PrintAs the nation's fish, wildlife and vital natural areas face ever-increasing pressures, greater public investment is needed to help fish and wildlife managers cope with these issues. Increasingly, state fish and wildlife managers face a daunting task of trying to manage their public lands and wildlife resources for a diverse group of outdoors enthusiasts.
ISSUE: STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE FUNDING
For the first time ever, state fish and wildlife agencies have developed comprehensive conservation plans that provide a nationwide blueprint of actions to conserve imperiled species and prevent them from becoming threatened or endangered. Primarily funded through federally funded State Wildlife Grants, support by the U.S. Congress is essential to the success of these plans.
ACTION: SECURING STATE WILDLIFE GRANTS
Working with CSF and on behalf of state fish and game agencies, CSC leaders have secured $500-million in funding for State Wildlife Grants since 2001.
State Wildlife Grants
CSC was successful in getting Congress to appropriate $73.8 million in FY08. Seeking to bring more aid to the states, the Sportsmen's Caucus is asking for $85-million in FY09. The importance of this funding cannot be underestimated as state fish and wildlife agencies struggle for solid funding to continue the successful management of their states' natural resources.
CSF is exploring opportunities for ‘climate change' or energy related legislation to serve as a potential vehicle for securing dedicated funding for state fish and wildlife agencies. Letters from leading conservation organizations were sent to the House Natural Resources committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee requesting support for the authorization of new resources to address the impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife, including dedicated funds for state fish and wildlife agencies.
