BLM-MT Development and Coordination of Wild Turkey and Upland Game Habitat and Public Land Access Coordination

The purpose of this grant is to develop cooperation and coordination between the BLM and other parties on the design and implementation of projects and programs to further conservation and stewardship on BLM and other public lands, as well as adjacent private lands. The BLM and conservation organizations have responsibilties and interests in management and conservation of South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana natural resources on public lands. The upland bird species and wildlife habitat in the three-state region needs to be conserved and managed to meet growing public demand, including wildlife viewing and public hunting opportunities. The parties agree that management and restoration efforts often require ongoing coordination at a landscape and watershed level, including coordination with private landowners, other organizations and agencies. In addition, all parties understand that loss of access is an often-cited reason for hunters abandoning the sport of hunting. BLM will work together with applicant to secure new and maintain existing access points to public lands in the region. Develop a list of potential habitat and/or access projects within South Dakota. Identify and pursue partners and/or funding opportunities to implement these proposed habitat conservation and stewardship projects. Provide leadership, as agreed to on a project-by-project basis, for planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of proposals, projects or research developed subsequent to this agreement. Work with applicant to develop an annual program of work and facilitate the accomplishment of that work. Identify areas in need of legal access to BLM lands, identify an acquisition strategy, as well as contact information. Assist the BLM in identifying and implementing riparian improvement projects. Assist the BLM in identifying upland bird habitat improvement projects and assist with implementation. Assist the BLM in the development and implementation of fuels reduction and forest health projects on forested BLM lands. Work directly with BLM staff responsible for access procurement and maintenance in the region to maintain and increase public access opportunities to BLM and other public lands. Develop an annual program of work and facilitate accomplishment of that work. Report annually to the BLM on accomplishments of the previous years work plan. The public benefit to this agreement is the promotion of partnerships that would benefit public land management. The types of projects associated with this agreement vary and can include, but are not limited to, project design and implementation, resource inventory and monitoring, habitat restoration, studies, and public access coordination. The public will benefit directly from projects that improve access to public lands and will benefit indirectly from habitat improvement projects that increase or sustain wildlife populations for the enjoyment of recreationists and hunters.