The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds President Donald J. Trump‘s issuance of Executive Order 14429, “Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage.” This Order directs federal agencies to expand hunting access, strengthen coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies, and support the conservation of game species and their habitats.

To strengthen America’s hunting heritage, the order establishes a federal policy favoring cooperative agreements with states, establishes a presumption of accessibility on federally managed lands, calls for improved access infrastructure, and encourages additional opportunities to introduce youth and veterans to hunting.

 “State fish and wildlife agencies have the best understanding of species populations, habitats, and local conditions within their borders,” said Ryan Brown, Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and President of the Association. “By directing federal agencies to coordinate with state fish and wildlife agencies and consider local resource conditions and expertise in decisions affecting access and wildlife management, this Order recognizes the importance of state and federal collaboration. Sustainable hunting opportunities and effective wildlife conservation depend on this partnership and the shared commitment to managing our nation’s fish and wildlife resources.”

The Association is especially grateful for provisions directing federal agencies to coordinate with states to sustain robust game-species populations. The order identifies actions to promote habitat connectivity, reduce invasive species, mitigate wildlife disease, and apply a range of appropriate management tools.

“Hunters have helped finance and deliver wildlife conservation in America for generations,” said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “This Executive Order advances several longstanding priorities of the Association, including a presumption of access to federal lands, stronger State–Federal cooperation, and greater support for hunter recruitment and education.”

The Association looks forward to working with our federal partners to support implementation of the Order. Continued collaboration with state fish and wildlife agencies will be essential to ensure that resulting policies respect state authority, are grounded in the best available science, and reflect the diverse management needs and conditions across the country.

###

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.