Legislation

The management of wildlife is an integral and vital component of our North American heritage. Public policy provides a framework for federal, provincial, territorial and nongovernmental programs to drive conservation for an array of wild organisms and their habitats—including wild plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds and mammals.

For decades, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has worked on behalf of the federal, provincial, and territorial agencies to make sure wildlife issues are a part of our national legislative climate. This partnership, deploying the skills and resources of all participants, will help to secure wildlife, optimize its benefits, and enhance quality of life for North America.

For more information about conservation legislation, contact Gary Taylor at 202/624-7890 or gtaylor@fishwildlife.org.

Important Wildlife Legislation

From the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to the State Wildlife Grants program, Wildlife Conservation has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support in Congress.

The Pitman-Robertson Act, or Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, was passed in 1938. It was designed to counteract the wildlife crisis by providing local funding for wildlife management research; the selection, restoration, rehabilitation and improvement of wildlife habitat; and public education related to same.

In 1950, the Dingell-Johnson Act or Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act was created to provide similar management, conservation and restoration improvements for fisheries. Together, the Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs (SFWR) have transformed the landscape and immeasurably improved the conditions and prospects for many species. In short, both acts encourage a scientific approach toward managing—and restoring—fish and wildlife in every state.

Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs: User-pay, user-benefit

The idea of "user-pay, user benefit" is simple: every time an American hunter buys a gun or ammunition he chips in to improve his sport. It's just as true today: SFWR programs are funded by revenues collected from the manufacturers of sporting arms, handguns, ammunition and archery equipment, fishing rods, reels, lures and other fishing gear. Motorboat fuel taxes and boat registration fees also help fund the system. The money is paid back to the state or territory from where it was purchased—to be used on specific wildlife restoration projects in that same state or territory. By continuing to purchase hunting, shooting, fishing and boating equipment, people who enjoy these activities contribute directly to their success.

Important Links:

About Legislation Program (pdf)

Congressional Affairs Update

Fish and Wildlife Service Laws, Regulations, Policies, and Congressional Information ,

State Wildlife Laws Handbook

The United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

The United States House of Representatives Committee on Resources.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Search for Legislation:

Search legislation by Committee or Legislative Indexing Vocabulary with terms such as wildlife , animals , or conservation .

Search for GAO Reports involving wildlife management.

See United States Code, Title 16 - Conservation and Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50 - Wildlife & Fisheries for laws and regulations.

The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness FedLaw includes a topical and title index .  

U.S. Geological Survey's Guide to Federal Environmental Laws & Regulations .

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Congressional and Legislative Affairs provides a comprehensive Digest of Federal Resource Laws , including treaties, interstate compacts and executive orders.