Shape Wildlife Policy With Us
“What a country chooses to save is what a country chooses to say about itself.” —Mollie Beattie, first female director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Our Wildlife Policy Priorities
- Robust Funding for Wildlife Conservation
When federal funding for wildlife conservation is threatened, we fight to provide conservation programs with necessary resources. - Conservation of Biological Diversity
Threats to biodiversity are significant and increasing. We advocate for proactive policies that promote resilient ecosystems where wildlife and people thrive. - Science as the Foundation of Wildlife Policy
Conservation decisions must be based on research and data. We work to connect policymakers with the expertise of TWS members.
In the Herd and On “The Hill”
It’s critical. Wildlife need the voices of advocates working to improve existing policies and enact new ones. Effective and durable wildlife policy must be informed by science and lead to conserving wildlife and their habitats while empowering wildlife professional to make meaningful impacts through their work.
Anyone can lend their voice to shaping the future of wildlife.
Currently, most of our policy work is based in the United States, but we plan to increase international reach with the help of our members and supporters.
We advocate for more than $1.9 billion in US federal funding each year to strengthen policies that sustain wildlife conservation programs.
Wildlife Management Policy News + Resources
Federal Advisory Committees
In the last three years, TWS staff and members have served on three federal advisory committees.
Be a Voice for Conservation
Join our herd and be heard. Connect with wildlife professionals who turn scientific expertise into conservation action. Our members and staff track critical legislation, provide science-based recommendations to lawmakers and develop authoritative technical reviews on pressing conservation issues.
Since 1957, we’ve bridged the gap between science, advocacy and policy action—turning research into real-world protection for wildlife and natural resources. As a TWS member, you’ll also be able to take part in our Conservation Affairs Network, help craft position statements that represent the voice of wildlife professionals nationwide. This means your insights reach the decision makers who matter most.
Where We Stand
Conservation challenges are constantly evolving, but we continue to be guided by our core values. Know where we stand on the issues that matter most.
Our Wildlife Coalition Partners
We partner with leading conservation organizations to ensure wildlife science reaches key decision makers. As members of influential coalitions, we secure critical funding, protect habitats and combat invasive species—multiplying the power of every professional voice.
Our Wildlife Coalition Partners include:
Get the resources you need to make an impact. Take part in the network that helps create them. Our networks and resources educate policymakers and the public on key environmental issues, ensuring that science stays at the center of wildlife management.
Conservation Affairs Policy Toolkit
Influence begins with strategy. We are proud to share the techniques from nearly nine decades of conservation advocacy to amplify the voices of dedicated wildlife professionals.
Fact Sheets
TWS members get access to our library of fact sheets, making it easier to approach policy discussions with trustworthy data.
Policy Library
Explore how TWS is engaging with public figures and decision makers on wildlife policy issues.
Policy Briefs
Get easily digestible summaries of emerging policies and programs and stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of the wildlife profession.
Connect. Collaborate.
Wildlife Policy Programs + Networks
Conservation Affairs Network
The Conservation Affairs Network connects members across all 56 TWS chapters and 8 sections to share data and amplify your voice in wildlife policy. Since 2014, this strategic network has transformed how wildlife professionals influence conservation decisions—giving you direct channels to shape the policies that matter most.
The Joe Burns Memorial Wildlife Policy Internship Program
The Wildlife Society’s Policy Internship Program honors Joe Burns, an early policy intern who devoted his career to conservation programming within the US Forest Service. His selfless mentorship of new professionals and invaluable support of our policy program live on in this six-month paid internship opportunity.