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When
I try to explain to hunters, anglers, and representatives
of the sporting industry why the work of the Congressional
Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is important, they
often have a hard time relating how something that takes
place in the legislative arena can affect their passion
or their industry.
Unlike most hunting and fishing organizations that have state and local chapters, as well as on-the-ground conservation programs, the conservation work of the CSF is not always as tangible. The CSF has no chapters and no on-the-ground projects. So how does the work we do in Washington, DC and state capitals across the country affect on-the-ground conservation projects, enhancing wildlife habitat and the enjoyment of millions of hunters, anglers and trappers in every state across the country?
Each year, Congress considers the annual
appropriations bills, based on recommendations from
the President’s budget. Included in these bills
are federal funds for wildlife habitat and conservation
programs. This federal funding adds up to billions of
dollars that improve wildlife conservation and management
all across the country. The CSF in conjunction with
the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus work to ensure
that sportsmen’s views are represented and the
programs they support are well funded each year.
How does this translate to your enjoyment
as a hunter or angler or improve the bottom line of
your company? The key to our enjoyment of the outdoors
through hunting and fishing begins and ends with habitat.
Without adequate fish and wildlife habitat, we don’t
have sustainable fish and wildlife populations and therefore,
we wouldn’t have hunting and fishing.
The more federal funding that goes for wildlife habitat
and conservation, the better quality hunting and fishing
we all enjoy. The better quality hunting and fishing
means more days in the field and on the water and more
hunters and anglers, resulting in more purchases of
equipment, which not only improves the bottom line of
outdoor companies but means even more money for wildlife
conservation through the Pittman-Robertson
and Dingell-Johnson
programs.
So as you head to the field and waters,
remember that actions in Washington, DC, and state capitols
have a direct impact on what your ability to enjoy the
great outdoors. And also remember that there is an organization
in Washington, DC whose sole purpose it is not only
to promote our outdoor heritage, but also to protect
and increase federal funding for your enjoyment to hunt,
fish and trap – the Congressional Sportsmen’s
Foundation.
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