Groundbreaking legislation to update the Endangered Species Act has taken a key step toward becoming law.  On September 21, The Endangered Species Recovery Act (ESRA) cleared the Senate Finance Committee as part of the Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007, and will no go before the full Senate for a vote.

Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) teamed up to write ESRA, which provides tax incentives for farmers, ranchers and private landowners who voluntarily agree to put easements on their property or agree to restore, enhance, or manage endangered species habitat on their land. Also instrumental in supporting the legislation were Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Conservation tax incentives have been strongly supported on both sides of the aisle.

“Over 80% of endangered species live on private land; encouraging private property owners to be part of the solution in assisting those species is essential. This legislation addresses that fact by encouraging landowner cooperation to avoid conflict and provide real results for species recovery by providing needed habitat,” commented Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID).

CSF worked closely with the Senate Caucus to garner cosponsors, as well as wide-ranging support from various organizations.  Groups who endorse the measure, include: The National Wildlife Federation, American Farm Bureau, Environmental Defense, National Association of Conservation Districts; National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, Defenders of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, along with many others who contributed to the legislative effort.

The Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 also includes the provisions of S. 469, which seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the special rule for contributions of qualified conservation contributions.

Sportsmen’s Caucus Opposes Elimination of International Conservation Funding
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus has come out in strong opposition to language in the House Committee Report on the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill which instructs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) not to fund activities that involve recreational, sport or trophy hunting.

“This language was snuck through the back door at the request of organizations that are avowed opponents of hunting in the United States and worldwide,” stated CSF president, Jeff Crane.  “The quick and strong stance the Sportsmen’s Caucus has taken on this issue should be commended and serves as a reminder of the importance of having a willing body of legislators who can quickly be called into action.”
The intent of this language is completely contrary to laws that deal with hunting in the United States, including the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1996 and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.  It is also contrary to a series of laws passed since 1987, beginning with the African Elephant Conservation Act, which provide funding for foreign activities that benefit wildlife, including hunting.

First Ever Congressional Sportsmen’s Week Highlights the Importance of Hunting and Fishing in America
Last week the first ever Congressional Sportsmen’s Week took place in the U.S. Congress to serve the purpose of reminding legislators of the vital importance of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation to America’s economy, environment, health, and way of life.  The week included passing Congressional resolutions recognizing hunting and fishing and its contributions.  Activities included the CSF Annual Banquet and Auction, a briefing on the economic impact of hunting and fishing, the signing of an MOU aimed at strengthening a longstanding partnership for the future of conservation, hunting, shooting and angling in America and a CSF breifing on the National Archery in the Schools Program. “Congressional Sportsmen’s Week showed that the impacts of the sportsmen’s community are too great to be ignored by policymakers in Washington, DC.  My hope is that this week helped to convinced more of my colleagues in the House and Senate to make sportsmen’s issues a priority,” commented Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI).

Arrows Fly On Capitol Hill

CSC Co-Chair Cong. Ron Kind shows his
archery skills to students from Roanoke, VA

Concluding Congressional Sportsmen’s Week, CSF and the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) hosted a briefing and demonstration on the highly successful and innovative physical education program.  Following the briefing, Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Members were shown the skills learned from the program by school students from Roanoke, Virginia.   Now, in its fifth year, NASP will be operating in at least 44 states and 3 countries this year.  To date more than 2.3 million students have taken NASP lessons from their school’s physical education teacher.

Record Breaking Members of Congress Attend CSF Banquet and Auction
Demonstrating their affinity of hunting and fishing, 45 members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus turned out for the 18th Annual CSF Banquet and Auction last week.  “This event just keeps getting better and better,” noted Tom Baker, Vice-Chairman of the CSF Board.  “When you get this many Members of Congress in a room telling hunting and fishing stories, you know it is going to be a rowdy occasion.”

The CSF Banquet and Auction has become a destination event with the communities top leaders flying into town for the occasion along with board members from many various organizations, including the event’s sponsor, Pheasant’s Forever.  Also in attendance in full force were board members of SCI and the National Wild Turkey Federation, as well as senior executives of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Beretta, Sturm Ruger, Bass Pro Shops, The Sportsmen’s Channel, Versus, and Intermedia Outdoors.

NWTF’s Contributions Recognized at CSF Banquet

During a decade-long partnership, the NWTF and its 2,350 chapters have contributed $613,000 to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, a fact that was recognized during a presentation at CSF’s annual banquet.  “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is a great partner and a proven force in defeating anti-sportsmen legislation and advancing pro hunting bills,” said Rob Keck, CEO for the NWTF. “Their work with members of the U.S. Congress ensures that sportsmen have a voice at the highest levels of government.”

Notable Leaders Reinforce Hunting and Fishing is Alive and Well
At a press briefing releasing a new report by the CSF, titled “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors,” leaders from the hunting and fishing communities told the audience that recent news articles focusing on the downward trend in participation did not accurately reflect the current strength of hunting and fishing in America.  As demonstrated in the report, hunters and anglers are spending more time and money in pursuit of their passions then ever before.  Spending $76 billion annually, Americans spend more days hunting and fishing each year than days spent running the federal government (737 million days vs. 486).  More comparisons and the full report can be downloaded here.  To watch the briefing log on to Versus.com.