The Association Applauds Conservation Provisions in Senate Infrastructure Package
Aug 13, 2021, 12:35 PM
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies commends the Senate for advancing high priority conservation provisions included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This week, the full Senate approved the bipartisan infrastructure package by a vote of 69-30, priming reauthorization for critical programs including the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and the Abandoned Mine Land Trust Fund while creating historic funding sources for terrestrial and aquatic species passage.
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Tanya Poole Honored as 2021 Outstanding Project WILD Coordinator
Aug 3, 2021, 9:41 AM
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies proudly shares the news that North Carolina Project WILD Coordinator, Tanya Poole, is the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Coordinator Award. The Association honors one Project WILD coordinator who performs above and beyond their normal responsibilities with this prestigious award at the annual Project WILD Coordinators’ Conference.
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Statement from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Supporting the Introduction of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act in the Senate
Jul 20, 2021, 4:12 PM
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies strongly supports the introduction of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (S.2372) in the U.S. Senate today. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced legislation that recommends funding for conservation of those fish and wildlife species in greatest need across the country. If passed, this bill will not only help the one-third of wildlife species in the United States currently at risk of becoming threatened or endangered, but also get Americans back to work immediately, creating an estimated 33,000 jobs each year restoring natural resources and bolstering community resilience while protecting our valuable natural infrastructure.
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Project WILD Workshop Leads to New State Spider for New Hampshire
Jun 30, 2021, 9:54 AM
The Association is thrilled to learn that a Project WILD workshop led to New Hampshire Governor Sununu proclaiming the daring jumping spider to be the state spider of New Hampshire.
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The Association Applauds Advancement of Reauthorization for Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Safety Trust Fund
Jun 17, 2021, 2:42 PM
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.
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The Association Applauds Dedicated Wildlife Crossings Funding in House Transportation Package
Jun 17, 2021, 10:16 AM
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.
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The Association Commends the Distribution of Over $34.5 Million in Funding for Fish Habitat Conservation Projects in 34 States
Jun 16, 2021, 2:22 PM
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.
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The Association Applauds the Reintroduction of the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act in the House and Urges Action Now
Jun 10, 2021, 11:22 AM
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.
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AFWA Welcomes Kurt Thiede as the New Government Affairs Director
Jun 10, 2021, 10:04 AM
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.
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Statement from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Supporting the Introduction of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act
Apr 22, 2021, 2:24 PM
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.
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