47. - Collaborate on development of pre-project conservation plans for sustaining wildlife in conjunction with landscape-scale assessments on energy development

In 2010 the BLM reformed its oil and gas leasing process and created master leasing plans. Part of this process is to identify key wildlife issues and identify higher-level development mitigation measures.

In June, 2009 the Western Governor's Association, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy entered a memorandum of understanding on coordination in identification and uniform mapping of wildlife corridors and crucial habitat.

An interview of Melissa Simpson, Director of Government Affairs at the Safari Club International, provided information and direction on this action.

The WHHCC sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior over concerns of declining mule deer and sage grouse populations. The council specifically recommended:
1) Instructing field staff to adhere to planning requirements specifically around state agency population objectives of mule deer, sage grouse and other wildlife.
2) Instruct BLM Districts in the western states to use RMP revisions following the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Afencies Mule Deer Working Group Guidelines and the WAFWA Greater Sage-grouse comprehensive Conservation Strategy.
3) Follow current DOI policy on adaptive management.