USDA Heeds Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s Call to Protect Wildlife and Support Private Landowners

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its new initiative to enhance wildlife habitat connectivity on farms and ranches. This commitment aligns closely with the provisions in his bipartisan Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act. This announcement underscores the importance of collaboration between the USDA and private landowners, a core tenet of Vasquez’s legislation.

“USDA’s announcement to prioritize habitat connectivity and support private landowners directly aligns with the measures I proposed in my bipartisan Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act,” said Vasquez. “I introduced this bill to create meaningful partnerships between conservation efforts and agricultural producers, and I’m proud to see the USDA heeding my call to action. This framework not only protects our vital wildlife corridors but also uplifts those who steward our land.”

USDA’s new directive includes several key initiatives that echo the goals of Vasquez’s bill, such as enhanced inter-agency coordination to improve communication between USDA and state, Tribal and federal partners. This will facilitate better management of wildlife corridors and animal movement, addressing jurisdictional boundaries that have hindered conservation efforts. 

Additionally, USDA will allow farmers to participate in multiple conservation programs simultaneously, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), without the penalty of losing eligibility. This change will help farmers tackle critical issues like invasive species and erosion while enhancing wildlife habitats.

Furthermore, USDA is providing financial assistance for innovative practices, such as virtual fencing, enabling farmers to implement effective wildlife protection measures. Conventional fencing across the West results in wildlife entanglement, which is often lethal. These efforts align with Vasquez’s commitment to ensuring that agricultural practices are compatible with wildlife conservation, a crucial step for the ecological health of New Mexico and beyond.

Vasquez’s bill is endorsed by Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Montana Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, North American Grouse Partnership, Pheasants Forever, Public Lands Council, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Western Landowners Alliance and the Wildlands Network.

The Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act builds on Vasquez’s longtime support for connecting wildlife corridors. In December, Vasquez announced a $480,000 investment for the Mescalero Apache Tribe from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program to improve wildlife crossings along US-70. 

Recognizing the vital role of working lands and the dedicated farmers and ranchers who steward them, Vasquez is fighting to ensure conservation and agriculture work hand in hand. Vasquez looks forward to working closely with USDA to further these goals and ensure that New Mexico’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.

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