WSP09897 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1 - 28 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I agencies and energy industry in minimizing the impacts to wildlife from energy extraction from western lands and by reviewing permit applications to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helps private developers maintain fish and wildlife habi- tat. Wetland Preservation: Preserving the wetlands vital to nesting waterfowl is one of the top priorities of the Fish and Wildlife Service in Region 6. The national wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas of the prairie pothole country contain many unique wetlands. These not only sustain wildlife but also help recharge ground water supplies and provide a measure of flood control. The conservation of wetlands by purchase or by easement on privately-owned lands is financed through the sale of duck stamps to hunters and to other conservationists. Federal Assistance to States for Fish and Wildlife Restoration: In 1937, Congress enacted the Federal aid to Wildlife Restoration Act which levies an excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Called the Pitman-Robertson Act, after its Congressional sponsors, it provides for the proceeds from the tax to be allocated among the States for their use in increasing wildlife populations. The Dingell-Johnson Act passed by Congress in 1950 gives similar assistance to the States for developing and restoring sport fisheries. Under both Acts, a cooperating State selects a work project and submits a proposal to the Fish and Wildlife Service. When the Service has approved a project, the State proceeds with its own staff to do the work whether it is research on grizzly bear populations in Montana, habitat improvement for mule- deer in Utah, or development of a management plan for walleye in Colorado re- servoirs. For Pitman-Robinson or Dingell-Johnson Act funds, the Service reimburses the State up to 75 percent of its expenditures for the project. These Federal assistance projects continue to protect wildlife habitat and increase fishing and hunting opportunities in the Region. They also add to scientific knowledge and the overall strength and effectiveness of State conservation agencies. Research: Responsible management of wildlife species requires a broad range of factual information about both the species and their environments. This calls for continuing research. Several of the Service's major research facilities are located physically in Region 6. Among these are the inter- nationally known Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota, and the Denver Wildlife Research Center. Denver, Colorado. The Regional Office provides administrative support for these centers as well as for the Western Energy and Land Use Team based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Western Energy and Land Use Team is a part of the Service's Office of Biological Ser- vices established to strengthen the ecological data base used to make wise land management decisions for the benefit of the people and fish and wildli.fe. The Fish and Wildlife Service also conducts projects in the field of law enforcement, animal damage control, and conservation work programs for.youth.