JACKSON HOLE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

P.O. Box 2728

Jackson, WY  83001

(307) 733-9417

www.jhalliance.org

 

1/10/07 Jackson Hole News&Guide

 

 

Conservation Alliance Works With Hunters

 

By Chuck Schneebeck
Vice Chair, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance

In the December 28 and January 4 editions of the Jackson Hole News&Guide, two different individuals stated that the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance was involved in an effort to stop hunting.  The fact is that they are mistaken. The Alliance does not have a policy against hunting but in fact collaborates with a number of groups whose primary interest is hunting. The Alliance recognizes the important role that hunting plays in wildlife management.

A major goal of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is to have viable and sustainable wildlife populations 100 years from now, and beyond.  To realize that goal will require diligence in protecting wildlife habitat, addressing issues of disease, keeping migration corridors open, designing road construction in a wildlife friendly manner and many other issues.  The Alliance collaborates with a variety of organizations to protect our wildlife resources.  Some of them have a focus on hunting, some on fishing, some on the economics of the community and some on the environmental quality of life.

An example of a collaborative approach is the DonÕt Poach the Powder educational initiative in Jackson Hole.  The Alliance coordinates the initiative on behalf of the following collaborators: The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, the National Elk Refuge, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation,  Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish, the Wyoming Chapter of the Sierra Club, Jackson Hole Snowmobile Tours, the Wyoming GovernorÕs Big Game License Coalition, and a number of other individuals and businesses from Jackson.  The result of protecting winter big game habitat is that all of the interests mentioned above benefit.

During the past year, the Alliance worked with the people of Buffalo Valley to protect some very rich wildlife habitat from being damaged by moving the Togwotee Pass road to the north side of RosieÕs Ridge.  We convened scientists to present the results of their research on the wildlife of the area.  Their data were used to help inform the decision makers of the value of the area.  Buffalo Valley residents, outfitters, ranchers, business owners and others were united in their opposition to relocating the highway.  Non-hunters and hunters stood shoulder-to-shoulder to protect the resource.  The result is that the highway will remain on its current alignment.

The one thing that all of these groups have in common is the commitment to have complete, viable and sustainable wildlife populations into the future. It is my opinion that the wildlife cannot afford to have a great deal of bickering among groups that are working on its behalf.  Terms such as Òhooks, bullets, and greensÓ are divisive.  The experience of working with a broad cross- section of the community convinces me that a coalition of organizations, businesses and thoughtful individuals can be effective in protecting our wildlife heritage.

Jackson Hole and the surrounding area is the last place in the 48 states that has a nearly complete functioning ecosystem similar to what was here 200 years ago.  The public lands of the area support all levels of the food chain from non-game species to ungulates to large predators. 

Many of us who live in this wonderful valley are here because of the rich wildlife and vast public lands.  They provide opportunities for recreation such as hunting, fishing, photography, and wildlife watching just to name a few.  For many of the residents of the valley, the wildlife is an important part of their spiritual being.  And the full complement of wildlife is an important part of the economics of the valley.

The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance will continue to work to protect the valuable resources of the valley.  If you share our passion for wildlife and our public lands, we would be delighted to have you join the Alliance.  And while youÕre at it, join the other non-profits who are committed to protecting all of WyomingÕs wildlife.  Become part of the discussions and debates that are a necessary part of the political process when it comes to public policy.  We welcome members who love this place and want their children and grandchildren to experience its wonder. 

By the way, this hunting season I Ògot my elkÓ and the Chairman of the Board got a spectacular buck.

 

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The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to responsible land stewardship to ensure that human activities are in harmony with the areaÕs irreplaceable wildlife, scenic and other natural resources. The organization has 2,000 members from Jackson Hole and across the nation.