The USDA Forest Service manages nearly 200 million acres of public land all over the country. That’s a lot of ground to cover, especially when you consider the agency’s mandate to make decisions on how best to utilize and maintain the land for “the greatest good of the greatest number in the long run.”
In order to look after that much land across so many different states and constituencies, the USDA Forest Service has forged essential partnerships. They work closely with local, grassroot organizations and contractors who live in and around the communities most intimately tied to National Forests–people who know these landscapes and whose lives and livelihoods are tied to them. These partnerships are proving incredibly successful in addressing the mounting threats to our forests and surrounding towns.
Confronting Wildfires Across the West
American western landscapes in general, and National Forest lands in particular, are confronting unprecedented wildfire seasons. Wildfires are growing larger, more frequent, and more dangerous. These fires not only threaten our cherished forests and grasslands, but critical infrastructure like power lines and municipal water supplies as well. Most importantly, wildfires threaten homes, communities, friends, and family members. This has become tragically clear in the past few years.
As part of a broad-reaching plan to improve the overall health of our National Forests and reduce wildfire risk, the USDA Forest Service is expanding its working relationship with partners who have demonstrated a track record of proven success. They are funding and mobilizing organizations that can quickly and effectively get to work. One of those proven and essential partners is the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF).
MDF Partnership
Over the years, MDF has demonstrated exceptional capacity for ecosystem rehabilitation and improvement and have been putting that expertise to work for the Forest Service since 1988. MDF and the USDA Forest Service make a powerful team, combining the nimble approach of a locally connected, grassroots organization with the structure and funding of the Federal Government. Over the past decade, their numerous collaborations have yielded significant benefits for National Forest landscapes, mule deer populations, and local communities.
Formalizing a Keystone Partnership
It has been recognized by many there is a need to increase the work being done not only to help with the more severe wildfire seasons but also to help safeguard communities, increase our timber supply, and improve watersheds. Getting work done at the scale and speed needed, demands an all-hands-on-deck strategy, expanding the roles and responsibilities of partners with proven track records. MDF and the Forest Service have a master stewardship agreement for habitat improvement and restoration while supporting the wildfire prevention and restoration, making the Mule Deer Foundation one of its Keystone Partners.
A Record of Success
This partnership is working. MDF has already treated more than 276,000 acres of National Forest land. Those lands, and the communities around them, are now far safer from wildfires. MDF also has over 151,000 acres of treatment underway right now, driving economic development in rural America by employing skilled heavy equipment operators to thin the forests and providing timber to local lumber mills and bioelectricity plants. The USDA Forest Service and MDF partnership is a perfect example of how we can utilize public funds to create good jobs, safeguard our communities from wildfire, and improve our shared natural resources for every American to enjoy.
For a short Video on why thsi USFS MDF partnership matters please follow the link below:
or
review our published project reports here: https://muledeer.org/mule-deer-habitat-articles-videos-and-podcasts
About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only national conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or call (801) 973-3940.
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