1. Washington Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy Federal mandate required states to complete Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies by October 1, 2005 Biggest statewide fish & wildlife conservation/management initiative in over 30 years Orients WDFW shift toward ecosystem & ecoregional management

2. WDFW required to determine Species of Greatest Conservation Need; not just T & E species; proactive Determined priority habitats based on species needs Examined threats and recommended actions tied to species and habitats Washington Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy

3. Connectivity Issues Integral to Recommended Actions Develop statewide land cover/threats data layers to support planning for improved connectivity between priority areas Identify key connectivity areas and wildlife corridors between fragmented habitats and between protected areas Restore habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors where appropriate on both public and private lands Protect connectivity areas & wildlife corridors through acquisitions, conservation easements, etc.