| What is conservation? Wildlife and habitate conservation is a broad concept that can be used to describe any local or national effort aimed at preserving wildlife species or their environments. It can be as large as federal designation of national forests combined with comprehensive species and resource protection laws, or it can be as simple as a group of neighbors getting together to clean up a local creek. Conservation is extremely important not only animals but to humans as well. We are all part of this ecosphere and our actions today affect our lives tomorrow. The leader of the conservation effort in the United States is arguably the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. An organization of scientists, lawmakers, and experts founded more than a century ago. The USFWS establishes protective guidelines for all wildlife including birds, mammals, and fish. It also establishes guidelines for protection of natural ecologies such as wetlands and forests. |
| How can you be involved with conservation? There are many ways to get involved in conservation. Start by paying attention to your own actions. "Make no sound, leave no trace" is a great motto to carry with you on your next fishing trip or any time you venture out. Always leave the environment in the same condition or better than you found it. Noise pollution does affect wildlife and of course, leaving behind trash can be harmful and unsightly. With respect to fishing, pay attention to catch limits and gear restrictions in your state and local fishing areas. Taking too many fish, if you are not practicing Catch & Release, can not only harm the local ecology but may also be against state or federal fishing laws. Finally, there are many wildlife conservation organizations you can get directly involved with such as the global World Wildlife Fund. The National Wildlife Federation also publishes a a list of national organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation. Get involved on whatever level you feel comfortable with, but get involved! Below is a list of links to the organiztions mentioned here but there are many more so please feel free to explore and find a local group near you! "Think globally, act locally . . ." |
