More than 50% of the Nation’s wetlands have been destroyed, more than 70% of the Nation’s riparian habitats have been lost or significantly degraded, and 95% of our tall grass prairie and longleaf pine forests have been lost. Further, less than 2% of the Nation’s rivers remain free flowing. These are just a few examples of habitat types impacted by human activities as we live, work, and build our economy. Consequences of habitat loss include decreases in wildlife populations and many other natural, social, and economic impacts and, ultimately, a decreased quality of life.

To meet these challenges, we work with a myriad of other Federal and non-Federal partners. In particular, we work closely with USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) to help deliver a variety of conservation programs of the Farm Bill.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 authorizes $25 billion over the next five years (2008-2012) for voluntary, incentive-based agricultural conservation programs. Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who participate in these programs receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that can benefit fish and wildlife resources. Through our continuing coordination efforts with NRCS, FSA, State fish and wildlife agencies, and our other conservation partners at the national, regional, state and local levels, we can help the stewards of our nation�s private lands take full advantage of the fish and wildlife conservation opportunities provided by the 2008 Farm Bill.

We also work closely with other Service programs to help implement national plans such as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, North American Landbird Conservation Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, National Fisheries Strategic Plan, National Wildlife Refuge System Strategic Plan, Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Partners in Flight, and Endangered Species Habitat Conservation and Recovery plans. Because of these and related experiences, our Program will become increasingly active in integrated Trust Resource conservation planning that will provide for Service-wide integrated management strategies for fish and wildlife conservation. Likewise, in this era of cooperative conservation, we will continue to provide biological and technical expertise to other Federal agencies to complement their habitat initiatives, as well as to states in implementing State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans.

The success of the Program relies on building trust and credibility with our partners. We achieve this by providing accurate information and being available to assist our partners in a timely manner, by leveraging resources, and by helping implement cost-efficient and effective projects. Our staff is experienced at helping people come together to forge and implement collaborative solutions that meet local and regional needs for fish and wildlife stewardship.

To help landowners, conservationists, biologists, and others take advantage of conservation programs in the 2008 Farm Bill, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in partnership with the Intermountain West Joint Venture has published the Field Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill for Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The publication presents an overview of the Farm Bill and its history, as well as important information on organizations that administer it. Also provided is information on setting priorities, maximizing wildlife benefits, conservation planning, conservation practice standards, performance measurements, and assessments.