American System of Conservation Funding
Sportsmen and Women are the Backbone of Conservation
For over 80 years, sportsmen and women have played a crucial role in funding conservation efforts in the United States through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). The American System is a “user pays – public benefits” structure, unique from the rest of the world, in which those that consumptively use public resources pay for the privilege, and in some cases the right, to do so. This funding system has allowed the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation to become recognized as the most successful conservation framework in history.
"Sportsmen and women have long been the primary funding source for wildlife and habitat conservation and we are all beneficiaries of their passion for wildlife and the great outdoors. This passion converts into cleaner air and water, healthier soils and thriving ecosystems that are just a few of the benefits of sportsmen and women protecting what we love and cherish. Join me in supporting the greatest protector of our right to enjoy hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and trapping -- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation!"
"I’m proud to be an American sportsman and an important part of the past, present and future in conserving our nation’s resources. Together we can enjoy the personal and satisfying connection to the great outdoors with friends and family and play a critical part in upholding our fish and wildlife legacy for generations to come."
Will Primos
Renowned Conservationist and Outdoorsman
Richard Childress
Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing
THE THREE PILLARS
Sporting Licenses
Fees from hunting and fishing licenses are a major source of funding for conservation efforts. These funds are designated for the administration of state fish and wildlife programs and provide funding for conservation, public access, safety, education, and habitat initiatives.
Wildlife Restoration Programs
Enacted in 1937, the Wildlife Restoration Act, now known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, provides funding for states and territories to support wildlife restoration, conservation, and hunter education and safety programs through a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. It is one of the most impactful programs for sportsmen and women, firearms enthusiasts, and wildlife in this country.
Sportfish Restoration Programs
Also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act, the Sport Fish Restoration Act is one of the most successful “user pays – public benefits” model programs in the world. Established in 1950, this act established a fund that relies on federal excise taxes on fishing equipment, electric trolling motors, and motorboat and small engine fuels to fund fisheries conservation and aquatic habitat improvements, fishing and boating access and boating safety.
NATIONAL AND STATE REPORTS
Each year, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) develops a national fact sheet as well as state-specific documents that outline the funding provided to each individual state through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). These state-specific documents are designed to provide essential information to our partners and the public to help them more thoroughly understand the contributions that sportsmen and women make to conservation in all 50 states.
