News Release 00/00/06


New Campaign Launched to Support Expanded Funding and Actions to Keep Wildlife from Becoming Endangered

3,000 Conservation Groups Unite to Conserve Wildlife and Natural Areas

Washington, D.C. (March 1, 2006)- Congressional and conservation leaders gathered today on Capitol Hill to launch a new campaign under the banner of Teaming with Wildlife, a coalition of 3,000 organizations aimed at boosting state and federal funding for wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and conservation education in every state and preventing wildlife from becoming endangered.

The Teaming with Wildlife Coalition is calling for new and greater funding to support the full implementation of the recently completed State Wildlife Action Plans, which lay out clear needs and actions for wildlife conservation in every state. To help launch the campaign, more than 150 people from 43 states flew to D.C. this week to speak with their elected representatives about Teaming with Wildlife and the new State Wildlife Action Plans.

The State Wildlife Action Plans (e.g. Michigan Wildlife Action Plan, Utah Wildlife Action Plan, Texas Wildlife Action Plan, etc.) are the result of a collaborative effort by scientists, sportsmen, conservationists, and other members of the community. In order to receive federal funds through the State Wildlife Grants Program, Congress charged each state and territory with developing an "action plan." Every state and territory submitted their wildlife action plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for review (and approval) by the October 1, 2005 deadline. 

"The State Wildlife Action Plans are cost-effective strategies that will work to conserve the wildlife and natural habitats important to us and many of our family traditions," stated Rep. Ron Kind (D-3 rd -WI). "The implementation of these plans will compliment and reinforce the efforts of all of us here today to make sure our natural resources are preserved for future generations."

The Teaming with Wildlife Coalition, notable for its breadth, diversity, and sheer number of state and national organizations, is rapidly expanding it membership with organizations that want to

support the state wildlife action plans. This coalition includes wildlife managers, conservationists, hunters and anglers, businesses, and many others who support the goal of restoring and conserving our nation's wildlife. This year, each state has a goal growing the coalition to 100 organizations by the fall of 2006.

"It is vital that conservation plans bring more people into the effort to protect and enhance our wildlife diversity," says Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID).  "For conservation to be effective, we as a nation must find effective solutions through collaboration that will prevent species from becoming endangered."

The State Wildlife Action Plans will guide wildlife conservation projects funded by the State Wildlife Grants program, the nation's core program for preventing wildlife from becoming endangered. President Bush's fiscal year 2007 Budget includes $74.7 million for the State Wildlife Grants Program, a $6.5 million increase over last year's enacted appropriation. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Senator John Warner (R-VA) are leading a 'Dear Colleague' letter in the Senate supporting $85 million for State Wildlife Grants in FY '07 as are Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI), Saxton (R-NJ), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Robin Hayes (R-NC) in the House. State Wildlife Grants are presently the primary funding source for implementing the State Wildlife Action Plans.

"In the same way that treating a cold before it becomes pneumonia prevents a costly trip to the emergency room, taking proactive measures to conserve wildlife before they become endangered is cost-effective and smart," said John Cooper, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and President of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. "The states need money to implement their new wildlife action plans, which will help avoid costly future problems and conserve wildlife and natural areas for our children and grandchildren."

For more information on the State Wildlife Action Plans, State Wildlife Grants Program, or state-by-state information, visit www.teaming.com

TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE is a coalition of more than 3000 groups working to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered by supporting robust programs of conservation, education, and recreation in every state.  The coalition includes fish and wildlife managers, environmentalists, hunters and anglers, tourism and nature-related businesses, and many others who support the goal of restoring and conserving our nation's wildlife. For more information go to www.teaming.com .

Contact us, 202/624-7890 or info@fishwildlife.org.