DFW launches new website

The Department of Lands and Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife’s new website.

The Department of Lands and Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife announced yesterday the launch of its new website, www.cnmi-dfw.com. Funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program, the new site is designed to assist and encourage members of the public to make the most of the many fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Commonwealth.

“The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages 18 marine and wildlife conservation areas,” Wildlife Program public information officer and website designer Pete Perez said. “The new website will help people to learn where they are, what their goals are, and what each has to offer in terms of opportunities for public enjoyment, including hiking and nature trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and recreation.”

In addition to maps and information on marine and wildlife areas, visitors to the website can find the locations of boat ramps and marinas on all islands, information on fishing methods, lists of dangerous fish, and even a Marianas Field Guide for bird identification that is optimized for smartphones.

“The information available on the website goes quite deep,” said Perez. “Scientists, researchers, and students can find wildlife and conservation area plans and strategy documents, technical reports and scientific papers, plus detailed information on current and ongoing research and conservation programs. Educators will find teaching materials, downloadable wildlife posters and flyers as well as PowerPoint presentations created by staff biologists and program managers on a range of subjects including marine protected areas, brown tree snakes, sea turtles, fisheries, and open ocean fish aggregating devices. Recreational fishermen and hunters will be pleased to know that fishing and hunting regulations are now online.”

Division of Fish and Wildlife acting director Manny Pangelinan hopes that the new website will help the public to better understand the division’s role in the community.

“Most people are aware of the role we play in protecting our islands’  natural resources through conservation law enforcement,” he said. “But of course we do much more. I am hopeful that the new website will help people understand the purpose and the depth of our efforts to safeguard our wildlife resources. We’re working hard to conserve and manage fish and wildlife and their habitats for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.” (DFW)