USDA Out With Updated Big Game Conservation Plan

USDA has unveiled a new conservation framework aimed at protecting migratory big game species in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and 14 other western states. The plan brings together federal, state, and Tribal partners to address growing threats facing elk, mule deer, and pronghorn populations.

USDA said the Migratory Big Game: A Framework for Conservation Action is the most unified, landscape-scale approach undertaken by FSA and NRCS to support big game conservation while putting farmers and ranchers first by keeping working lands working.  

The Framework provides a strategy for using Farm Bill resources, including NRCS programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and Regional Conservation Partnership Program, as well as CRP). Through these programs, SDA provides assistance for delivering the Framework’s three strategies:   

Protecting Habitat and Connectivity: Voluntary conservation easements and CRP contracts help keep working lands intact, preventing fragmentation from development and securing movement corridors for future generations.

Reducing Barriers to Movement: Modernizing fences is a centerpiece of the strategy, replacing hazardous designs with wildlife-friendly alternatives and, where possible, removing fencing entirely. The Framework also highlights emerging solutions like virtual fencing, which reduces conflicts between livestock management and wildlife migration while lowering costs for producers.

Improving Habitat Quality: Actions include controlling invasive annual grasses, removing encroaching conifers, restoring mesic (wet) habitats, and improving forest health to boost forage and habitat quality on summer and winter ranges. These steps strengthen rangeland resilience, reduce wildfire risk, and maintain reliable water and forage sources critical to livestock and wildlife alike.

In addition to the three Northwest states, other states that are part of the framework include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. 

“We know that migratory big game rely on large and connected landscapes to meet their daily, seasonal and annual needs,” said Richard Fordyce, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. “This new Framework for Conservation Action helps us better target our resources and align our efforts, which benefit wildlife as well as ranching operations. USDA introduced its first frameworks in 2020, during President Trump’s first term, and we want to continue using this successful model of supporting wildlife and ranching productivity and operations.”   

USDA leaders say healthy working lands are critical to sustaining both agricultural operations and the West’s iconic big game herds.

“Across the West, the future of iconic big game herds—elk, mule deer and pronghorn—depends on the health of our working lands,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “Privately owned lands provide the vital seasonal habitats and connectivity required to sustain these healthy, resilient herds.” 

“We’re supporting migratory big game conservation by offering farmers and ranchers program opportunities that benefit big game and strengthen agricultural operations,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Like the ranchers who are stewards of our Western Grasslands, USDA recognizes that agriculture and conservation are most effective when they work together to strengthen the working lands and protect wildlife such as big game species for future generations.”  

The Department says this new framework builds on previous USDA conservation efforts launched back in 2020.