Importantly, this draft Strategy is the springboard to an important conservation future for wildlife in New Mexico and the Southwest. In addressing the eight essential elements prescribed by Congress for strategy construction, New Mexico has consolidated important insight about long-term needs of wildlife in the state, articulated an ecologically based approach to strategic actions that reverse declines and maintain beneficial population levels, and formulated the public engagement processes necessary to ensure involvement in, and acceptance and implementation of conservation strategies for years to come.

This Strategy is dedicated to expressing sensible approaches to conserving biological diversity in New Mexico in context with surrounding areas. We identify focus points on species and habitats warranting conservation actions. Further, we organize existing information and recognize where important information gaps remain. From that foundation, we identify cooperative and collaborative approaches to addressing the most important wildlife and habitat conservation needs in time and cost effective ways. The potential of this Strategy can only be realized through a broad array of natural resource agencies, other public programs, and private interests, all accepting this approach, being guided by it in operational planning, and pulling together to implement the actions.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has appreciated its role and responsibility in facilitating the compilation and construction of this Strategy. But, we acknowledge the greater contribution of many public, private, municipal, tribal, and other participants that kept us cognizant of all factors necessary to describe conservation actions that embrace the functional balance of wildlife and human interests. We are indebted to all who have participated to this point and all who will help this springboard to reaching fullest benefits for wildlife.