The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program has grown in size and scope since it's beginning in 1987 and has gained national recognition as a vanguard in the new era of cooperative conservation. As a result, the public investment in the Program has increased along with a commensurate requirement for accountability.

A 5-year Strategic Plan for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program was finalized in 2007. The Plan addresses these important issues: how we identify needs and opportunities to serve our mission; how we strive for efficiency and effectiveness in our Program operations; and how we measure and account for our accomplishments.

Stakeholders from around the country have and will continue to provide valuable guidance. At the outset of the strategic planning process, an outreach effort was conducted throughout the country to provide stakeholders the opportunity to reflect on the internal and external factors impacting the Programs’ current performance and future accomplishments. That input provided valuable direction for the design and content of this document. Of note, the vast majority of the more than 400 stakeholders involved expressed strong support for the Program citing its on-the-ground accomplishments, flexibility, technical expertise, and responsiveness to the needs and values of property owners and local communities as important strengths.

Additionally, in 2002 and 2006, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) conducted a Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART) review of the Partners Program. The review outlined expectations for and means by which the Program can achieve greater efficiencies and higher returns on investments through focused planning.