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January 23, 2025

Wyoming Sportspeople Celebrate Conservation of Iconic Big Game Migration Corridors with Kelly Parcel Sale to Grand Teton National Park 

Hunting and grazing will be retained in perpetuity on the parcel 

In the waning hours of 2024, the State of Wyoming and Department of the Interior finalized the $100 million sale of the 640-acre Kelly State Trust Parcel to Grand Teton National Park, marking the terminus of the years-long effort to conserve its outstanding wildlife values.  

Alarmed by a proposal to sell the parcel at public auction in 2023, a broad coalition of Wyomingites, including numerous sportspeople’s groups, worked with the Wyoming legislature, Governor Mark Gordon, auditor Kristi Racines, and treasurer Curt Meier to authorize its direct sale to the park, generating a windfall for public education. Hunting and grazing will remain on the parcel per the sales agreement.  

The Kelly Parcel remains one of the few accessible public tracts of land available for bison hunting in Wyoming. As seen in the feature image, after 16 days of hunting, including an opportunity on the Kelly Parcel the day before, Cody, Wyoming, resident Austin Reed was successful on the National Elk Refuge in early 2025.

“Wyoming sportspeople quickly recognized the threat to pronghorn and elk migration paths, wildlife habitat, and public access should the Kelly Parcel be developed,” said Josh Metten, Wyoming field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The sale to Grand Teton National Park is a win-win for wildlife, sportspeople, and Wyoming school children. We thank the legislature, Governor Gordon, auditor Racines, treasurer Meier, and the broad coalition of Wyomingites who worked tirelessly to achieve this historic win.” 

The sale was furnished by monies from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which receives royalties from offshore oil and gas development, and private donors to Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Revenues will directly benefit Wyoming school children as required by the Wyoming constitution. 

“The broad support from Wyomingites to convey the Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park is a clear indication of our desire to find common-ground solutions that avoid political gridlock and partisan politics,” added Metten. “We thank Grand Teton National Park for retaining hunting and grazing in perpetuity for this parcel, which is now forever conserved for future generations to enjoy.” 

For several decades, conservationists and Wyoming’s elected representatives have recognized that state trust parcels found within Grand Teton National Park’s boundaries could be added to the park while also meeting those parcels’ constitutional mandate to generate revenue for public education. In 2003, the late senator Craig Thomas led the passage of legislation authorizing exchanges, sales, or trades of state trust inholdings. The Kelly parcel acquisition is the culmination of this effort and is a historic win for Wyoming and all Americans.  


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

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January 17, 2025

Greater Sage Grouse Land Use Planning Complete in Colorado and Oregon  

TRCP urges the BLM to work with states to expeditiously complete remaining plans.

Recently, the Bureau of Land Management signed records of decision for greater sage grouse plan amendments in Colorado and Oregon, two of the 10 Western states where plans are being updated in response to a court ruling.   

“For more than a decade, state agencies have worked in an unprecedented collaboration with the BLM to revise management plans to conserve over 67 million acres of sagebrush habitat,” said Madeleine West, vice president of Western conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The completion of plans in Colorado and Oregon is great progress toward ending the cycle of planning so that agency staff and resources can move back to where it needs to be -on species and land management to benefit the sagebrush ecosystem and Western communities that rely on it.”  

In November 2024, the BLM issued final plans across the 10 state range of the greater sage grouse (California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming) and has been working since that time to resolve administrative protests and consistency reviews by several Governors.   

“With these new plans, the BLM has removed some poison pills that existed in the 2015 plans, retained important changes included in the plans finalized in 2020 to respect state authorities, and incorporated updated science to reflect an improved understanding of ecosystem needs over the last decade,” added West.  “We hope the Trump Administration will pick up this work quickly and collaborate with the remaining states to finalize all the plans in a manner that creates durable management in a consistent manner across the remaining range of the species.”     

The TRCP has been on the front lines of sage grouse conservation for years. The decline of this iconic game bird of the American West indicates that sagebrush habitat is in trouble, and that matters for sportsmen and women because the sagebrush ecosystem is home to more than 350 different species of plants and animals, including such iconic game species as pronghorn and mule deer. 

For more information about the plans, click HERE.   


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.


Sporting Groups and Partners Cheer Conservation Investment in the Rio Grande Headwaters

New federal funding will support enhanced fish and wildlife habitat while tackling challenges faced by fish, wildlife, and communities along the Rio Grande in Colorado and New Mexico

Today, the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $24.9 million investment to support water conservation and habitat restoration efforts in the headwaters of the Rio Grande. These new federal resources will ensure greater resilience to drought and water security for Colorado and New Mexico communities while significantly enhancing the quality of fish and wildlife habitat in the region for future generations of hunters and anglers.

“Today’s announcement provides a critical downpayment that will make the headwaters of the Rio Grande better prepared to handle the ongoing impacts of drought, while supporting state and local efforts to sustainably manage water supplies for future generations,” said Alexander Funk, TRCP director of water resources. “Further, this announcement shows that when Colorado and New Mexico work together, big things can happen that benefit fish and wildlife, support local economies, and tackle some of the region’s most pressing water challenges.” 

The Rio Grande is a vital resource for the region—it provides water for agriculture, which remains the backbone of the economy, communities, Pueblos, acequias, and iconic fish and wildlife, including the Rio Grande cutthroat trout and migratory waterfowl. Yet the Rio Grande is amid a long-term drought, which has placed considerable strain on surface and groundwater resources in the region. The funding announced today will help to provide a critical downpayment on addressing these challenges by investing in state and locally led efforts to encourage sustainable surface and groundwater management, update aging water storage and delivery infrastructure, and benefit fish and wildlife habitat by restoring wetlands and riparian areas.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership worked in partnership with the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District, Conejos Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, Colorado Open Lands, Santa Clara Pueblo, Middle Rio Grande Water Conservation District, New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, Colorado Water Conservation Board, National Wildlife Federation, American Rivers, Amigos Bravos, and others in developing and securing this federal funding for the Upper Rio Grande.

“We are thrilled to see this funding go towards these critical projects in Colorado. We are particularly proud to have played a role in assisting these projects in securing funding through Colorado Water Conservation Board funding programs including our Federal Technical Assistance Grant Program, Projects Bill funding and Water Plan Grants,” said Lauren Ris, Colorado Water Conservation Board Director, “By building upon the capacity of our local partners, we provide extra resources and guidance to navigate complex federal funding processes.”

“This funding will expand the Department’s ongoing efforts to restore riparian habitats, enhance fish passage for Species of Greatest Conservation need, and maintain outdoor recreational opportunities for New Mexicans – now and into the future,” said Michael Sloane, Director, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “We are thrilled to continue to work with our federal, state, and private partners to get these funds on the ground to benefit fish, wildlife and habitat that supports them.” 

“The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District is excited to partner with the Corrales farming community to invest in durable solutions to address infrastructure constraints and water supply shortages in their service area” said Jason M. Casuga, P.E., CEO and Chief Engineer of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. “This innovative partnership is vital for the sustainability of the Corrales farm economy and area food security.”

“This funding is a critical investment in healthy rivers and communities in the Upper Rio Grande – an often overlooked but vital watershed for drinking water, agriculture, and wildlife. The projects supported by these funds will confront and solve long-term challenges in supplying clean, safe, reliable drinking water, improving water quality for wildlife and agriculture, and reducing risks across the region from drought and overuse,” said Emily Wolf, Rio Grande Coordinator, American Rivers. “We are proud to support this work, and our local partners, in securing this funding, and applaud the Bureau of Reclamation in supporting this crucial step.”

“With $24.9 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Upper Rio Grande Basin will gain drought-resilient infrastructure, restored ecosystems, and advanced water management—ensuring sustainable water resources for generations to come,” said Amber Pacheco, Deputy General Manager, Rio Grande Water Conservation District. 

“This funding will be a catalyst for our collective work to restore the health of the San Luis Valley’s rivers and aquifers, which will improve the Upper Rio Grande Basin’s resilience in the face of changing water supplies,” said Heather Dutton, Manager, San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District. “The completion of these critical projects will make a difference for the community now and for future generations!” 

“This investment will be critical for a number of headwater streams, improving the resilience of these watersheds as well as the mainstem of the Rio Grande in light of the climate stressors we are facing. The projects will benefit the communities who rely on the watersheds, acequias and traditional agriculture, and the wildlife who call this region home,” said Steven Fry, Projects and Policy Specialist, Amigos Bravos. “The Bureau of Reclamation and the Biden-Harris administration are demonstrating once again that investing in our local communities and watersheds throughout the Rio Grande remains a priority and we thank them for their continued leadership.”

“The Rio Grande is the underpinning that supports the economic and ecological health of the region. This funding allows conservation partners to critically address and relieve the challenges this habitat and community have experienced from long-term drought and sustainability insecurity,” said Tracy Stephens, senior specialist for riparian connectivity at The National Wildlife Federation. “We applaud the Bureau of Reclamation’s investment and recognition of the importance of riparian health and habitat connectivity. This funding is an important step forward in a collective effort to achieve well-connected and functional riparian corridors to protect the wellbeing of people, plants, and wildlife in the Upper Rio Grande.”

 

Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to habitat and clean water HERE


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

Multiple Uses Balanced in Lakeview Resource Management Plan Amendment  

Key wildlife habitats will be conserved alongside ranching, wildfire prevention and invasive species management

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership applauds the Bureau of Land Management Lakeview Field Office for finalizing the long-awaited Resource Management Plan Amendment, a blueprint for balancing the needs of wildlife, recreation, ranching, and other uses across 3.2 million acres of public lands in southeastern Oregon. 

This plan represents significant collaboration between the local communities, state and federal agencies, stakeholders including hunters and anglers and members of the Tri-Corner Collaborative, and the BLM to ensure these landscapes remain intact, productive, and accessible for future generations. The RMPA demonstrates a thoughtful approach to maintaining multiple uses and conserving valuable wildlife habitats, including 415,679 acres that will now be managed to maintain wild, backcountry character, while addressing key challenges such as wildfire prevention and invasive species management. 

“This plan is a testament to the power of collaboration to achieve durable conservation outcomes,” said Tristan Henry, Oregon field representative for TRCP. “The Lakeview RMPA secures vital habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, and other species while providing certainty for public land users. This achievement reflects the input of countless Oregonians who value our public lands and outdoor traditions.” 

The TRCP is committed to supporting implementation of the Lakeview RMPA to ensure that the plan’s conservation measures translate into tangible benefits for fish, wildlife, and local communities. We look forward to working alongside the BLM, landowners, and other interests to sustain the health and resilience of Oregon’s public lands for generations to come. 

For more information on the TRCP’s work in southeast Oregon, click here

Photo credit: Robert Shea


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

January 13, 2025

Recreational Angling, Conservation Community Supports Menhaden Science Funding

Renewed Virginia legislative effort to fund a three-year study would provide insights critical for a healthy Chesapeake Bay  

(RICHMOND, Va.)— During the 2025 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers will again consider providing funding for university research into the Commonwealth’s largest fishery: Atlantic menhaden. Delegate Paul Milde (R-64) is spearheading the effort to provide the $3 million necessary for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to complete a three-year study of the ecology, fishery impacts, and economic importance of the menhaden population in the waters of the Commonwealth. 

Last Friday, Delegate Milde introduced House Bill 2713, which directs the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, in collaboration with VIMS, to conduct the menhaden study. In addition, an amendment to the state’s biennial budget, falling under HB 1600, Item 148 #4h, seeks to earmark funding separately for the same study as another potential vehicle to help ensure success.

Atlantic menhaden are a small, schooling fish targeted by industry to be turned into fishmeal and fish oil products through a process known as “reduction” fishing. Due to their high oil content, menhaden – otherwise called bunker – serve as the base of the marine food chain in Virginia, feeding iconic predators like striped bass, bluefish, and ospreys during critical points in their life cycles, especially inside the Chesapeake Bay. Although menhaden are managed on a coastwide basis by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, there is a lack of specific data related to how many menhaden are present within the Bay itself throughout the year and the impacts reduction fishing may have on the fragile estuarine ecosystem. 

“Current menhaden management relies on incomplete information. This research will provide the scientific foundation needed to make sound decisions that balance the needs of the fishery with the ecological importance of this keystone species,” said Delegate Paul Milde (R-64), who is sponsoring the efforts. “Menhaden are essential to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, supporting a variety of commercial and recreational fisheries. By investing in this research, we can make informed decisions about menhaden management and protect this vital species for future generations.”  

Photo Credit: Joanna Steidle

Concerns about the removal of menhaden from the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake are the primary reason ASMFC implemented a harvest cap on the state’s reduction fishery in 2006. However, this cap is based solely on historic landings and not actual scientific data on the current population of menhaden in the Bay.  

“As questions continue to mount about the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population, the need for this important effort grows every day. We appreciate all the work that the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Virginia Marine Resources Commission have done in the development of the study,” said Chris Moore, Virginia executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “CBF is very appreciative of Delegate Milde for his leadership to ensure this effort is not further delayed.”  

This relatively low-cost education funding provision would allow VIMS to expand its knowledge about Virginia’s largest commercial fishery to improve sustainable fisheries management and give the Virginia Marine Resources Commission the information necessary to determine the role menhaden play in maintaining viable recreational fishing access and a healthy Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. A robust menhaden population directly supports Virginia’s $980 million recreational fishing economy, by serving as a critical food source for valuable sportfish like striped bass (or rockfish).   

“Making up the gaps in science is the only way to effectively evaluate the menhaden population in the Bay,” said Chris Macaluso, director of the Center for Marine Fisheries for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The reduction industry removes millions of pounds of menhaden from the Chesapeake. Numerous economically, ecologically, and culturally important fish like striped bass, cobia, and red drum depend on this forage, yet little is known about the impacts of depleting menhaden inside the Bay. Establishing a baseline of knowledge for the Bay’s fishery is vital to support both sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries.” 

Recent fish spills by the menhaden reduction industry initially highlighted the need to find ways to mitigate the impact of these spills to local economies. As a result, the General Assembly passed SB 1388 during the 2023 legislative session, which required VIMS to develop plans for studying menhaden populations in the waters of the Commonwealth. In early 2024, Virginia lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have funded this necessary research. 

“For years, we’ve lacked the baseline knowledge we need to help establish robust and lasting protections for menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Romaric Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager for the National Audubon Society. “This funding bill is a step in the right direction towards achieving a lasting and healthy fishery that is able to support and protect vital bird and fish species along the entire Atlantic coast. We must do everything we can to preserve the health of the Bay.” 

“An investment by Virginia in science to better manage, use, and conserve public fishery resources in the Chesapeake Bay is a logical and long-awaited step towards establishing an important balance for stakeholders and the fishery resources we all share,” said David Sikorski, executive director for the Coastal Conservation Association – Maryland.  

“It’s clear advancing science in the Chesapeake Bay is important to understanding the ecosystem dynamics in the primary producer area for striped bass,” said Mike Waine, Atlantic fisheries policy director for the American Sportfishing Association. “Menhaden, as a key forage species, play a vital economic role in supporting recreational fishing businesses that serve hundreds of thousands of anglers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.” 

“We need Bay-specific science to better understand the impacts of fishing on birds and other predators within Chesapeake Bay,” said Nikki Rovner, associate state director of The Nature Conservancy in Virginia. “Better science will help us make better decisions on how to manage those impacts and continue improving the health of the system.”  

Learn more on our Forage Fish Recovery Page about the recreational fishing community’s push for better management of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. 

Banner image courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program

HOW YOU CAN HELP

TRCP has partnered with Afuera Coffee Co. to further our commitment to conservation. $4 from each bag is donated to the TRCP, to help continue our efforts of safeguarding critical habitats, productive hunting grounds, and favorite fishing holes for future generations.

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