June 13, 2017
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies applauds Secretary Zinke’s announcement releasing $1.1 billion in revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson (P-R) Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson (D-J) Sport Fish Restoration acts. This funding supports critical state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects throughout the nation and comes from excise taxes paid by the hunting, shooting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows and ammunition (Pittman-Robertson), and sportfishing tackle, some boat engines and small engine fuel (Dingell-Johnson).
“The Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration (WSFR) Program provides funding to states to protect and conserve our nation’s fish and wildlife heritage today and for generations to come,” said Nick Wiley, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to administer this grant program, WSFR and agency license monies provide a stable funding source for conservation activities during periods of fiscal and economic uncertainty.”
The funding was announced by Ryan Zinke, Secretary of the Interior, at a press event at the Bass Pro Shop in Hooksett, New Hampshire. To date the program has distributed more than $19 billion for state conservation and recreation projects. State fish and wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $6 billion throughout the years, primarily through funds generated through state hunting and fishing license sales.
“State fish and wildlife agencies play a crucial role in the conservation of America’s fish and wildlife,” said Executive Director Ron Regan. “This funding mechanism serves as the foundation for fish and wildlife conservation in our country.”
For more information about the WSFR program visit http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov.