Support builds for Recovering America’s Wildlife Act

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, a key priority for The Wildlife Society, is continuing to gain support in both chambers of the U.S. Congress, setting up an opportunity for movement on the bill not seen since last Congress.

In April, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) reintroduced the House bill (H.R. 2773). The bill currently has 118 bipartisan co-sponsors. The Senate counterpart (S. 2372), introduced in July by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), has gained 24 bipartisan co-sponsors, with more expected to join in the coming weeks.

The landmark legislation would dedicate $1.3 billion annually to state fish and wildlife agencies, so they can implement science-based wildlife action plans and an additional $97.5 million for tribal fish and wildlife managers to conserve species on tribal lands.

Funding of this magnitude would bring much needed resources to state, tribal and partner natural resource professionals working to conserve native species. Additionally, this funding would provide greater certainty that wildlife professionals could continue working to conserve and manage America’s wildlife populations.

In partnership with the Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife, The Wildlife Society is working to reach a goal of 200 bipartisan co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. This growth would set the stage for a successful House Natural Resources Committee markup of the legislation, providing increased opportunities for engagement on the House floor.

Members of The Wildlife Society and other wildlife professionals are encouraged to visit TWS’ Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Action Center to learn more about the bill and urge their U.S. representatives and senators to co-sponsor it.