The launch webinar of the WGA Working Lands Roundtable outlined its mission to examine crosscutting policy issues, engage a broad coalition of stakeholders and continue the work of past WGA Chair Initiatives and policy priorities. The Roundtable will serve as the consolidating body for association efforts on drought, species conservation and the Endangered Species Act, forest and rangeland management, and biosecurity and invasive species. The Roundtable will include workshops, webinars, case studies and more.
This webinar examined emerging challenges facing natural resource management professionals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists discussed impacts to wildfire mitigation and suppression, invasive species management, wildlife management and more. Beyond immediate challenges, panelists discussed potential long-term implications of COVID-19 to cross-boundary natural resource management.
The webinar focused on the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on invasive species programs, including topics such as hiring, training, field seasons, employee safety and budgets. It also featured a discussion of how the COVID-19 “invasion curve” resembles the spread of other invasive species, as well as presentations and Q&A with experts in both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management.
The webinar examined the impacts of COVID-19 to gateway community health and economies. Local, federal and state government leaders shared their experiences coordinating and responding to COVID-19 in gateway communities and public lands, and also explored impacts to National Park operations and management.
The webinar focused on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting timber-dependent communities in the West. State, local, industry and conservation leaders discussed how rural communities are dealing with the pandemic and what steps will need to be taken to restart their economies after the pandemic has passed.
The webinar opened with remarks by Idaho Gov. Brad Little on a cross-boundary approach to resource management in the West and the contributions of local communities to those efforts. The Governor included examples of effective local partnerships in Idaho, including Rangeland Fire Protection Associations.
