Why It Matters: The American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), driven by sportsmen and women, funds the vast majority of the critical wildlife and habitat programs throughout the United States. However, many Western state fish and wildlife agencies rely not only on ASCF funding but also supplemental funding from their state’s general fund. In states like Washington, where over 25% of agency funding has come from the general fund in recent years, economic downturns and state-level budget cuts threaten the stability of critical conservation and access programs.
Highlights:
- Faced with a historic $10 Billion dollar budget short fall, Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson shared his plan for saving approximately $4 Billion through budget cuts and tax increases. Included in these cuts were reductions in WDFW’s overall state general fund allotment
- The ASCF’s “user pays – public benefits” structure provides dedicated, ongoing funding sources for state fish and game agencies.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) worked diligently throughout the 2025 session to ensure stable long-term funding for fish and wildlife agencies.
The American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a “user pays – public benefits” model, has funded conservation for over 85 years through hunting and fishing licenses and federal, manufacturer-level excise taxes via the Pitmann-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson acts. In 2023, these programs delivered nearly $1.6 Billion to state fish and wildlife agencies, with Western states like Montana and Wyoming relying almost exclusively on the ASCF for habitat and wildlife management programs. CSF is a steadfast advocate for protecting and enhancing this system, ensuring conservation thrives in Western states despite fiscal challenges.
Washington State was faced with significant budget shortfalls in 2025, creating difficult choices between services like public safety and funding ongoing conservation efforts. The resulting WDFW budget cuts will have direct impacts on hatchery production and Western WA Pheasant programs, among other programs. In Oregon, the 2025 legislative session allocated $20 million for wildfire risk reduction, however, broader budget constraints threaten conservation programs not directly tied to ASCF. Recent increases in the costs of conservation delivery, coupled with these general fund reductions highlight the importance of securing dedicated, long-term funding sources.
As Western states navigate fiscal uncertainty, CSF will continue to advocate for policies that protect conservation funding from economic volatility. Supporting the American System of Conservation Funding and insulating agency budgets from boom-and-bust cycles is essential for ensuring long-term health of fish, wildlife, habitats, outdoor heritage, and access opportunities.
