Press Releases

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies enthusiastically praises the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for advancing the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021 (S. 1995). Yesterday, the Committee favorably reported the bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish and Boating Safety Trust Fund before its expiration at the end of the fiscal year.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies thanks the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for advancing the Wildlife Crossings Program with dedicated funding in the INVEST in America Act (H.R. 3684). Last week, the Committee favorably reported the transportation package by a vote of 38-26, advancing provisions to establish and fund a habitat connectivity program for aquatic and terrestrial species.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is pleased to see the National Fish Habitat Partnership program assist in providing more than $34.5 million to support 85 fish habitat conservation projects in 34 states. These projects represent nearly an 8-to-1 match for federal funding with partnership project funding from other sources. Collaborative partnerships between the state fish and wildlife agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nongovernmental organizations, and other partners are key to implementing these conservation priority projects.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is excited to see the reintroduction of the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2021 (H.R. 3702) in the House on Friday, June 4, 2021. This bipartisan legislation, led by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman Garret Graves (R-LA) along with Reps. Veasey, Westerman, Wittman, Murphy, and Scott, would extend the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through 2025.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies welcomes Kurt Thiede as the new Government Affairs Director, effective July 14. Mr. Thiede will oversee and direct the legislative work of the Association before the U.S. Congress and the public policy work of the Association before the federal Executive Branch agencies. The Association will be saying goodbye to Jen Mock Schaeffer who will be moving back to her home state of Texas. Jen has worked tirelessly over her 19-year tenure to advance sound conservation legislation and policy that complements the goals and missions of the state fish and wildlife agencies.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies strongly supports the introduction of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the House today. This bipartisan legislation will dedicate $1.3 billion annually to state fish and wildlife agencies to implement their science-based wildlife action plans and an additional $97.5 million for tribal fish and wildlife managers to conserve fish and wildlife on tribal lands and waters. This existing revenue stream will allow state fish and wildlife agencies to implement proactive solutions to conserve those species in greatest need and prevent wildlife from becoming threatened or endangered without increasing taxes. The Association would like to thank Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) for their leadership on this bill.

White-nose syndrome has killed over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown and tri-colored bat populations in fewer than 10 years, according to a new study published in Conservation Biology. Researchers also noted declines in Indiana bat and big brown bat populations.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is soliciting Initial Proposals for the 2022 Multistate Conservation Grant Program which funds projects that address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. The deadline for submitting the Initial Proposals for 2022 cycle is May 17, 2021.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies was excited by last week’s announcement by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that the American bald eagle population has quadrupled since 2009, from 417 known nesting pairs to 71,400 nesting pairs and an estimated 316,700 individuals today. Bald eagle populations are still growing strong thanks to dedicated resources and partnership efforts! This conservation success story is thanks in part to the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association collaborated on a report that highlights the program’s successes since its inception.

Nominations are now open for the Climate Adaptation Leadership Award which recognizes outstanding efforts to increase the resilience of America’s valuable living natural resources and the many people, businesses and communities that depend on them. The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and its members and partners are seeking nominations from individuals, agencies, businesses, and other organizations to recognize exemplary leadership to reduce impacts and advance adaptation of the Nation’s vital natural resources in a changing climate.