Service Distributes $1.1 Billion to State Wildlife Agencies to Support Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, Job Creation
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A keystone of annual funding for state wildlife agencies was put into place on March 6, 2016, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s distribution of $1.1 billion in revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts. This Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) funding, which supports critical state wildlife conservation and recreation projects throughout the nation, derives from excise taxes paid by the hunting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows and ammunition (Pittman-Robertson), and sport fishing tackle, and boat engine and small engine fuel taxes (Dingell-Johnson).
Rhode Island, New Hampshire and three other States share of the federal funds for 2016 totaled $7,739,248 ($4,128,477 for Wildlife Restoration and $3,610,771 for Sport Fish Restoration). Texas leads the Country with $ 50,198,179 and Alaska is second at $47,586,623 and California is third at $40,967,015
"State wildlife agencies play an essential role in the conservation of America's wildlife, while also generating billions of dollars for the nation's economy through increased hunting and fishing opportunities. It's fitting that those very sporting activities help sustain wildlife, their habitats and the agencies that manage them," said radio host, Wayne G. Barber, Outdoor Scene.
Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson act funds are administered by the Service’s WSFR program. To date, the program has distributed more than $18 billion for state conservation and recreation projects. The recipient state fish and wildlife agencies have matched these funds with more than $5 billion over the years, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.
"The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program has been providing critical conservation funding to State Fish and Wildlife Agencies for decades," said Dave Chanda, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies President and New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Director. "These funds complement and enhance millions of dollars contributed to State Fish and Wildlife Agencies from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to administer this grant program, WSFR and agency license monies provide a stable funding source for conservation activities during periods of fiscal and economic uncertainty."
Current WSFR-funded projects in New England include:
- Inland Fisheries operations (stream and lake studies)
- Planning, operation and maintenance of Fish Hatchery facilities
- Game management programs in New England States
- Specific species studies such as moose research and deer wintering area study
- Operation, maintenance and management of access areas at existing boat ramps and wildlife management areas
- Construction of new boat access sites and renovation of existing boat launches
- Hunter Education Program
- Aquatic Resources Education
- Marine Fisheries operations and investigations
- Landowner Relations Program
- Land acquisition projects to enhance state wildlife management areas and access
"Funding from the Pittman Robertson-Dingell-Johnson program will help states protect and conserve our nation’s environmental legacy for generations to come," said Hannibal Bolton, Assistant Director of the Service’s WSFR program.
For a state-by-state listing of the Service’s final apportionment of Wildlife Restoration Funds and Sport Fish Restoration funds for Fiscal Year 2016, see http://m1e.net/c?176599667-uxBX3vBj.pobU%40386948665-.c2LQ2XgerNW%2e.
For more information about the WSFR program visit wsfrprograms.fws.gov.
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