The Association Applauds the Department of Interiors Announcement of Outdoor Recreation Opportunity Expansion

August 31, 2021

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies applauds this week’s announcement that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has opened new or expanded hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 2.1 million acres, the largest expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities in recent history. This expansion of outdoor recreation is consistent with the administration’s America the Beautiful Initiative.

“This expansion will afford people greater opportunities to get outdoors, whether it be for hunting or fishing, and enjoy our great natural heritage,” said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “If we work together to steward the outdoors and practice responsible recreation, quality outdoor recreation will remain available for all to enjoy. “

The announcement applies to a single national fish hatchery and 88 national wildlife refuges, according to an Interior announcement.

Click here to view the Department of Interiors press release here.

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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.