AWCP releases new conservation recommendations

The American Wildlife Conservation Partners, a coalition of America’s top 52 sporting and conservation organizations, has released a comprehensive publication recommending solutions to current and future wildlife and habitat-related issues.

Wildlife for the 21^st Century, Volume VII (W-21) is intended to aid policymakers in the next administration and the next two Congresses when making decisions on conservation and sporting issues. The recommendations presented in the publication will help bolster fish and wildlife populations, enhance the conservation of America’s lands and waters, and ensure public land access for conservationists. 

“The wildlife conservation and policy expertise brought to bear by the American Wildlife Conservation Partners has been a force on Capitol Hill for more than two decades,” said Ed Arnett, CEO of The Wildlife Society. “Implementing the policy recommendations in AWCP’s Wildlife for the 21^st Century report would greatly enhance funding and conservation on both public and private lands well into the future.”

The American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) first convened in 2000, bringing together groups that represent hunter-conservationists, professional wildlife and natural resource managers, outdoor recreation users, conservation educators and wildlife scientists. Current organizational members include the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Wildlife Society and others.

While the priorities and missions of AWCP organizations are varied, the recommendations presented in W-21 are a culmination of each group’s shared commitment to advancing and promoting pro-sporting conservation priorities. The recommendations are compiled into nine sections, each including descriptions of the issues and actions that can be taken to address them. The AWCP says that W-21 encourages collaboration between federal agencies, state fish and wildlife agencies, as well as private landowners, and supports science-based conservation efforts. Sections include funding for conservation measures, wildlife health issues, climate change impacts and more.

Those interested can find a copy of Wildlife for the 21^ST Century, Volume VII on the AWCP website.