News
News articles and events on WLFW and Target Species sites.
Chattanooga Zoo Announces Baby Hellbenders
The Chattanooga Zoo announces the successful hatching of a group of Hellbender eggs collected from the wild here in East Tennessee.
Help the hellbenders: Don't move the rocks
Article from the Asheville Citizen Times
USDA, Partners to Invest $720 Million in Large-Scale, Targeted Conservation Projects across the Nation
Regional Conservation Partnership Program Pools Together $220 Million Investment from USDA, up to $500 Million from Local Partners to Improve Water Quality, Soil Health, Habitat and More
Appalachian LCC Primary Investigators Study Conservation Easements in the Appalachians
Clemson scientists Rob Baldwin and Paul Leonard recently published a research article that examines the existing distribution of conservation easements in the Appalachian Mountains.
Forest Service Report Highlights Restoration Progress Made Despite Growing Challenges
The U.S. Forest Service has increased the pace and scale of forest restoration by nine percent since 2011, according to a report released today. The significant progress comes in the face of mounting challenges to the agency including record droughts, longer wildfire seasons and the increasing percentage of the agency’s budget spent fighting wildland fires.
Endangered Species Act Protection Not Needed for 10 Species in the Southeast
The Cumberland arrow darter, Shawnee darter, Sequatchie caddisfly, American eel, and six Tennessee cave beetles do not need protection under the Endangered Species Act.
New Farm Bill Guide Now Available
The North American Bird Conservation Initiative released the 2014 Farm Bill Field Guide to Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
USFWS Region 5 Endangered Species Act Update
A periodic update pertaining to recovery planning and implementation, incidental take, and other information related to the Endangered Species Act within Region 5 of the USFWS.
Forest Service partnership effort improves health of America's Forest
The U.S. Forest Service announced today that 1.45 million acres of America's forests and watersheds – an area larger than Delaware – are healthier as a result of collaborative partnerships to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
New Study Looks at Future of Appalachian Energy Development
A new study and online mapping tool released by the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) and The Nature Conservancy are intended to inform discussions among conservation agencies and organizations, industry, policy makers, regulators and the public on how to protect essential natural resources while realizing the benefits of increased domestic energy production.
AMJV Partnership Receives $8 Million RCPP Award to Enhance Cerulean Habitat
A project proposal from the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV) Partnership was one of 115 high-impact projects to receive in total more than $370 million as part of the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today.
Secretary Jewell Announces New Wildlife and Climate Studies at the Northeast Climate Science Center
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced recently that Interior’s Northeast Climate Science Center (NE CSC) is awarding nearly $700,000 to universities and other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other cultural and natural resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.
AMJV Partnership Successes for Song Birds and Game Species
The benefits from managing habitat for game species and managing habitat for songbirds are not mutually exclusive. Creating and enhancing a variety of habitats supports a diversity of wildlife and activities, from birdwatching to hunting.
USDA Provides $328 Million to Conserve Wetlands and Farmland, Boost Economy
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that $328 million in conservation funding is being invested to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the nation. The USDA initiative will benefit wildlife and promote outdoor recreation and related sectors of the economy.
New Guide Helps Conservationists Address Uncertain Future
A new publication by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) aims to help natural resource managers plan for a variety of long-term threats to America’s wildlife and habitats.
Scientists Locate Natural “Strongholds” across Southeast US that Could Protect Nature in the Face of Climate Change
A new study by The Nature Conservancy has identified a series of natural “strongholds” across the Southeastern United States that are predicted to withstand the growing impacts of climate change and help ensure nature’s survival.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 Endangered Species Act Update
Featuring general news, incidental take permit, and classification information pertaining to the Endangered Species Act in Region 5.
New Report: USFWS Habitat Restoration Programs Create 3,973 New Jobs, Pump $327.7 Million into Local Economies
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that a peer-reviewed analysis finds that the agency's habitat restoration programs are extraordinary engines for the U.S. economy.
Urban Wildlife Initiative Engages Communities
American society is more ethnically and socially diverse than any other time in history, and this diversity will only increase into the future. However, visitors to the National Wildlife Refuge System, in general, have not been representative of this change. In order to build a connected conservation community that recognizes values for people and wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has embarked on a multi-faceted Urban Wildlife Refuge Initiative to reflect the diverse perspectives, values and cultures of America.
NRCS and Forest Service Partner to Improve Forest Health
Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie announced today a multi-year partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems where public and private lands meet across the nation.