Supreme Court Cases Threaten Scope of Clean Water Act
The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Submits Briefs for Continued Protections

This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in three of the most important Clean Water Act cases in the law's 34-year history. Based on the arguments presented on February 21, the court will rule whether the law protects all the waters of the United States, or only those waters suitable for interstate commerce and the wetlands and streams immediately adjacent to those waters.

"The role of the state agencies under the federal Clean Water Act is critical for a strong program between the regulator, the regulated, and the resources," says, Rebecca A. Humphries, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "At times, the states need the federal "hammer" provided in the Clean Water Act to assist them in maintaining the integrity of the state's tributaries and wetlands. In turn, the federal government needs the states to assist in water quality protection when dams necessary for creating hydropower disrupt the nation's rivers." FULL STORY

 

  
  Association Hires Contractor to Lead the North American Conservation Education Strategies

The Association awarded a one-year contract to SR Enterprises, Inc. to further develop, coordinate and advance the Associationās North American Conservation Education Strategy. The North American Conservation Education Strategy (CE Strategy) was designed to unify and strengthen conservation education efforts of International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies member agencies and partners in a manner that effectively advances the Associationās Strategic Plan and the North American Model of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.  FULL STORY

Cooperative Conservation: A message from CEQ Chairman James L. Connaughton

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I am writing to update you on our progress in implementing the vision for Cooperative Conservation set forth in Executive Order 13352, Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation. You have played an integral role in focusing this vision through your participation at the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation and through your updates and suggestions since the conference. FULL STORY
 

  


Fish and Wildlife Agencies In the News
Despite Cheney Accident, Hunting is ĪSafeā-by NSSF-

Anti-gun groups, political opponents, pundits and newspaper editorial writers wasted no time in criticizing Dick Cheney and the great tradition of hunting after the vice president's unfortunate hunting accident this weekend in Texas. The vice president was hunting quail when he fired his shotgun and accidentally peppered another member of his party with birdshot. Unreported or ignored in many news accounts is the fact that hunting accidents are not common, and that hunting ranks as a safe activity. FULL STORY
 

  
Teaming with Wildlife Update:
State Wildlife Grants in FY ā07

The President's budget for Fiscal Year 2007 proposes $74.7M for State Wildlife Grants. Like the past two years, the President is again supporting an increase above last year's enacted level of $68.5 million. The State Wildlife Grants Program was highlighted in the President's Council on Environmental Quality's statement on the budget. This is particularly important in an increasingly tight budget for conservation. Overall the Department of Interior budget took a big hit with $615M in cuts from last year. This "starts us out of the gate" in a good way but it will take much work to gain even greater funding, secure the President's number or maintain level funding as in past years! FULL STORY
 		  
News from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation -by RBFF-

2006 Media Buy
Weāre excited to announce the 2006 media plan for the Take Me Fishingś campaign. FULL STORY

Take Me Fishing Marketing Guide
In 2005, the Take Me Fishing campaign generated more than 1.1 billion consumer impressions.
FULL STORY

National Fishing and Boating Week
The 6th annual National Fishing and Boating Week is right around the corner. FULL STORY
 

  

New Study Gives First Glimpse at Duck Hunter Attitudes

An independent national survey released on February 15 suggests that a majority of the hunting public agrees with recent waterfowl season lengths and bag limits set by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  FULL STORY

  
Lawyer Volunteers to Work with the Association on Federal Appropriations Issues

IAFWA welcomes Kristine Gielow, an attorney recently admitted to the Maryland bar. She is volunteering her time and training to the Association for the next several months. FULL STORY