About Us

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents all of North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound management and conservation, and speaks with a unified voice on important fish and wildlife issues.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is the collective voice of North America’s fish and wildlife agencies at every level of government. The Association provides its member agencies and their senior staff with coordination services that range from migratory birds, fish habitat, and invasive species, to conservation education, leadership development, and international relations. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key conservation and management policies, and works to ensure that all fish and wildlife entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides management and technical assistance to both new and current fish and wildlife leaders.

History

In 1902, 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. And they stood together-one voice for fish and wildlife.

Today, more than 100 years since their first meeting, 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.

The Association knows that long-term conservation success requires the active involvement of an assembly of agencies, organizations, and individuals with diverse backgrounds, missions, and values. The Association places emphasis on the success of collaborative efforts, drawing on the best available science and research to guide its programs. The Association's staff is committed to helping its membership achieve their goals in fish and wildlife management excellence.

Throughout the last century, the Association has participated in achieving many fish and wildlife successes-including the Pitman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson, and Wallop-Breaux Acts-to name a few.

View a list of Association Past Presidents

For more information about the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, visit our website at www.fishwildlife.org , or contact us at 202/624-7890 or info@fishwildlife.org .

About Us (pdf)