TRCP Applauds America’s Longleaf 2024 Report: A Win for Hunters, Anglers, and Wildlife

June 24, 2025

2024 report highlights gains from Longleaf Pine restoration, boosting biodiversity, habitat resilience, and opportunities for hunting and fishing.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) commends America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI) on the successful release of its 2024 Range-wide Accomplishment Report, showcasing transformative progress for America’s iconic longleaf pine ecosystem. The report is a testament to 15 years of collaborative dedication across the historic longleaf range.

Once covering more than 90 million acres across the Southeast, the longleaf pine ecosystem continues to rebound thanks to strategic collaboration across federal, state, NGO, Tribal, and private partners. When longleaf pine forests are healthy and fully restored, they rank among the most biologically diverse forest ecosystems on Earth. These landscapes provide vital habitat for species like bobwhite quail, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and the Florida black bear. Longleaf pine ecosystems are also uniquely resilient, better able to withstand and recover from threats such as habitat loss, invasive pests, disease, and wildfire compared to other southern pine forests. Their restoration is a key strategy for safeguarding biodiversity and providing lasting benefits for fish and wildlife, hunters and anglers, private landowners, and the communities that rely on them.

ALRI’s 2024 Range-wide Accomplishment Report illustrates how purposeful ecological work directly improves wildlife, communities, economies, and even national security. These accomplishments resonate deeply with TRCP’s mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish through commonsense, science backed conservation efforts.

Some of the key 2024 highlights include:

2.7 million acres of longleaf pine trees gained through planting and forest management: Since ALRI began tracking in 2010, partners have restored more than 2 million acres of longleaf pine, bringing these fire-adapted forests back into vibrant landscapes.
Over 20 million acres treated with prescribed fire: Prescribed burns have impacted over 21 million acres since 2010, including a record-breaking 2.3 million acres in 2024, the fourth consecutive burn year on record.
More than 100,000 acres of new longleaf planted: Within 2024 alone, 100,260 acres were newly planted, showcasing an ongoing investment in longleaf restoration. Longleaf pine forests provide essential habitat for game species like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and bobwhite quail.
Nearly 50,000 acres safeguarded via easements and acquisitions: An estimated 49,337 acres were secured through conservation easements and acquisitions, fortifying these forests for future generations.
Measurable benefits to air, water, economy, and wildlife: Restored longleaf stands bolster clean water supplies, support climate resilient forest, open up economic opportunities through timber and understory harvesting, and provide critical habitat, including aiding in the recovery of the red-cockaded woodpecker, now formally down listed from endangered to threatened.
Supporting military readiness: The Department of Defense protected approximately 50,000 acres around Fort Stewart, establishing 11,000 longleaf acres and applying burns across 400,000 acres of existing longleaf habitat, helping preserve buffer zones critical for military training.

Why These Achievements Matter to Hunters and Anglers

For hunters and anglers, healthy habitat means better days afield and on the water. Thriving longleaf pine ecosystems provide essential habitat for species that hunters and anglers value, while also safeguarding the clean water that supports robust fish populations. At TRCP, we work to ensure conservation efforts benefit fish, wildlife, and the sporting traditions we cherish. The 2024 ALRI accomplishments directly advance that mission by restoring and enhancing habitat that improves hunting and fishing opportunities across the Southeast. Here are a few highlights from the report:

Scalable impact – Restoring over 2 million acres demonstrates what effective, collaborative conservation can achieve and mirrors our efforts in public lands, freshwater, marine fisheries, and grassland systems.
Fire management – Prescribed fire maintains ecosystem health, wildfire resilience, and recreation. TRCP supports policies that fund and scale safe burns across all public lands, and advocate for authorized planned burns that enhance forest and grasslands health on private lands.
Public and private synergy – ALRI’s model integrates federal and state agency leadership with engagement from industry, NGO’s, local foresters, and private landowners. These partnerships are essential to all TRCP-supported programs from access initiatives to habitat incentives.
Conservation that matters – Longleaf restoration isn’t simply about the trees, it’s also about clean water, wildlife corridors, economic returns from sustainable timber and tourism, and protecting access to lands. TRCP’s advocacy amplifies these real-world benefits when conservation dollars are in play.
Military-community alignment – Ensuring military training lands remain viable without encroachment for wildfire risk is an underappreciated pillar of national preparedness. By supporting programs like the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, TRCP not only supports biodiversity but also critical national security infrastructure.

The 2024 ALRI Accomplishment Report demonstrates what’s possible when diverse partners come together around a common goal: healthier longleaf pine forests that benefit hunters, anglers, public access, and local communities alike. These efforts improve habitat for the fish and wildlife we love to pursue, while supporting clean water, public access, and the economies that depend on it. This kind of collaborative, science-driven conservation is essential to sustaining our sporting traditions for generations to come.

You can read the full report HERE.

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by: Rob Thornberry

posted in: Habitat and Clean Water

June 20, 2025

Senate Budget Reconciliation Proposal Includes Mandatory Federal Land Sales in Idaho

What’s at stake for hunters and anglers?

As an Idaho sportsman, I rely on the millions of acres of federal public lands in this state to hunt and fish. I hunt elk and mule deer in the Salmon-Challis National Forest and cast to rising trout in waters that flow through BLM land in the Upper Snake Field Office. That’s why it is devastating looking at the map of the potential public lands for sale in Idaho under the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s budget reconciliation proposal.

TRCP joins hunters, anglers, and conservationists in thanking Senators Risch and Crapo of Idaho for opposing public land sales in budget reconciliation legislation.

The proposal includes land disposal for both the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service across 11 western states, mandating that at least 2 million acres, and up to 3 million acres, be sold.

Not only are the numbers staggering in size, but the acreage represents the loss of invaluable habitat and hunter and angler access. These acres are loved by me and many others.

(On the maps below National Forest acres are shaded gray, and BLM acres are shaded orange.)

Yellowstone Cutthroat Streams and Big Game Winter Range in Eastern Idaho

These acres include the flanks of Bear Creek, a tributary of Palisades Reservoir in eastern Idaho. The mountains above the stream where I’ve caught dozens of Yellowstone cutthroat are summer range to elk, moose, and deer. More than one thousand people apply for the November deer hunt, seeking the mule deer buck of a lifetime in that fantastic area. This land would be available for sale and could be nominated by anyone who is interested in buying them.

And downstream on the South Fork of the Snake River, a world-famous fishery, there are multiple riverside Bureau of Land Management plots also slated for sale. I can close my eyes and see winter range turned to trophy houses.

Prime Mule Deer Habitat in Western Idaho

East of Boise, mule deer and elk winter range for the state’s largest mule deer herds are being considered for sale. Not only are the flanks of Lucky Peak Reservoir, prime mule deer and elk winter range, up for grabs, but also the summer range for those same herds around Sheep Mountain.

Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout Waters in Northern Idaho

In north Idaho, the loss of National Forest lands around the North Fork of the Clearwater River could impact river access on one of the best fisheries in the Lower 48 for Westslope cutthroat and bull trout. Hunters would also lose access to elk, deer, turkeys, and forest grouse hunting.

Sadly, I could go on.

It is time, today, to look at the maps that show the loss of public land in your area, your honey hole for deer, a creek for wild trout. It is up for grabs if this proposal passes Congress and is signed into law.

While we appreciate the desire to address federal land management challenges and respond to local community needs, any public land disposal must be considered within transparent, public channels and funding from sales should be reinvested back into habitat and access.

Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreation pursuits are deeply ingrained in Idaho’s cultural heritage and provide a significant driver for rural economies. Every year, the outdoor recreation industry generates $1.2 trillion in national economic output, including Idaho’s outdoor recreation economy which generates $7.8 billion in consumer spending and supports 78,000 jobs.

Loss of access to valuable public land would impact hunters, anglers, and other recreationists who rely on public lands for their traditions, and could adversely affect outdoor businesses, guides and outfitters, local retailers, lodging companies, and many others who rely on outdoor recreation for their livelihoods.

Spread the Word – We need to keep the pressure up. Contact Senators James Risch and Mike Crapo through our easy-to-use action alert. TRCP thanks Senators Risch and Crapo for opposing public land sales. Please ask your friends and family to take action and contact their elected officials. Public lands belong to all Americans so it’s important that we all take action regardless of which state we live in. Share this blog post and elevate the action alerts of organizations you support who are working on this issue!

by: Josh Metten

posted in: Habitat and Clean Water

Senate Budget Reconciliation Proposal Includes Mandatory Federal Land Sales in Wyoming

What’s at stake for hunters and anglers?

The inclusion of mandatory public land sales in the proposed Senate budget reconciliation bill has Wyomingites on edge, and with good reason. At least 2 million acres, and up to 3 million acres, an area larger than Yellowstone National Park, would be mandated to be sold across the West within five years under this proposal—with the first nominations being made within 60 days of the bill’s passage. If you’re a fan of hunting mule deer in the Wyoming Range or enjoy wetting a line for native cutthroat trout along the North Fork Shoshone, take note, these special places, and many others, are at risk of being sold.

Below is a breakdown of select places we hunt and fish in Wyoming that are included in the land sale proposal.

Yellowstone Mule Deer and Elk Migrations in the North Fork Shoshone River

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park entering from Cody follow the winding North Fork of the Shoshone River as it cuts through the rugged Absaroka Mountains. This river valley is a critical migration route for thousands of elk and deer out of the Yellowstone high country as they move to winter range lower in the drainage. Grizzlies and bighorn sheep are frequently seen in the corridor, and its waters are popular for angling and whitewater rafting.

The North Fork’s stunning vistas and proximity to Yellowstone and Cody make it a desirable candidate for private developers. I’ve been fortunate to personally experience this incredible drainage, floating its waters in search of cutthroat trout, and hiking its steep ridges to glass for migrating mule deer bucks. We cannot lose this special place.

Elk Country in the Mount Leidy Highlands and Togwotee Pass near Jackson

Another iconic landscape that would be vulnerable for sale through this ill-advised proposal is the prime elk country just east of Grand Teton National Park. The Mount Leidy Highlands are an assortment of forested hillsides, wildflower-filled meadows, and mountain peaks where I found my first success hunting bull elk. This unbroken landscape also facilitates the seasonal movements of the Upper Wind River mule deer migration corridor which was recently identified by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission under the Migration Corridor Executive Order.

The Mount Leidy Highlands extend north towards Togwotee Pass, a popular area for snowmobiling and Nordic skiing in winter. These attributes, along with the area’s location close to Jackson and Dubois, make it highly likely to be nominated for sale and privatization, especially from out-of-state buyers who want their little slice of Jackson Hole.

Wyoming Range—The Mule Deer Factory

The Wyoming Range is well known to hunters for its fantastic mule deer hunting. The region’s snowy peaks and high alpine meadows support rich tall forb plant communities that grow big mule deer, along with robust elk herds that provide abundant antlered and late season cow elk hunting opportunities. Privatization of these landscapes could fragment the migrations and seasonal habitats of the Wyoming Range mule deer herd–hampering its ability to recover from harsh winters like the one we had in 2022-2023.

Crucial Mule Deer and Elk Range and Greater Sage-Grouse Core in the Bighorn Basin

Wyoming’s Bighorn basin is a rugged and beautiful landscape beloved by sportsmen and sportswomen. Much of the area provides core habitat for greater sage grouse, while the slopes at the base of the Bighorn Mountains are crucial winter range for mule deer and elk. These landscapes are particularly special to me as they’re where my dog Ollie learned to be a great bird hunting partner on chukar and Huns.

Wyoming’s public land is NOT FOR SALE—Take Action NOW!

Wyomingites are united in our support for keeping public lands, waters, and wildlife in public hands. This is not a political issue; it’s about ensuring that these wild and working lands remain intact for future generations. Please take action now and urge decision makers to oppose this misguided effort to sell our shared legacy through a budget reconciliation bill.

How you can help:

Contact Senators Lummis and Barrasso and urge them to oppose the sale of our public lands. You can use our easy tool, but we also encourage you to call them directly or make a visit to one of their regional offices!

Contact Representative Hageman. Should the sale of public lands remain in the Senate version of the Reconciliation bill, it will need to be considered again by the House of Representatives. Representative Hageman needs to know that Wyomingites overwhelmingly support public lands, and we oppose the mandated sale of our legacy through a budget reconciliation bill.

Contact local elected representatives, including the Governor, your county commissioners, and state legislators. Urge them to oppose the sale of public lands and contact our congressional delegation. Find your legislator here.

Spread the Word – We need to keep the pressure up. Please ask your friends and family to take action and contact their elected officials. Public lands belong to all Americans so it’s important that we all take action regardless of which state we live in. Share this blog post and elevate the action alerts of organizations you support who are working on this issue!

by: Chelsea Pardo

posted in: Habitat and Clean Water

June 17, 2025

Spring Sooty Grouse and the Future of the Tongass

A spring hunt helps hunters slow down and think about the many opportunities the Tongass National Forest provides

April in Southeast Alaska is a season of tension and transition. Snow still clings to the high ridgelines above Juneau while skunk cabbage pushes through the soggy forest floor below. For hunters, it’s time to shake off winter and lace up the boots for one of Alaska’s most underrated spring pursuits: chasing the elusive Sooty grouse.

I was grateful for the generous opportunity to search for Sooty grouse with Mary Glaves, the Alaska Chapter Coordinator for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, based in Juneau. Her trustful canine companion, Riggs, a Catahoula Leopard breed, accompanied us for the day’s outing.

Hunting Sooty grouse isn’t about covering ground quickly—it’s about slowing down and tuning in to the rhythm of the forest. The hunter moves deliberately, scanning moss-covered branches and listening for the low, resonant hoots that betray the birds’ presence. These grouse favor the tops of old-growth spruce and hemlock, perched high in the canopy, nearly invisible, even when they’re calling.

The terrain is classic Southeast Alaska: steep, slick, and unforgiving. Every step is a calculated risk—wet roots, mossy boulders, and the occasional knee-deep patch of lingering snow. Trekking poles earn their keep here. But rugged landscapes make for beautiful country. One moment I’m huddled beneath a dripping evergreen canopy, and the next I’m out on an open ridge with sweeping views of the Inside Passage. It’s a stark contrast to the dry, crisp fall days I’ve spent chasing ptarmigan and ruffed grouse in my neck of the woods in Southcentral Alaska.

After a short, but steep hike, my hunting partner and I crested a ridge just as the wet snow started falling in earnest. We hunkered down with Riggs, hoping the squall would pass before deciding whether to push farther or turn back. I was grateful for the hooded puffy jacket stuffed in my pack—essential gear when you’re sitting still in cold, wet weather. We were soaked and chilled but still laughing at our luck with the forecast.

Eventually, I spotted a small grove of trees, and we ducked under, hoping a grouse might have done the same. Circling through the branches, we finally saw a bird. A closer look confirmed it was a hen. We watched her quietly, hoping a hooting male might be nearby.

Perfectly camouflaged for the canopy, it takes patience to see a grouse in a tree.

Sooty grouse populations are generally healthy across Southeast, but spring is a sensitive time. Males—or “hooters”—advertise their presence with rhythmic, echoing calls from the treetops. Hens, meanwhile, stay silent and camouflaged as they prepare to nest. That’s why it’s critical for hunters to identify their target before pulling the trigger. Shooting a hen in spring isn’t just a mistake—it can mean the loss of an entire clutch of future birds. Responsible hunters listen carefully, move slowly, and only take birds they’ve positively identified.

Spring Sooty grouse hunting isn’t about limits or trophies—it’s about presence. It’s about listening to the forest, honoring the bird, and letting the woods welcome you back after a long winter.

These quiet moments in the misty hills above Juneau help me remember what is at stake. The Tongass National Forest isn’t just a scenic backdrop; it’s wild, intact country that’s also a working landscape for hunters, anglers, and the many rural communities that rely on tourism and the sustainable management of this forest for their economy. From the ridgelines where Sooty grouse hoot in spring to the alpine bowls where Sitka black-tailed deer rut in the fall to the rivers where five species of Pacific salmon spawn, the Tongass supports a wild and deeply rewarding kind of hunting and fishing.

That’s why the Tongass Forest Plan revision matters to those of us who hunt and fish. This once-in-a-generation process will shape how the forest is managed for decades—whether crucial habitat remains intact, whether roadless areas remain wild, and whether future generations will have the same opportunities to experience this place as we do today.

A good dog like Riggs is a great companion in the Tongass.

As hunters and anglers, we understand that good habitat is the foundation of everything we care about. The old-growth forests of the Tongass provide more than beauty—they shelter deer in harsh winters, support nesting habitat for grouse, and feed the salmon runs that sustain other wildlife and fill our freezers.

In January 2025, the U.S. Forest Service released its Tongass National Forest Draft Assessment Report, covering 21 key topic areas—from timber and subsistence to recreation, climate change, and carbon storage. A 45-day public comment period followed, ending on February 24. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership actively encouraged hunters and anglers to weigh in. TRCP’s comments urged the Forest Service to align forest management with community values, conserve key fish and wildlife habitat, prioritize restoration, support recreation-based economies, and complete a transition to young-growth forest management.

The next step in the process is for the agency to update and finalize each of the 21 assessment chapters before consolidating them into a Final Assessment Report, which will integrate findings across all resource areas.

As the Forest Service moves into the next phase of the plan revision, hunters and anglers will have a critical role to play. Public involvement will continue through formal comment periods on draft management alternatives and the Environmental Impact Statement. Multiple engagement opportunities lie ahead to ensure the final forest plan reflects the values of hunters and anglers. So, stay tuned, stay involved, and let your voice be heard. The Tongass has given so much to generations of Alaskans—now is the time to stand up for its future.

Learn more about TRCP’s work in Alaska HERE.

by: Joel Webster

posted in: Habitat and Clean Water

June 11, 2025

TRCP Opposes Mandatory Sale of Public Lands in Senate Budget Reconciliation Proposal

Senate draft would fast-track disposal of up to 3 million acres across the West

Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership expresses serious concern with a provision in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s reconciliation proposal that would mandate the sale of public land in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming under the pretense of affordable housing.

“Hunters and anglers have made it clear that reconciliation is not the appropriate vehicle for public land sales,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The Senate proposal sets an arbitrary acreage target and calls for the disposal of up to six times more land than was proposed in early versions of the House budget reconciliation bill. If passed, sportsmen and women would lose access to large tracts of public land.”

While the House version put forward land sales to approximately 500,000 acres in Utah and Nevada, the Senate proposal would accelerate land disposals across 11 western states, mandating that not less than 2 million acres and not more than 3 million acres be sold. There have been no public processes that led to the conclusion that this acreage of land sales is needed to support affordable housing. Late last week, 44 hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations sent a letter to Senate leadership urging them to keep public lands sales out of the reconciliation bill.

“TRCP stands ready to work with lawmakers to address the needs of local communities to create affordable housing, but reconciliation is not the process for that kind of deliberative, transparent decision-making,” said Pedersen. “Once public lands are sold, they are gone for good. We urge the Senate to remove this provision from the bill.”