WASHINGTON, D.C. —  A newly announced plan from the US Department of Agriculture will expand the agency’s work in conserving wildlife connectivity and migration habitats across the country. The new USDA Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Connectivity and Corridors Committee will work with states, Tribes, and private landowners to maintain habitat and migratory connectivity across private and public lands.

“Farmers, ranchers, and the USDA have an essential role in helping ensure wildlife can move throughout the United States,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy for the National Wildlife Federation. “We are glad the Department of Agriculture is expanding their commitment to voluntary conservation that keeps elk, deer, antelope, and other wildlife moving through our fragmented landscapes, and look forward to the benefits this will bring to hunting, wildlife populations, and collaboration in conservation.”