Riester’s Post

"It’s a delicate balance to ensure recreation use and access can continue without losing the wilderness and wildlife that make these mountains so special." — Hilary Eisen, Policy Director Winter Wildlands Alliance proudly supports The Greater Yellowstone Conservation and Recreation Act, which will: -Protect 250,000 acres of public lands in the Madison and Gallatin ranges. -Safeguard critical wildlife habitats. -Preserve recreation access without expanding into sensitive wildlands. -Ensure clean water for our rivers and communities. 📢 Take Action: Endorse the Act here: https://lnkd.in/gQuehWa2. 📖 Learn More: Read Hilary's op-ed on why this Act is crucial: https://bit.ly/3WXGat3.

With this funding, SCRCA will work to control the invasive Phragmites australis reed growing in the wetlands at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area in Sarnia and at the Marthaville Habitat Management Area near Petrolia. Phragmites impact our local ecosystems by: 🌾 outcompeting native wetland vegetation 🐢 eliminates habitat for native reptiles 🐜 reduce food sources for migrating waterfowl & other local aquatic organisms 👓 impedes the views for nature enthusiasts who hike the trails hoping to spot wildlife or enjoy the trail views. Jessica Van Zwol, Healthy Watershed Specialist with St. Clair Conservation shared, “these wetland and upland habitat projects will contribute to the overall water quality in the region, will help mitigate rural stormwater flow, and provide habitat to a variety of species.” If you are interested in restoring wetland or upland habitat on your rural property, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jessica Van Zwol jvanzwol@scrca.on.ca (519-245-3710 x241) for more wetland project information or Jeff Sharp jsharp@scrca.on.ca (x217) for more tree planting information. Many thanks to the Hon. Minister Khanjin and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks for supporting this project. #SarniaOntario #PetroliaOntario #WetlandConservation #InvasiveSpeciesRemoval

This is a great success story not only from the perspective of #InvasiveSpecies removal and #EcosystemRestoration but also from a cultural standpoint with the indigenous Aleut people being able to reclaim the original name of #Hawadax Island. It is an illustration of how conservation action and quality partnerships between Island Conservation, its partners the local community can bring about powerful crosscutting outcomes including, in this case, enhanced #biodiversity with the return of nesting seabirds (some of which had not been seen on site for almost 200 years) and strengthened cultural identity for the local indigenous community. #SustainableDevelopment #IslandConservation

The continued efforts of groups like The Nature Conservancy in restoring longleaf pine forests across the region have contributed significantly to the growth of red-cockaded woodpeckers, one of the best-known animals that thrive in longleaf forests. Throughout the Southeast, a coordinated effort is underway to conserve and restore these rich and vital forests that run through the heart of Mississippi. Spanning nine states in the U.S. southeast, we’re working together to restore and manage longleaf pine forest from Texas to Virginia. Longleaf pine once dominated the coastal plain blanketing more than 90 million acres. Today there are just 5.2 million acres, up from an historical low of 3.2 million acres two decades ago.

Today, we have officially kicked off our #BringBackTheNative campaign in support of our Tribal Lands Conservation Fund. Give now to join us in investing in Native communities and their work to protect biodiversity and steward Native species. Even better: through the end of 2024, your gift will be DOUBLED. This means your gift of $25 will become $50, $35 will become $70, and $75 will become $150 to protect our land and water and all living things. ➡️ Take action today to support grassroots efforts to safeguard lands, waters, and ecosystems for future generations: https://lnkd.in/gbqNe6N5

🌾The Midwest’s native prairie ecosystems are more than just vast stretches of flat, fertile grassland - they are home to a rich diversity of wildflowers and wildlife, thriving in moderate temperatures and rainfall. Unfortunately, these landscapes are disappearing due to development, putting countless species at risk. 🤝That’s why ITC is stepping up! In collaboration with local communities, state and national agencies, and conservation groups, we’re committed to protecting and restoring these endangered ecosystems. Our efforts have already made a positive impact on the Lakeplain Oak Openings region in Michigan and Ohio. Plus, we’ve launched three prairie restoration projects along transmission line corridors in Iowa, covering 42 acres. 🌱Together, we can make a difference! #EnvironmentalPartner https://ow.ly/Rbfg50TX8ZN

See interesting post from Sally Smith

Was honoured to meet with Tony Maas, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister, to discuss Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and the proposed Nature Accountability Act. It's crucial that this Strategy has legal-teeth, holds up Indigenous rights and titles, and is adequately funded. Perhaps we can redirect subsidies from nature-harming industries (looking at you old growth and clear-cut logging) to fund this Strategy over the long-term. We also identified a low-hanging fruit win for the federal government: introduce a mandatory 1,000-metre vessel buffer for recreational and commercial whale-watching vessels around endangered Southern Resident killer whales. This would match the protections provided by Washington State after the passing of their Senate Bill 5371, which will come into effect in 2025. #science #policy #biodiversity

Look Ma, we're in the @statesman! The Hill Country Conservancy has secured a landmark $23.2 million federal grant to protect 8,200 acres of rural Texas Hill Country from development. This effort spans Hays, Kendall, Kerr, and Mason counties, conserving watersheds tied to key rivers like the Pedernales, Blanco, and Guadalupe. Through conservation easements, landowners retain the ability to use their land for ranching or recreation while ensuring it remains undeveloped for generations, safeguarding water resources, wildlife habitats, and the region’s scenic beauty. This initiative is vital as the Hill Country faces rapid urbanization, threatening aquifers, ecosystems, and iconic landscapes. By preserving these lands, the Conservancy protects endangered species like the golden-cheeked warbler and ensures the resilience of natural systems amidst climate change. Though private, these conserved lands benefit everyone by maintaining water supplies and the region's charm—offering “hilltops, not rooftops” for the future. Read on: https://lnkd.in/g3iq5Jsn #HereForever #Nature #Wildlife

Today, we celebrate these magnificent giants who symbolize strength, wisdom, and harmony in nature. Elephants are not just an iconic species, but a crucial part of our ecosystems. However, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Let's take a moment to reflect on our responsibility to protect and preserve these incredible creatures. Whether it's supporting conservation efforts, spreading awareness, or simply appreciating the beauty of elephants, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that future generations will have the privilege of witnessing elephants in the wild, where they belong. 🐾 #WorldElephantDay #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #Sustainability #UST #USTglobalfoundation