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5/01/06

THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE TO 'ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES'

Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2006)- Members of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the organization that represents the fish and wildlife agencies of North America, announced today that they have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that changed the organization's name to "Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies."

"The name change is intended to more directly reflect the Association's membership," says Executive Vice President, John Baughman. "Our voting members are really only found in North America , and are made up mainly of state fish and wildlife agencies. Dropping the word 'International' allows for a shorter, less confusing name."

The final vote took place in Columbus , Ohio , at the annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Meeting in March. The resolution was approved by nearly all members who voted in person or by proxy. In addition, the Association has also adopted a new logo and website (www.fishwildlife.org ). The change takes effect immediately.

"For more than a century the Association has been part of some of the nation's most important conservation actions. We are hopeful the new name will increase the visibility of the great work by the collective fish and wildlife agencies we represent," says Baughman.

The Association's name change does not affect the strategic mission of the organization, which includes an International Relations Program and both Canadian and Mexican members.

"As we have been since the 1930's, we're still very involved in working with Canada and Mexico ," says Baughman. "In today's world, everything is so globally connected; it would be a mistake for us to change our mission. Wildlife know no boundaries, and it is important that the we work collaboratively for conservation."

"As our awareness efforts advanced on Capitol Hill, with the media, and among our members, it became clear that having the nickname 'The International' and working in a sea of international organization diluted our message," said Baughman. "People want to know that a professional credential is backed up by a reputable organization, but the minute we introduced 'the International' into our messaging, it created unnecessary confusion."

The Association was created in 1902, when eight wildlife managers from six states met in Yellowstone National Park on behalf of the country's beleaguered fish and wildlife populations. They realized that the nation's rich fish and wildlife legacy would survive only with careful planning and vigilance. Today, after more than a century, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies represents the fish and wildlife professionals in the 56 states and territories, and the federal agencies of the United States . The Association also represents many provinces of Canada and Mexico . Its core functions are inter-agency coordination, legal services, international affairs, conservation and management programs, and legislation.

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