Press Releases

Today, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) published the 2025 State of Birds Report during the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Key findings in the new report shows that more than one-third of U.S. bird species are of high or moderate conservation concern, including 112 Tipping Point species that have lost more than 50% of their populations in the last 50 years.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act. The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, known as VPA-HIP, is a grant program appropriated through the Farm Bill under which state fish and wildlife agencies and tribes can apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife dependent recreation. If enacted, the Volunteer Public Access Improvement Act will increase funding for this important program to $150 million over the life of the Farm Bill.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds House introduction of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act (H.R. 1494), which would close a significant gap in the collection of taxes for the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Trust Funds. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Panetta (D-CA) and Moore (R-UT) to make online marketplaces accountable for collection of the excise tax on archery and angling equipment sold directly to consumers from outside of the U.S. by online vendors.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds House passage of the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue Act (SHARKED Act, H.R. 207). On January 21, the full House passed the bill with overwhelming support.

Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops have announced a One Million Dollar Conservation pledge to support conservation causes President Jimmy Carter championed for many years, all aimed to help introduce more kids to the joys of fishing hunting and the great outdoors. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is honored to be part of the disbursement of these dollars to support wildlife law enforcement.

Today, Southern Wings published a full annual cycle migratory bird Online Guide. The Guide will help states identify where their priority bird species spend parts of the annual cycle. It is intended to be a one-stop shop for states to access novel and complementary sources of information to guide financial investments for implementing State Wildlife Action Plans targeting priority migratory birds. It will also help states partner with organizations working throughout the Western Hemisphere to maximize the protection and conservation for priority species.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Senate for securing final passage of the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 3791). Earlier this week, the full Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent after its overwhelmingly bipartisan passage in the House earlier this month. Once enacted, it will ensure continuation of some of the nation’s most successful conservation programs including the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds Congress for securing final passage of the Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Reauthorization Act (WILD Act, HR 5009). Today, the Senate passed the bill as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, following House passage of the package late last week.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds House passage of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8811). On Tuesday, December 3, the bipartisan legislation passed the House by a vote of 366 -21, priming reauthorization of some of the most successful conservation programs in the country including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP).

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) is proud to recognize the anniversaries of three landmark conservation initiatives—Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), and Southern Wings. Together, these programs have created far-reaching networks and delivered lasting conservation impact for amphibians, reptiles, and birds across North America and beyond.