Highlights
Why it matters: Thanks to the leadership of Senators Henrich and Blunt, S. 2372 marks the first time that Recovering America’s Wildlife has been introduced in the Senate with permanent and dedicated funding – a necessary funding structure to deliver on-the-ground species recovery. The hearing scheduled before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will be exclusively focused on Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and marks a significant step forward in the legislative process for this critical bill.
On Wednesday, December 8, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Committee) will hold a hearing on the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. In advance of the hearing, CSF and nearly 40 partners sent a letter to the leadership and members of the Committee to express the sporting community’s collective support for this important bill.
For years, CSF has been a leader in advocating for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, including through the Alliance for the America’s Fish & Wildlife – a unique coalition working to advance Recovering America’s Wildlife in both the House and Senate. Since the concept of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act was first developed over five years ago, CSF’s President and CEO, Jeff Crane, has served as the legislative co-chair of the Alliance.
By seeking to provide nearly $1.4 billion annually for proactive, non-regulatory conservation projects in every state, territory, and on tribal lands and waters, S. 2372 would be one of the most significant investments in fish and wildlife conservation in a lifetime. As a result of this historic opportunity, in the last six months, S. 2372 has garnered the support of 32 bipartisan Senators who now co-sponsor the legislation.
Through their State Wildlife Action Plans, which serve as a roadmap to each state’s unique conservation needs, state fish and wildlife agencies have collectively identified nearly 12,000 species that are identified as “species of greatest conservation need”. By acting now, Congress can conserve these species before more costly and burdensome measures are necessary. Specifically, the funding provided through Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would be targeted to conserve the nearly 12,000 fish, wildlife, and plant species identified as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need”.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is grateful for the continued leadership of Senators Heinrich and Blunt for championing S. 2372 and applauds the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for scheduling a hearing on Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.
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?
