The Association Applauds Formation of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council

September 27, 2022

Washington D.C. (September 27, 2022) – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Biden-Harris Administration (Administration) for establishing the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council (Council). On Friday, September 23, the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the membership of the newly-recharted Council, which will serve as a Federal Advisory Committee to the Administration advancing the needs of the sportsmen and women that form the foundation for conservation and restoration of fish and wildlife species and flourishing habitats.

“The Council will ensure that the voices of the very Americans responsible for generating more than $25.5 billion in funds for the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program will continue to inspire and shape the future of conservation policy,” said Curt Melcher, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and President of the Association. “State Fish and Wildlife Agencies thank the Administration for enhancing our ability to manage resilient habitats and abundant species while providing healthy and accessible lands and waters for the use and enjoyment of everyone.”

“We thank Secretaries Haaland and Vilsack for renewing their commitment to our nation’s hunters, anglers, target shooters, and outdoor recreationists who provide the backbone for American conservation,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “Having completed my term last week as President of the Association, I am deeply honored to continue serving our State Fish and Wildlife Agencies as their representative on the Council.”

The Association’s Executive Director, Ron Regan, will serve on the Council as an ex-officio member along with the multitude of other subject matter experts from across the conservation community. The Association thanks the Administration, the USDA, and the DOI for establishing the newly-rechartered council that began with the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council in 2010, and looks forward to increasing coordination across federal, tribal, industry, and NGO partners to enhance our nation’s natural resources and provide increased participation and recreational opportunities for all.