Refuge in the Forest

Sustainable Development Goals and the Conservation of Wildlife and Habitat in National Forests and Grasslands

Introduction

It is crucial to recognize that not only wildlife refuges, but also national forests and grasslands, play a significant role in the protection and conservation of our nation’s wildlife and habitat. These lands are home to over 420 animals and plants listed under the Endangered Species Act, with an additional 3,250 at-risk species. They encompass diverse habitats such as alpine tundra, tropical rainforests, deciduous and evergreen forests, native grasslands, wetlands, streams, lakes, and marshes.

Impact of Budget Cuts on Wildlife Conservation

Despite the wide variety of fish, wildlife, and habitats on Forest Service lands, the budget for the stewardship and restoration of these lands has significantly decreased. Further funding cuts under the fiscal cliff or an overall budget agreement would severely impact fish and wildlife conservation efforts on these lands.

1. Cuts to the program’s budget could hinder recovery efforts for over 100 wildlife species and 150 plant species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
2. A ten percent budget cut could prevent the Forest Service from improving wildlife habitat on 25,000 acres of national forests, including habitat for imperiled species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, salmon, and Pacific fisher.
3. Large animals such as grizzly bears, wolverines, elk, Canada lynx, and bighorn sheep that rely on intact habitats in national forests would also be affected.

Importance of Conservation Partnerships

Budget cuts would also diminish the Forest Service’s ability to foster conservation partnerships. These partnerships enable the agency to leverage habitat improvements on an additional 200,000 acres of national forest lands. The agency collaborates in innovative efforts that benefit both communities and wildlife.

• One example is the use of local Job Corps in Montana to install bear-safe garbage containers, reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
• The program also focuses on curing diseases that threaten prairie dog populations, installing escape ramps in livestock water troughs to protect reptiles and birds, and restoring old growth areas in the Tongass National Forest to support rare species like the Alexander Archipelago wolf and the Queen Charlotte Goshawk.
• Additionally, the program aims to restore sagebrush habitat to prevent the imperiled Greater sage-grouse from being listed as an endangered species.

Impact on Freshwater Species

Significant funding cuts would also have detrimental effects on fish and other freshwater species. A ten percent budget cut would halt the Forest Service’s plans to restore 100 miles of streams and 1,200 acres of lakes, jeopardizing the recovery of threatened and endangered fish species, mussels, crustaceans, and aquatic species on national forests and grasslands.

• Examples of ongoing restoration efforts include the Kern River Headwaters Restoration project in California, the South Fork Skokomish River restoration in Washington, the restoration of the Upper Swan River watershed in Colorado, and the habitat restoration on Prince of Whales Island in Alaska.

Nature Education and Recreation Services

In addition to conservation efforts, the Forest Service provides nature education and recreation services to the public. These services include hunting, fishing, and viewing opportunities, as well as increasing awareness of America’s wildlife heritage.

• One notable program is the participation in International Migratory Bird Day, with over 38 national forests hosting more than 520 presentations last year.
• The agency is also funding translations of materials used in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

Preserving funding for Forest Service wildlife and fish conservation work is essential for the protection and conservation of our national forests and grasslands. These lands are home to diverse wildlife and fish species, and they contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article discusses the importance of national forests and grasslands in protecting wildlife and habitat. This aligns with SDG 15, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems. The mention of fish and other freshwater species also connects to SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.

The article highlights the need for funding to support conservation efforts and habitat improvement on national forests and grasslands. These efforts align with Target 15.1, which aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The mention of restoring streams and lakes, as well as protecting fish species, connects to Target 14.2, which focuses on sustainably managing marine and coastal ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches

The article mentions the importance of national forests and grasslands in protecting wildlife and habitat. The indicator 15.1.1, which measures the forest area as a proportion of total land area, can be used to assess progress towards Target 15.1. Additionally, the mention of restoring streams and lakes and protecting fish species aligns with indicator 14.2.1, which measures the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: defenders.org

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