Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

Introduction

Core Concepts

Our Approach

Setting Priorities

Developing Strategies

Success Stories

AWARE

Programs

Multistate Conservation Grants Program

Managment Assistance Team (MAT)

State Wildlife Action Plans

Annual Meeting

North American Wildlife & Natural Resources Conference

Fish & Wildlife Management Resources

Our Approach

The Association was originally founded as the "National Association of Game Wardens and Commissioners" in 1902 when eight wildlife agents from six states came together in Yellowstone National Park to begin "a system of mutually beneficial interstate cooperation in game and fish management." The Constitution and Bylaws of the Association were enacted in 1947 and amended at subsequent meetings.

The Constitution and Bylaws list six objectives for the Association:

To cultivate more friendly relations and mutual understanding among those officially engaged in the conservation of our natural resources, and especially to coordinate the efforts of public administrative agencies responsible for the protection, preservation and management of the fish, wildlife, forests, waters and soils of North America;

To distribute literature and, by other available means, to develop a more general public understanding and appreciation of the economic and ethical importance of conserving the forests, waters and soils, and of managing wisely our fish and wildlife as part of natural and managed ecosystems, and as a source of recreation and food for our citizens;

To promote fish and wildlife management, and to investigate and advise with respect to the introduction of new species and varieties of fish and wildlife;

To create and foster a healthy public sentiment in favor of better laws for protection of natural resources; to assist in the enactment of laws for the adequate protection and management of said natural resources; to obtain as far as possible uniformity in same; and to correct irregularities and inconsistencies in existing laws;

To assist the duly constituted authorities in enforcing laws for the protection of natural resources, including fish and wildlife and their habitat; and

Generally to take all such legal and other proper actions as will further the cause of maintaining an adequate supply of fish and wildlife and other natural resources on this continent.

The success of the Association and its members in meeting these objectives has largely depended on adherence to the principles of the North American Model of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The Association formally endorsed the North American Model at its 100 year anniversary meeting September 2002 in Big Sky, Montana.

The recommendations adopted by the Association in endorsing the North American Model are as follows:

Maintain principal authority and control over all wildlife at the state/provincial/territorial levels except in those cases where authority is specifically relegated to the federal government.

Remain diligent in meeting obligations pertaining to importation, possession and use of wildlife; combat illegal trafficking, market hunting and commercialization of wildlife; and allocate surplus wildlife by law rather than markets or land ownership.

Maintain wildlife as a public trust.

Use scientific principles to improve resource management.

Perpetuate the role of hunting and fishing and trapping in the North American Model of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Conduct our activities in a manner that will allow society to be satisfied with our leadership in the moral, ethical and humane nature of our business.

This strategic plan will be used by the Association to pursue our official objectives as efficiently and effectively as possible while adhering to the principles of the North American Model of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.