State Wildlife Action Plans :: Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

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State Wildlife Action Plans serve as the blueprints for conserving our nation's fish and wildlife and preventing endangered species. In 2005, each state, territory and the District Columbia submitted their plan for approval to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a condition for receiving funding through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. The plans were recently updated with the latest science and information to guide conservation of over 12,000 species in greatest conservation need. Each plan addressed 8 required elements laid out by the US Congress. The plans were developed in collaboration with leading scientists, conservationists, private landowners and other citizens. Although progress is being made, many species of fish and wildlife continue to decline because funding is inadequate. Currently, ~$61 million is appropriated annually by Congress to the 56 states, territories and the District of Columbia to implement the plans. A survey by a natural resources economist estimated that $1.3 billion is needed annually to implement the plans. The Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources reviewed funding options and recommended that existing royalties and fees from the development of energy and mineral resources on federal lands and water be invested in the implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans. The Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife is leading the campaign to secure increased and dedicated funding by supporting passage of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.