WASHINGTON – Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed an order today that directs agencies in his department to work with Western states on enhancing and improving the quality of big-game winter habitat and migration corridors on public lands.

The order makes the restoration and connection of migratory routes for species, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn, a priority for the Department of Interior. It calls upon agencies to use the best science available and coordinate on land management and outreach to landowners to enhance wildlife population health in partnership with state agencies, private land owners, and conservation groups. 

Upon signing of the order, Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said:

“Reconnecting, restoring, and protecting wildlife corridors is a top priority of the National Wildlife Federation. We look forward to working with the Department of the Interior to help bring together private land owners, public land managers, sportsmen’s and other conservation groups to implement win-win solutions for wildlife, from elk, mule deer, and pronghorn to bighorn sheep and bears. Together, we can and must restore important habitat, mitigate physical barriers to migration, prevent conflicts with energy development, reduce disease transmission from domestic livestock, and protect genetic diversity – all of which will help ensure safe passage and survival for some of America’s most majestic species."