February 21, 2022
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies enthusiastically commends the Senate for confirming the nomination of Martha Williams, who will serve as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). On February 17, 2022, the Senate confirmed the former Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, by voice vote.
“We thank the Senate and President Biden for ensuring the Service will continue to have strong, collaborative leadership,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Ms. Williams’ deep understanding of cooperative management and commitment to science-based conservation, most recently exemplified during her tenure with the Service, make her an ideal choice to lead the federal agency most critical to our natural resources. As a former State Director, Ms. Williams has an established record of working with hunters, anglers, trappers, outdoor recreationists, and state and federal agencies to secure our nation’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for future generations.”
Ms. Williams’ resounding confirmation follows a bipartisan, 16-4 vote in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works that advanced her nomination to the full Senate. The Association proudly supported her nomination and joined many other conservation organizations in advocating for her advancement, including through a public letter of support submitted to the Committee. The Association thanks the Biden-Harris Administration and the Senate for their commitment to continuing the success of collaborative, state-led conservation.
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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.