Washington, DC (July 7, 2016) – Yesterday, Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
(D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R.
5650) calling for $1.3 billion in existing revenue from the development of
energy and mineral resources on federal lands and waters be dedicated to the
Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program to conserve a full array of fish and
wildlife.
“Hunters, anglers, recreational
shooters and motorized boaters, through fees and licenses, have been the
backbone of funding the conservation of America’s fish and wildlife. Over the years these original conservationists
have greatly enhanced the State’s ability to perform science-based management
of fish and wildlife species throughout the country,” said Dave Chanda,
President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Director of New
Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
“Today we find ourselves at a critical crossroad and impending fish and
wildlife crisis that could alter our children and grandchildren’s opportunities
to enjoy these resources. If we want to
secure the future of all of America’s fish and wildlife resources, a
fundamental enhancement in how we finance conservation is essential. We believe the right path is to begin
investing now in a 21st century vision for fish and wildlife.”
The Blue
Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources,
comprised of national business and conservation leaders, convened in 2015 to
recommend a new mechanism to sustainably fund fish and wildlife conservation.
In March 2016, the Panel recommended
that a $1.3 billion trust fund be created using existing fees from energy and
mineral development on federal lands and water to support implementation of
State Wildlife Action Plans in every state, territory and the District of
Columbia.
“As a strong supporter of
conservation and sportsmen alike, I’m proud to take the lead on an important
discussion regarding fish and wildlife conservation across the country,” said
Congressman Don Young. “While we’ve seen many great successes in management and
conservation projects in the past, this legislation takes a unique approach to
allow states to make responsible management decisions at home. As someone who
proudly supports the management of fish and game for all Americans – for
sportsmen, subsistence purposes, and for future generations – I believe this
legislation is a responsible first step in developing a path forward.”
"It has been proven over the
decades that incredible gains in species conservation have been made with
dedicated sources of funding," Rep. Dingell said. "The Restoring
America's Wildlife Act builds off the successes of previous efforts including
Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund by
giving state fish and wildlife agencies additional resources they need to
proactively manage at-risk wildlife species. I am proud to introduce this
legislation with my Republican colleague from Alaska, Mr. Young. We both love
the outdoors and know we must work hard to protect our natural resources. To
some we may seem the odd couple but together we believe we can get something
done that will help bring conservation into the 21st Century and complement the
other successful programs that are currently in place."
“America’s hunters, anglers,
recreational shooters, and boaters have been the primary funders of state-based
conservation efforts to this day,” said Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
President Jeff Crane. “This recommendation simply uses funding for conservation
from other sectors that use our natural resources.”
“We have a once in a generation
opportunity to save thousands of at-risk wildlife species by investing in
proactive, collaborative conservation. By modernizing how we fund conservation
of the full diversity of wildlife, we will bolster our natural resources,
strengthen our outdoor recreation economy, reduce regulatory uncertainty,
improve public health, and bolster community resilience,” said Collin O’Mara,
president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation.
"We thank Congressman Young and Congresswoman Dingell for their
exceptional leadership on the Recovering America's Wildlife Act."
Media Contacts:
Sara Leonard, Congressional
Sportsmen’s Foundation
Lacey McCormick, National
Wildlife Federation
Patricia Allen, Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies
