work among each and every member of our JV partnership. Here’s to another 25 years of bird habitat conservation through partnerships!

Public-Private Conservation Efforts in the Little Snake River Basin (WY)

Rambouillet sheep graze at Ladder Ranch in view of Three Forks Mountain (© Sharon O'Toole)

Flanking a river and tucked away in a remote portion of the West along the Wyoming-Colorado border, the little Snake River Valley is, at first glance, simply another of the hundreds of intermountain valleys across this vast region.

Yet the Little Snake is remarkable and unique — among the best of Intermountain West landscapes when it comes to wildlife values and community-based conservation. It is a land rich with world-class populations of elk, mule deer, and pronghorn; native fish including the Colorado cutthroat trout; a diverse bird community; and extraordinary people that live by the ethic of natural resource conservation through partnerships.

The Little Snake River and its associated riparian and wetland areas provide habitat for more than 150 bird species, including a large, stable population of Greater Sage-Grouse and the largest population of Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse in Wyoming.

Regionally, these extraordinary wildlife populations have inspired a community land ethic that links the viability of the ranching lifestyle and working landscapes to natural resource stewardship and conservation.

Local residents and agricultural community members, for example, established the Little Snake River Conservation District (in 1954), a property tax assessment to fund conservation work within the Basin (1990), a 500,000-acre watershed improvement project (1993), and a national “Seeking Common Ground” project that demonstrated how livestock operations can positively co-exist with fish and wildlife (1996).

More recent initiatives include:

• Muddy Creek Wetlands: A project of the District and its partners, the Muddy Creek Wetlands (near Dad, WY) is the largest constructed wetland complex in Wyoming with over 700 acres of seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands. The wetlands support up to 50,000 ducks during migration and a host of breeding shorebirds, including American avocet and black-necked stilts. Hundreds of species of waterbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl from both the Pacific and Central Flyways utilize the area for breeding and migration and the site was designated as an Audubon Important Bird Area.
• Riparian Restoration: More than 16 miles of river and stream projects have been completed on the mainstem and tributaries of the Little Snake River. These projects have improved fish passage and riparian plant communities as well as hydrological restoration to enhance oxbow slough wetlands and streamside cottonwood galleries.
• Conservation Easements: Three area ranches have undertaken conservation easements in order to protect natural resources, keep agricultural operations and economic benefits intact, and protect the scenic landscape from subdivision.

“We are proud that we can provide for both wildlife and our agricultural operation, and enhance them both,” said Patrick O’Toole, a private landowner (and IWJV Management Board member) whose Ladder Ranch partnered with The Nature Conservancy in a conservation easement. Ladder Ranch is a sustainable working ranch that also serves as a birding ecotourism destination.

These projects were realized via a body of collaborative, private-public conservation efforts, most of which were led by the Little Snake River Conservation District (LSRCD). Fittingly, the District received the National Association of Conservation Districts West Region Collaborative Conservation Partnership Award in 2008 and was named Conservation Partner of the Year by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust in 2010. These awards are a tribute to the vision of Larry Hicks, Resource Coordinator of the District, and the power of community-based collaboration. Hicks describes his work and the magic of the Little Snake River landscape:

“I came here looking for a job. In my 21-year journey, I found my soul, a community and a new way of life–one that exemplifies the moral principles of the land ethic. This is simply who we are.”

Conserving Wetlands for Wildlife, Cattle, and People on the Anderson Mesa (AZ)

There is a saying in the arid west: Water is for fightin’ over, whiskey is for drinkin’.

Here in Arizona, water is precious and any wetland, no matter how small, is a rare commodity that becomes a magnet for wildlife, livestock and people. On the Anderson Mesa in central Arizona, a broad partnership was formed to protect and restore 17 critically important wetlands and their associated upland habitats. To date, this collaborative effort has restored over 130 square miles of grasslands and encouraged a healthy balance of vegetation types surrounding an intact matrix of wetlands.

Local ranchers were full partners in this project; their knowledge and participation were vital to its success. Other major partners included the Coconino National Forest, Arizona Wildlife Federation, and Arizona Game and Fish Department. The Northern Arizona Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Arizona Elk Society, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and others provided support through financial contributions and the hard work of their volunteers.

Compared to other regions in Arizona, Anderson Mesa (at an altitude of 7,000 feet) receives a great deal of precipitation (about 22 inches per year, much of it accumulating as winter snowpack). Spring and summer snowmelt forms temporary wetlands (biologists call them ‘ephemeral’) that provide critical stopover habitat for birds migrating through the arid landscape. In addition, surrounding uplands sustain many grassland birds, including an important population of Pinyon Jays, a pinyon-juniper obligate species of special interest in the West. The productivity and global importance of the Mesa easily qualified it as an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA).

The high, grassy Anderson Mesa contains a network of about 170 wetlands (both natural and enhanced) that provide feeding areas for waterfowl and wading birds, hunting areas for raptors, and forage for significant populations of antelope, deer and elk. The Mesa also supports five working ranches and provides abundant recreational opportunities.

As local wildlife and livestock travel through uplands to reach these prized but rare watering holes, degradation of both grasslands and water quality can occur. To address the problem, 17 ephemeral wetlands were chosen for their persistence and distribution on the Mesa to receive special fencing. By limiting wildlife and livestock access, water clarity and quality was improved and adjacent upland vegetation was restored and enhanced. To accommodate the needs of livestock, cattle access lanes were created where the wetland was the only water available. Fences were constructed using 1/8 inch braided steel cable in place of the top wire in order to reduce damage by elk.

Besides fencing, this major habitat restoration effort is focusing on grassland restoration by removing trees and other woody plants. Clearing these recent invaders while being careful to maintain habitat for Pinyon Jays complements the protection of wetlands and adjacent uplands and benefits many of the same wildlife.

The outcomes of this restoration project include:

• Enhanced wetlands for waterfowl and shorebirds
• Large-scale grassland restoration
• Maintenance of forested habitat for Pinyon Jays

Thanks to the broad partnership of individuals and organizations in Arizona and the IWJV, conservation of the Mesa is rapidly moving forward while the value of the landscape for wildlife, livestock and people is being enhanced.

Community-Based Wetlands Planning in the Calispell-Cusick Valley (WA)

The Pend Orielle River floodplain is one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest.

Located in the Calispell-Cusick Valley north of Spokane, the floodplain contains a complex of wetlands that support thousands of migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, as well as native fish, mammals, and amphibians. These wetlands have been used hard over the last century, with hydrology impacted by diking and draining. However, it’s a new day in the Calispell-Cusick Valley wetlands thanks to a bold new partnership led by the Kalispel Tribe and Ducks Unlimited.

With support from the Kalispel Natural Resources Department (KNRD) and an IWJV Capacity Grant, Ducks Unlimited (DU) developed a community-based wetlands planning guide for a 20,000-acre portion of the valley — mostly Pend Oreille River floodplain — to restore the hydrologic function of these critical wetlands.

The guide provides a planning and education tool for private landowners and other entities that are interested in wetland conservation in the valley. A variety of stakeholders were involved in all phases of development.

The planning guide was developed using results of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) prioritization model developed by our team of GIS specialists. Completion of the guide in September 2010 was followed by a significant outreach effort to local landowners. This outreach helped develop positive relationships, build trust, increased transparency of the project, and fostered a sense of community ownership in the project.

“Migratory birds and wildlife in our region are everyone’s responsibility. Only through cooperative efforts such as this planning guide can we maintain our wonderful area for generations to come.” – Landowner Larry Cordes.

Key stakeholders the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, private landowners, Pend Oreille County Community Development, Pend Oreille County Public Utility District No. 1, DU, and KNRD. The private landowners provided valuable input during the meetings.

Using the planning guide as a discussion focus, the project included outreach to landowners in the highest priority areas of the valley to generate interest in projects on their lands. Dozens of landowners were contacted via letters and phone, which helped secure meetings with the largest landowners in the valley. So far, all of them have expressed interest in learning more about wetland restoration and follow-up meetings are in progress. Additional results include restoration feasibility assessments on two properties (i.e. topographic surveys, vegetation evaluations, number, type and capacity of existing water control components) and development of conceptual restoration plans with one of the landowners.

The community-based planning guide proved a useful tool to illustrate and coordinate restoration opportunities across the entire valley. Now, working together, the community will make improvements to benefit wetlands, wildlife, and people.

Lessons learned include:

• Ensure your process has respect for the stakeholders. Our recognition that many landowners are already good land stewards helped build trust.
• Offer transparency at every stage.
• Produce high quality work.
• Follow through with stated intentions.
• Minimize lag times between phased work to maintain continuity and momentum, especially in the public eye.
• Provide high levels of communication (especially in small communities).

IWJV Launches Conservation Webinars

As part of the IWJV’s investment in strategic communications, we are committed to building knowledge and skills to achieve bird habitat conservation.  Participation in the IWJV can link you to bird conservation professionals and resources that you may not have been aware of, or had access to previously.  The IWJV has recently entered the world of webinars to inform and engage public and private partners on a variety of regional and national conservation and funding issues (see archived webinars below).

A webinar is an online seminar that partners can watch and participate in from their computer desktops. Webinars typically include a live presentation and allow for participant interaction through “online chat,” polls, and question-and-answer sessions. Presentations and conversations between the presenters and participants are archived through high-quality, multi-media recordings, which can be accessed and digested by interested stakeholders at their leisure. In short, webinars greatly improve communication while minimizing travel costs.

One of the key benefits of webinars is that immediate feedback and evaluations can be obtained at the close of each presentation via online survey links.

The IWJV received positive and encouraging feedback for the first North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) webinar it hosted.  The purpose of the webinar was to learn how to create a competitive proposal for NAWCA funding given the challenging fiscal climate. The webinar attracted 30 IWJV partners for participation.  After the webinar, 13 partners provided feedback via an on-line survey.  Of these, nearly 85% of the respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the webinar was useful.  Nearly 70% agreed that the webinar increased their knowledge.  Moreover, participants offered feedback related to how the webinar could have enhanced skills and knowledge for future NAWCA grant applications. Bottom line: nearly 100% of the respondents stated that they would have an interest in participating in future webinars coordinated by the IWJV based on their experience with the NAWCA training.

Given this important feedback and the increased trend of reduced travel, partners can expect to see more from the IWJV.  Stay tuned for our new website; we’ll let you know where you can easily find webinar announcements and archives all year long.

View archived IWJV webinars anytime:

• North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Training

  Presented by: Leakhena Au (USFWS)

  Hosted by: Ali Duvall (IWJV)

  This inaugural IWJV webinar was offered to IWJV partners who have either submitted a NAWCA proposal in the past or partnered on the proposal. Webinar participants learned how to create a competitive proposal for NAWCA funding given the challenging fiscal climate.  [VIEW WEBINAR ].

• Farm Bill Conservation Delivery in the West through State/JV Partnerships

  Presented by: Dave Smith (IWJV) and Sal Palazzolo (Idaho Game & Fish).

  Hosted by: Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Bird Conservation Committee, Partners in Flight, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bird Education Alliance for Conservation.

  This webinar was the 3rd in a series illustrating how state fish and wildlife agencies and Joint Ventures are collaborating for better bird conservation. IWJV staff and state partner Idaho Department of Game and Fish presented on the value of a state-JV partnership in accomplishing on-the-ground conservation through Farm Bill programs, specifically the Sage Grouse Initiative.  [VIEW WEBINAR] (Note: it is the second of two presentations on the recording.)

• Using Farm Bill Conservation Programs to Implement State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) Priorities: IWJV Perspective

  Presented by: Terry Mansfield (IWJV)

  Hosted by: Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

  The IWJV kicked off this national webinar with a presentation on how the JV has worked to build the capacity of state wildlife agencies to leverage Farm Bill funds to implement SWAP priorities. Other presenters gave a Natural Resource Conservation Service perspective and offered successful models of partnerships from Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Kentucky. A recording of this webinar is not available.

Do you have a conservation success story or conservation news to share? We’d love to share it with our partners. Please contact Ali Duvall, IWJV Assistant Coordinator.