The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, along with 27 other conservation organizations, signed on to a letter in support of H.R. 596 and S. 279, the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act. Sportsmen and women are supportive of the development of clean, renewable energy resources on public lands, so long as it is done thoughtfully and in a manner that conserves fish and wildlife habitat. The provisions of the bill that establish a pilot leasing program for wind and solar energy development on public lands and apply a substantial portion of royalty revenue to offsetting impacts to fish and wildlife habitat are essential to balancing development with hunting and fishing opportunities. Also eligible for use of the funds is securing recreational access to Federal land for the purpose of providing enhanced public access to existing public land that is inaccessible or restricted.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
