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WASHINGTON - The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has distributed $1.1 billion in revenues generated by the hunting and angling industry to State and territorial fish and wildlife agencies throughout the nation.
These funds, referred to as Pittman Robertson - Dingell Johnson funds, have a major impact on wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation.
"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 Service Director Dan Ashe. "Our role in administering these funds reflects our long-standing partnership with the states across a broad spectrum of wildlife conservation issues."
Since its 1937 inception, the WSFR program has generated more than $18 billion to conserve fish and wildlife resources and support outdoor recreation opportunities for the American public. 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 WSFR program has given Americans the opportunity to enjoy sport fish, wildlife, and the outdoors for almost 80 years," said Assistant Director Hannibal Bolton of the Service's Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. "This user pay-public benefits initiative has coined WSFR the most successful wildlife conservation program in U.S. history."
Examples of projects planned by State fish and wildlife agencies include:
- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is renovating 11 Wildlife Management areas to benefit waterfowl. In addition to replacing and upgrading pumps and pipeline for increased water management ability, AGFC is also establishing three new moist-soil units and expanding or renovating at least 20 more. More than 1,300 acres of waterfowl habitat will be created or improved, and the ability to control water levels will be greatly enhanced on thousands of additional acres.
- The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is studying urban black bears near Asheville. This project is a partnership between the NCWRC and North Carolina State University, with cooperation of local Asheville residents. When completed, the studies will provide information for science-based management decisions related to black bears in urban areas and associated human-bear interactions.
- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will use its aquatic education grant to recruit, train, and retain a Volunteer Network of at least 500 volunteers. These volunteers will teach the Angler Education Program and assist at schools and community outreach events that will reach approximately 35,000 Texan anglers and potential anglers.
Click here for the state-by-state listing of the Service's final apportionment of Wildlife Restoration Funds and Sport Fish Restoration funds for Fiscal Year 2016.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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