Mississippi Partnering with Underrepresented Landowners

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is committed to creating new opportunities to assist underrepresented (i.e., minority) landowners in areas/communities not traditionally reached. Field staff from various service programs have participated in a series of workshops aimed at increasing awareness of diverse land ownership in the southeast. Next steps will focus on identifying specific partnering opportunities for field staff to engage underrepresented landowners/communities, address individual needs, expand the knowledge of landowner assistance programs, and increase awareness for land stewardship and its benefits to species conservation.  Objectives: Meet with underrepresented landowners to discuss their properties and associated priorities and needs; Provide information regarding financial assistance opportunities with the Service and other organizations; Gain a better understanding of potential collaborative opportunities that will benefit landowners, improve habitat and conserve wildlife; Increase staff awareness and ability to connect with underrepresented landowners; and Identify a path forward among landowners and field staff on project development and how to build trust.  Join onsite or online at https://meet.zoho.com/6VnOWHKy9p