The document discusses several topics related to natural resources wildlife conservation including: 1) The Pittman-Robertson Act which applies an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition to generate revenue for state wildlife conservation efforts. 2) Wildlife management areas in Fauquier County that are funded by the Pittman-Robertson Act and provide habitat for wildlife research and recreation. 3) The Virginia Wildlife Action Plan which evaluates wildlife populations, assesses threats, and recommends conservation actions. It was created due to needs for greater coordination, habitat loss, and invasive species impacts.

1. Natural Resources Wildlife Conservation

2. Conservation The protection, preservation, management , or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources such as forests, soil, and water

3. Pittman-Robertson Act Applies a 11% tax on firearms & ammunition (includes archery & handguns) Revenue goes to states who match the dollars with revenue from licenses $2 billion from federal, $500 million from states, ($130 million per year) 62% goes to purchase and maintenance of wildlife areas 26% for population research, also hunter education

4. Wildlife Management Areas In Fauquier County – Thompson Wildlife Management Area Managed by Pittman-Robertson funds Provide recreation Provide sites for wildlife research

5. Does hunting conflict with conservation? Funds from gun & shooting sport enthusiasts are the single largest source of funds for wildlife conservation in America Private organizations such as Ducks Unlimited has raised $750 million for wetland conservation Hunting helps to control over-population

6. Tragedy of the Commons Self interest interferes with just distribution of common assets. Came about by sharing grazing land in England. Each farmer overgrazed the land depleting its ability to meet the needs of other farmers. Benefit to individual – cost shared by group Some agreement & disagreement – factor of emotion

7. History of Wildlife Conservation Make a timeline 1600 – 1800 1800 – 1900 1900 – Present What was the attitude towards wildlife? What species problems occurred? What laws were passed, what changes occurred?

8. Virginia Wildlife Action Plan What: evaluation of the location and relative abundance of wildlife and habitats an assessment of problems facing these species and habitats; recommended conservation actions to address these problems; research and survey needs; and monitoring programs and needs.

9. Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Why (a) A need for greater coordination between conservation partners . (b) Unprecedented fragmentation and development of habitat . (c) Invasive exotic plants and animals negatively impacting native wildlife and habitats . (d) Existing data gaps that impede effective conservation planning and implementation . (e) A chronic shortfall in funding of conservation programs .

10. Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Who Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

11. Amphibians frogs, toads, salamanders, newts Start life in the water, develop ability to breathe out of water as adults Most Common or significant species in the Northern Piedmont : Spring Peeper Bull Frog 4 toed Salamander Spotted Salamander Dusky Salamander Red Spotted Newt American Toad Fowler’s Toad Cricket Frog Grey Tree Frog Wood Frog Green Frog