ContactsRobert Loftur-Thun, Wildlife Habitat Council, rlofturthun@wildlifehc.org, 301-588-8994
Craig Rieben, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Craig_Riben@fws.gov, 703-258-2225
Keith D. Little, Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems KDLittle@raytheon.com, 703-849-1675
FALLS CHURCH, VA, October 28 -- Recognizing the importance of the role of the private sector in biodiversity conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a conservation partnership between the two organizations. Through the MOU, the USFWS and WHC will work with industry to encourage participation in programs that will engage and demonstrate voluntary corporate leadership in conservation, including enhancement and restoration of wildlife habitat. The signing celebration took place at the Falls Church, Virginia, facilities of Raytheon Company, an aerospace and defense industry leader and a member of WHC.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is excited about working with the Wildlife Habitat Council and applying our mutual resources to vital natural resource management and education projects across the country," said Service Director H. Dale Hall. "Today, the successful conservation of our nation's wildlife and its habitat requires action from both the public and private sectors. The signing of this new agreement represents a major step forward in that direction."
Specifically, the MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between the USFWS and WHC to:
- Enhance and restore wildlife and native plant habitat, emphasizing high priority habitats, including habitats of threatened and endangered species.
- Advance awareness and appreciation of wildlife issues and needs within corporations and the communities they serve.
- Engage and demonstrate voluntary corporate leadership in conservation performance, including enhancement and restoration of wildlife habitat.
- Promote efforts to connect people with nature.
- Promote effective relationships among agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and corporations working to protect and restore wildlife and their habitats.
Robert Johnson, WHC President said, "WHC values our long-term partnership with the Fish and Wildlife Service. This agreement reinforces industry's commitment to voluntary efforts that curb the global loss of habitat and biodiversity."
Bob O'Connor, Facilities Manager of Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems said, "As a leader in the defense and aerospace industry, Raytheon is honored to host this ceremony today to recognize the relationship between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Habitat Council, and to celebrate success in biodiversity conservation."
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The service operates under a broad array of statutes including the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act; the Endangered Species Act; the Coastal Planning, Protection and Restoration Act; North American Wetlands Conservation Act; and many others.
Celebrating its twentieth year, the Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2.4 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. For more information, visit WHC online at www.wildlifehc.org.
Raytheon is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security, and other government markets throughout the world. Raytheon is a member of the Wildlife Habitat Council, and Raytheon's Maritime Mission Center in Rhode Island has an active certified Wildlife at Work program where over 100 employees volunteer their time to monitor nest boxes, create pollinator habitat, and encourage outdoor recreation to enjoy their natural resources.
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