Durango Herald News, Initiative to study wildlife corridors along Colorado, New Mexico border

Wildlife migration corridors between New Mexico and Colorado will be identified and protected as part of an initiative announced Friday by the governors of both states.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Gov. Bill Ritter of Colorado finalized a memorandum of understanding pledging to protect corridors used by elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and other species.

“A rich wildlife heritage is one of the great treasures our states share, and it must be protected," Richardson said. Ritter said the effort “should be part of our legacy."

The agreement stems from an initiative by the Western Governors Association to identify and protect wildlife corridors across the West.

The WGA has said the issue is complicated because decision-makers must deal with unprecedented population growth, energy development and associated land-use impacts while working across federal, state, tribal and private lands.

Durango Herald News, Initiative to study wildlife corridors along Colorado, New Mexico border