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. Washington Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy • 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

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.