The Midwest Landscape Initiative released Nov. 1 a mobile-friendly website designed to be a resource for collaborators and partners across a 13-state region working on at-risk species and habitat conservation issues.

“This new site gives us a way to build a communication pipeline with our partners — and future collaborators,” said Kelley Myers, MLI coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We’re excited to offer more comprehensive information on the latest projects, research and goals directly with those interested in the work we’re doing.

“By sharing information immediately and making it accessible, we know we’ll be better able to plan and implement actionable science on conservation priorities across the entire Midwest.”

The website, available at MLImidwest.org, highlights the group’s work on the Midwest Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need, which identifies 340 species in greatest need of coordinated conservation efforts across the Midwest. It also provides information on the MLI’s three focal areas: at-risk species conservation; habitat inventory and assessment; and wind energy and wildlife.

As resources and projects are completed, they will be added to the website, with the goal of getting information in partners’ hands sooner.

The site also will include the latest news from MLI and trending articles relevant to the Midwest region and landscape conservation topics.

The Midwest Landscape Initiative was started in 2018 by the state directors belonging to the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, along with leadership of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions that align with the 13-state area. The effort currently has numerous state, federal, university and non-profit conservation partners, and continues to grow.

Learn more about the group at MLImidwest.org.