The Great Salt Lake

Background information on Tuesday's schedule

The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and The Nature Conservancy in concert with many other conservation groups as part of the Teaming with Wildlife coalition is undertaking a national public education effort timed to dovetail with the completion of state wildlife strategies in October 2005. Capitalizing on the momentum created by the launch of these strategies, we will work to build, strengthen, and mobilize a core network of key individuals, organizations, agencies, and associations on behalf of securing full implementation of state wildlife strategies. An important part of this effort will include laying the foundation for increased funding devoted to wildlife conservation.

A key component of this effort will be using public opinion research polling data, focus groups, and case studies to provide critically needed information about public attitudes toward wildlife conservation and related issues and trends. Using these data, they will create universal messages and customized, strategic communications plans, which will provide network supporters with the tools, expertise, and materials necessary to launch successful public education programs in their states.

This day of the ACI conference will be devoted to sharing the polling and focus group research, overall three-year communications strategy, and associated key messages. They will bring in the pollsters, other communications experts and key national conservation group leaders that will be spearheading this education and outreach effort for Teaming with Wildlife. Members of ACI will play a lead role in disseminating this key communication information within their state and other communities.