U.S. Geological Survey Science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, 2013 Annual Report.

摘要

Southwest Wyoming is a cornucopia of wildlife, habitat, open spaces, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It also supports agricultural economies and is endowed with an abundance of energy resources. Although energy exploration and development have been taking place in the region since the late 1800s, the pace of energy development has increased significantly since the early 2000s. This in turn is driving rapid urban and exurban development. As all development increases, so does the concern that landscape-level changes will diminish wildlife habitat and the quality of human life in the region. This concern prompted Federal, State, and local agencies to undertake the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI), the mission of which is to implement a science-based, multi-disciplinary program of conservation planning, long-term monitoring, on-the-ground habitat projects, and public outreach for assessing, conserving, and(or) enhancing the terrestrial and aquatic habitats of Southwest Wyoming while facilitating responsible development.