The Association Commends the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for Over $1.5 Billion in Support of State Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

February 14, 2022

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is excited to see over $1.5 Billion in annual funding available through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program to support state and local outdoor recreational opportunities, and wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. The WSFR program works with states, insular areas and the District of Columbia to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, their habitats, and the hunting, sport fishing and recreational boating opportunities they provide.

“The WSFR Program is one of the most successful conservation partnership programs, fostering cooperative partnerships between federal and state agencies to enhance recreational opportunities while advancing sustainable resource goals,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  “These critical partnerships work to conserve fish, wildlife, lands and waters, while also providing people with access to places to connect with nature and participate in outdoor recreation.”

Congress authorizes the WSFR disbursements through the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act. To date, the Service has distributed more than $25.5 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. The recipient state wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $8.5 billion throughout the years, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.

 

Click here to view the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Press Release.

Click here to learn more about the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program.

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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.