The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Welcomes the Acting Secretary to Lead Department of the Interior 

February 5, 2019

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies welcomes the recently nominated David Bernhardt as the next Secretary of the Interior.

“We are looking forward to building upon our long history of partnership with the Department of the Interior for the benefit of our fish and wildlife resources, our citizens, and future generations of Americans,” said Ed Carter, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “The Association is appreciative of Bernhardt’s continued support for the great work of state fish and wildlife agencies in conserving our nations natural resources.”

“The Association is looking forward to working closely with Mr. Bernhardt and furthering our collaborative commitment to our nation’s great outdoor recreational heritage and stewardship,” said Executive Director Ron Regan.

If confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of the Interior, Bernhardt will lead 70,000 employees at the Department of the Interior. The Department oversees management of more than half of the federal estate, along with programs relating to American Indian and territorial affairs.

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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.