On August 8, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) staff and other leaders from the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) network convened in Memphis, Tennessee for a meeting to discuss conservation policy priorities for the upcoming year and for the duration of the current administration.
The group was hosted by Bass Pro Shops’ Conservation Director Bob Ziehmer at Big Cypress Lodge for a reception and dinner, followed by a full day meeting at the Ducks Unlimited headquarters office. CSF President Jeff Crane and Policy and Communications Manager Sara Leonard attended on behalf of CSF.
During the meeting, the group discussed national issues such as Recovering America’s Wildlife Act; chronic wasting disease; the Land and Water Conservation Fund; the 2018 Farm Bill; and recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters; among other topics. Special guests included Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt and Policy Advisor to Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, David Willms.
In addition, North American Falconers Association was approved by the group as its newest member.
AWCP is a network of 50 of the nation’s top conservation organizations that represent the interests of America’s millions of hunter-conservationists, professional wildlife and natural resource managers, outdoor recreation users, conservation educators, and wildlife scientists.
Conservation Director Bob Ziehmer welcomes AWCP to the Bass Pro Shops in Memphis, TN.
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?
