Two years into studying migratory big game as a grad student, Patrick Rodgers lost his father to cancer. In this new film, Rodgers honors the man who nurtured his appreciation for wildlife by running 92 miles along a mule deer migration route.
These essential seasonal habitats are on a journey of redemption, as well. Take action today to support the conservation of migration corridors.
I think running has given me a different perspective on mule deer. It’s a challenge to migrate. That is an incredible journey. And any increased stress that could inhibit those migrations can have serious implications. Migration is moving from a rough place, where you’re struggling, to somewhere better, and I have felt that transformation.
— Patrick Rodgers
While advances in GPS technology have allowed us to map migration corridors in recent years, land-use policies and planning tools haven’t been updated in decades. Existing federal agency plans generally do not account for the conservation of these habitats and therefore they must be modernized.
Learn MoreFences, highways, housing, and other development can change big game movement patterns or close off migration corridors altogether. Wildlife-friendly highway over- and underpasses can help reconnect fragmented habitat and prevent deadly vehicle collisions, but these projects require dedicated funding.
Learn MoreIn recent years, there has been increased energy leasing in migration corridors and stopover areas. Research has shown that resource extraction activity can alter the long-term movement patterns and behavior of mule deer. It will be essential to heed these lessons and plan carefully for responsible energy development.
Learn MoreMigration corridors span a checkerboard of federal, state, and private lands, complicating efforts to manage and conserve these habitats. Collaboration between public agencies and private landowners is critical to safeguarding not only migration routes and stopover areas but also the mule deer, elk, moose, pronghorns, and other species that use them.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is proud to facilitate direct engagement between sportsmen and women and elected officials. But the more we know about what is important to you, the more we can fight for it.
Can you stick around for a few minutes to tell us what other conservation issues are meaningful to you?
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In the last two years, policymakers have committed to significant investments in conservation, infrastructure, and reversing climate change. Hunters and anglers continue to be vocal about the opportunity to create conservation jobs, restore habitat, and boost fish and wildlife populations. Support solutions now.
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