Washington D.C. (January
20, 2017)- The Association of Fish
and Wildlife Agencies expresses utter dismay with the release of Director’s Order 219, Use of
Non-Toxic Ammo and Fishing Tackle, by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) on January 19, 2017. Association President Nick Wiley states that
"this action flies squarely in the face of a long and constructive
tradition of states working in partnership with the Service to effectively
manage fish and wildlife resources.” He adds, "the Association views this
Order as a breach of trust and deeply disappointing given that it was a
complete surprise and there was no current dialogue or input from state fish
and wildlife agencies prior to issuance. It does a disservice to hunters and
anglers, the firearms and angling industries, and the many professionals on
staff with the USFWS who desire a trusting and transparent relationship with
their state partners." This is unacceptable federal overreach into the
states’ authority to regulate the methods of take for sport fish as well as
complete disregard for the states’ concurrent jurisdiction with the Service for
the management of migratory birds. Further, the economic impacts of this
action, which likely will be felt most by rural Americans, is likely to be
hundreds of millions of dollars." The Association looks forward to working
with a new Administration in the redress of this poorly timed and executed
decision.
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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.
