Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance’s Post

Is Jackson Hole the next Vail? Part 2. In our post yesterday, we mentioned that the elk population in Vail has drastically declined and is struggling to rebound due to indirect and direct human impact. Wildlife in Jackson Hole is also experiencing increasing levels of direct and indirect impacts from humans. We still have time to learn and adapt for the sake of our animal neighbors with the Stilson Development. ✅ Stilson is a well-recognized critical corridor and habitat for moose, elk, deer, and other wildlife, AND it’s where the Valley’s largest corporation, with revenue exceeding 140 million, wants to build retail, daycare, and housing for their employees. Mary Kate Buckley, the President of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, recently said, “We would certainly support wildlife corridors on both the east and the west side of Stilson. But not at the expense of trying to meet the needs of this community.” (Arnold, Dec. 6, 2023). 🤨 Let’s back up here and make sure not to confuse the desires of the Resort with the “needs of this community.” The private developments at Stilson would primarily benefit the Resort, not our community. Let’s also question what Ms. Buckley is saying here – if we really put the needs of this community before the needs of wildlife, where will that get us? It will put us on the path of Eagle County, Colorado, and most other places on this planet, where habitat loss is causing the largest mass extinction of our time. ➡️ If we want a different result, we must do things differently in Jackson Hole. Part THREE, the final part of this mini-series, will drop on Friday. Let us know what your takeaway is from this convo so far👇 📣 #conservation #responsibledevelopment #keepjacksonlocal #JHCA This is a miniseries adapted by a blog post written by our Conservation Director, Kevin Krasnow, Ph.D.

Another "movement" to celebrate here in #Massachusetts ... "Pollinator gardens have grown from a plea to protect wildlife into a blossoming movement. Homeowners and municipalities in western Massachusetts are 'killing their lawns' and replacing the grass with trees, bushes and wildflowers that bees, butterflies and bugs rely on. These gardens grow into #ecosystems, supporting native species who continue to lose habitat in the face of climate change, development and invasive species. “'[It’s about] getting people to redefine #aesthetics,' Adams said. 'People look at a vast green lawn and say, ‘oh, that’s beautiful,’ when in fact it’s a biological wasteland. Some people look at a meadow and say it’s so wild and not tamed and not America, but to us it’s just beautiful.'” ... "The movement has expanded to beyond neighborhood backyards to include a program run by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation called Going Wild. Now in its fourth year, the program encourages residents about enhancing and preserving #pollinator habitats. "Additionally, proposed legislation on Beacon Hill calls for a special commission to study statewide opportunities for enhancing and expanding pollinator habitat in both developed and natural areas such as farm field borders, forest borders, residential areas, parks, urban areas, industrial areas, energy transmission corridors, energy generating facilities and transportation corridors. More here - https://lnkd.in/eBFh9KXB

As we transition from the summer to autumn, it becomes imperative to ready our gardens for the changing season while also considering the wildlife that relies on them. Clearing debris is essential, but creating a welcoming habitat for these creatures is equally important. By offering various food sources and shelter options, we can actively support garden wildlife throughout the autumn months. These efforts not only benefit the wildlife within our gardens but also play a crucial role in maintaining a flourishing ecosystem. #WildlifeConservation #GardenHabitatEnhancement.

Suffolk residents, have your say in the county's Local Nature Recovery Strategy📢 Since monitoring began in Suffolk in 1970, the wildlife studied has declined by 19% (on average) ⚠️ Don't worry, there is still time to help. Fill out this survey to make a difference and help shape Suffolk's Local Nature Recovery Strategy https://bit.ly/4b3KGef Suffolk County Council #Suffolk #Environment #Nature #Survey #SuffolksLocalNatureRecoveryStrategy

One of the most common questions I get asked, is why does Ducks Unlimited focus a majority of our conservation efforts in the coastal regions of Georgia? The reason: Our efforts are grounded in SCIENCE! Coastal Georgia is home to six counties that front the Atlantic Ocean and eleven counties have tidal shoreline pushing nearly 60 miles inland; 100 miles of direct coastline, thirteen barrier islands, and nearly 2000 miles of tidal shoreline. This equates to over 367,000 acres of estuarine wetlands, including one-third of the eastern seaboard saltmarshes. This incredible geographic area also supports to a large portion of the Atlantic flyaway's wintering waterfowl, and is home to at least 120 rare or threatened species including manatees, indigo snakes, and flatwoods salamanders. In addition having one of the world's largest seaports, and being home to over a half million people, it's clear to say that without healthy, sustainable wetlands, the wildlife, water, recreation, and economical benefits enjoyed by the people of Georgia and the state’s visitors, would be lost. To learn more about how you, or your organization can make a difference, please consider contacting me today. https://lnkd.in/ePA9eKKN

Wildlife is resilient. It thrives in the rich backcountry of the state – the broad expanses of western North Carolina Mountains, the Coastal Plains, and the Piedmont pine savannas. But often overlooked are the species that exist outside of these areas, the species whose homes are closer to urban centers, what might be collectively referred to as urban wildlife. North Carolina holds a vibrant diversity of wildlife across the state. Many of these species are specially adapted to specific habitats containing unique food and water sources, nesting habitat, and mating grounds. There is much concern surrounding the fever-pitch expansion of urban centers into previously undeveloped natural areas. Urbanization, habitat degradation and fragmentation are indeed some of the largest threats facing wildlife. But nevertheless, wildlife finds a way to push through the threatening elements of these urban spaces... particularly when steps are taken by the conservation community to make them safer and more hospitable for our urban wildlife. Learn more at ncwf.org. #UrbanWildlife #wildlife #conservation #northcarolina #fox #redfox

Why does Colorado need more funding to protect its lands, wildlife, and recreation? Read our latest blog to find out why. 👇 Nearly one-third of Colorado’s lands have already been altered by human development –placing Colorado at the highest percentage of natural areas already lost to development among Western states. And with just 13% of lands protected from new development, the gap between lands protected and lands already developed is among the highest in the West. 🏔️ 🐻 https://lnkd.in/dP8q7Bpu

Rare bumblebee numbers are rising in Shropshire following a successful project to restore old hay meadows. The National Trust is leading Stepping Stones, an initiative which aims to reconnect isolated patches of wildlife habitat across the Long Mynd and Stiperstones. Jinlye Meadows, on the Long Mynd, is now thriving with wildflowers and insects and as a result, the population of bilberry bumblebees has increased. Volunteers are now being asked to join the project to continue the work across the county. Yellow rattle seed is a critical plant species for creating meadows, and the Stepping Stones team are inviting people to help collect it from Jinlye in All Stretton on 9 and 10 July between 14:00 - 16:00 BST. The plant slows down the growth of grasses by attaching itself to the root system which makes diverse wildflower species grow. The fields are now teeming with wildflowers and pollinating insects. #environment #sustainability #climatechange #nature #bees #biodiversity #education #lifecycles https://lnkd.in/ez7vqzZa

Coastal swamp forests are key #tealcarbon environments which provide critical ecosystem services such as retention of organic matter and nutrients, water storage, and terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat. And of course they are just gorgeous! Who doesn't love the #CDOM?! It is important to preserve, restore, and protect them. Glad to see this special part of NC being featured, Coastal Review!

Through our Natural Area Acquisition Program we've invested over $53 million into acquiring more than 4,522 hectares of natural area. Our program focuses on securing sites in critical locations including: - corridor pinch points - areas of priority species habitat - linkages between high value strategic natural areas - conservation areas that are under greatest threat. It's one of the ways we're ensuring the long-term viability of our wildlife corridors and priority species. Explore how else we're protecting #ournaturalcity 👉 https://citygc.au/3VLE3Id