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 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 reviewed and revised in 2015 with the latest science and information to guide the conservation of over 12,000 species in greatest conservation need. The next major revision will be completed by 2025. Each plan addresses 8 required elements laid out by the US Congress. The plans were developed in collaboration with leading scientists, conservationists, private landowners, and other members of the public. Although progress is being made, many species of fish and wildlife continue to decline because funding is inadequate. Currently, ~$70 million is appropriated annually by Congress to the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia to implement the plans. A survey by Southwick and Associates estimated that $1.3 billion in federal funding 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 the passage of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.