"Feds, States Join to Safeguard Western Wildlife Corridors"

"PARK CITY, Utah -- When new electrical transmission lines are built, migratory animals can be disrupted. Today, Western governors and Cabinet secretaries signed an agreement to work together on protecting wildlife corridors essential to the survival of migratory animals such as pronghorn, caribou, mule deer, and elk.

Signed at the Western Governors' Association annual meeting, the agreement aims to improve state wildlife data systems for use as renewable and fossil energy resources are planned and transmission lines and highways are considered.

Signing the partnership agreement were Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana, incoming Chairman of the Western Governors' Association; Gov. C.L. 'Butch' Otter of Idaho, incoming Vice Chairman; Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar; Secretary of Energy Steven Chu; and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack."

Environment News Service had the story June 15, 2009.