State wildlife action plans provide blueprints for conserving thousands of wildlife species. State wildlife agencies draft the plans, often in partnership with scientists and other conservation experts, and include feedback from the public.
The plans pinpoint which wildlife species in each state or territory require proactive intervention—known as Species of Greatest Conservation Need—and identify the species’ habitats; key threats they face; intended conservation actions; strategies for monitoring the species, as well as for reviewing and updating those approaches; and opportunities for public input.
The plans must be revised at least every 10 years, with the first revision having taken place in 2015, and the next iteration from more than 40 states and territories due October 1 of this year. Revisit past wins and find out what’s next.
Delaney McPherson – National Wildlife Federation
Learn more about the 2025 Wildlife Action Plans for:
Kentucky (2023)
Image: National Wildlife Federation