The TRCP Sportsmen Values Mapping Project
To ensure that sportsmen are represented in management decisions that could affect where and how they pursue their passions, the TRCP has developed the Sportsmen Values Mapping Project (SVM). The project, which captures sportsmen’s input to delineate important hunting and fishing areas, complements critical habitat maps already in use by federal and state agencies. It shows politicians and decision-makers the access opportunities sportsmen value the most and want to see managed for the future and continued use of hunting and fishing.
To acquire this information, TRCP staff meets with local sporting groups, conservation associations and rod and gun clubs and asks individuals to identify “bread and butter” hunting and fishing areas by highlighting them and identifying the species they pursue. The results are digitized in a geographic information system (GIS) database.
The Sportsmen Values Maps provide important and previously unavailable data to federal and state agencies for uses including but not limited to the following:
- Balancing oil and gas leasing with the needs of fish, wildlife and sportsmen;
- Supporting the Western Governors Association’s crucial areas and corridors initiative;
- Identifying parcels in energy lease sales needing stronger protections of hunting and fishing opportunities;
- Identifying key high-use areas warranting special conservation strategies because of their value to organized sportsmen’s clubs;
- Identifying areas needing additional public access;
- Creating greater persuasiveness for over-arching national resources policies and laws.
A pilot version of the mapping project was initiated in Montana in 2007, and the TRCP is in the process of implementing the project in other Western states.
Montana:
In January 2007, the TRCP began working with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and more than 40 sporting clubs in 30 communities throughout the state to gather unique information directly from sportsmen about Montana’s most important hunting and fishing areas and access. The FWP provided maps and GIS technical assistance along with full support of the project. The Cinnabar Foundation and American Prairie Foundation helped fund the TRCP’s efforts in Montana.
The information-gathering phase of the Montana project is complete, and TRCP Field Representative
For more information on the Montana SVM project, contact Bill Geer.
New Mexico:
In February 2008, the New Mexico Game Commission and New Mexico Department of Game & Fish endorsed this project and pledged their support. TRCP Field Representative
For more information on the New Mexico SVM project, contact Ross Tuckwiller.
Wyoming:
In January 2008, the TRCP received funding from Patagonia to support the project in Wyoming. TRCP Field Representative Dwayne Meadows is currently meeting with sportsmen clubs to collect user information, and data is being input into GIS by the TRCP. Data collection should be completed by summer 2009.
For more information on the Wyoming SVM project, contact Dwayne Meadows.
This unique project reflects one of the TRCP’s most outstanding efforts to involve sportsmen in issues that affect them in the Rocky Mountain West. When complete, these user-value maps will form an unprecedented resource for better managing fish and wildlife and meeting the needs of local sportsmen – thereby furthering the TRCP mission of guaranteeing every American a place to hunt and fish.
To learn more about the TRCP Sportsmen Values Mapping Project, contact
TRCP Western Communications Manager Katie McKalip
TRCP Energy Policy Initiative Manager Steve Belinda
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