Calling a press conference, five members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus announced the introduction of “The Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007” yesterday. Senate Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Max Baucus (D-MT), along with Caucus Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Wayne Allard (R-CO), announced that the legislation would provide tax incentives for landowners who help endangered species. By focusing on four major voluntary tax incentive components, instead of attempting to reform the current ESA laws, the bill would remain in the hands of the Senate Finance Committee. Those incentive components are habitat easement credits, habitat restoration credits, deductions and market mechanisms.

Senator Crapo, calling the legislation an important bridge builder between many diverse groups, singled out the support from the sportsmen’s community by noting that, “Over 36 hunting and fishing groups under the lead of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation have already shown support for this legislation.”

CSF President Jeff Crane addressed the press conference, pointing out that, “America’s 40 million-plus hunters and fishermen founded the conservation model in North America and still are the backbone of wildlife conservation.” Crane thanked the Caucus members present for their leadership on this bill and in general on issues of concern to sportsmen in the U.S. Senate, and pledged that the sportsmen’s community will continue to work with them on passage of this legislation.

Summing up the interest of hunters and anglers, Sen. Baucus said, “This legislation helps protect species, but also helps protect open space…this helps all of those who enjoy hunting and fishing.”