NWTF Applauds Bill to Boost Funding for State Wildlife Conservation

Introduced by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR), chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and 21 cosponsors, the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA) seeks to enhance state and tribal conservation efforts and improve wildlife habitats for at-risk species across the nation.

AWHCA authorizes $300 million yearly for five years in grant funding to state governments to enact their congressionally mandated state wildlife action plans (SWAPs). SWAPs function as a roadmap to recovering both species listed under the Endangered Species Act and species that are in jeopardy of being listed under the act. In addition, this grant funding can be used to conduct activities such as additional habitat restoration projects, forest management projects, remove invasive species, and to collaborate with private partners to conserve habitat for species of greatest conservation need. The bill provides $20 million in annual funding for Tribes to work on vulnerable species recovery.

Also in the bill is a solution to curtail frivolous lawsuits from anti-forest management special-interest groups that force the USDA Forest Service to re-consult with the US Fish & Wildlife Service on already completed forest management plans, which have undergone an already stringent cooperative process that includes environmental reviews. These lawsuits can halt important forest and habitat restoration efforts on the National Forest System lands for years.

“We thank Chairman Westerman for his steadfast efforts to bolster state and tribal wildlife and habitat conservation potential,” Co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Funding for species recovery plans are vital to protecting biodiversity on the landscape and conserving our critical ecosystems. And the protection of forest plans from targeted special-interest intervention is key to creating resilient forests, habitats and communities through the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and other NWTF work on Forest Service lands.”

Learn more about the America's Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.