PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

State Wildlife Grants

Lasting Conservation of a Colorado Jewel:  JE Canyon Ranch
Source: NatureServe


 

JE Canyon Ranch

Photo Credit: NatureServe

The NatureServe Network's local Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) played a critical role in the conservation of a ranch that will conserve 50,000 acres in southeastern Colorado.

JE Canyon Ranch is located in an area noted as the largest and most intact prairie ecosystem left in the state, containing 19 rare species and 5 rare plant communities, as well as high quality native grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands and wetlands. Experts at CNHP documented the area's rare species and ecological systems and highlighted its conservation value, which ultimately led to The Nature Conservancy's(TNC) purchase of the land in 2015.
 
This conservation project is supported by State Wildlife Grants.  Click here to learn more.

News
San Francisco Giants  Pitcher says Bowhunting  improves his Game
By:   Shannon Rikard, Archery Trade Association, ArcheryTrade.org
 
                     
Hunter Strickland Photo Source: ATA

Growing up in Pike County, Georgia, Hunter Strickland hunted with his dad and brothers.  Now as a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, Strickland said bowhunting makes him a better pitcher.
 
"Bowhunting helps with baseball for sure because I'm a pitcher and I think my direction from the pitcher's mound to  the plate relates to bowhunting," Strickland said.  "You have to be in a straight line to shoot a bow and pitching is the same way." 
 
 
 
Hunter Strickland Photo Source: ATA
 
 
 
  
New WSFR Deputy Asst. Director Brings a Wealth of Conservation Experience to Program
 
By:  Kim Betton, WSFR Program HQ
 
                
Bob Curry, WSFR Assistant Deputy Director
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program  welcomes its new Deputy Assistant Director.   Bob Curry comes to WSFR from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission where he served as chief of the Inland Fisheries Division.

Bob has a wealth of experience in wildlife conservation and restoration. He worked for more than 31 years at the Commission serving in additional roles - fisheries program manager, coastal development coordinator, and fisheries technician. Earlier in his career he worked as assistant county ranger for the North Carolina Forest Service, wildlife officer for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and he worked as a biological aid right here at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service! Bob refers to his new position as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
 
$1.1 Billion to State Wildlife Agencies Benefit Conservation, Outdoor Recreationists, and Job Creation
 
By: Kim Betton, WSFR Program, HQ
 
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 industries to State and territory fish and wildlife agencies throughout the nation.  These funds have a major impact on wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation. 
Waterfowl hunt.  Photo: Ryan Hagerty, USFWS
 
"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 to sustain wildlife, their habitats and the agencies that manage them," said Service Director Dan Ashe.
 
  
Boating Infrastructure Grants  awarded to States
Nearly $14 Million Announced at Palm Beach International Boat Show

By: Kim Betton, WSFR  Program,  HQ
 
 
 
More than 50 thousand boaters and outdoor enthusiasts converged on downtown Palm Beach, Florida in March to attend the city's annual International Boat Show.  
Attendees at the 2016 Palm Beach International
Boat Show, Photo by: Kim Betton,
USFWS, WSFR Program, HQ
 
At the kick off of the big event, the Wildlidfe and Sport Fish Restoration's Boating Infrastructure Program (BIG) announced nearly $14 Million in competitive grants to 13 states to support recreational boating.   
 
The grants are called the "BIG Tier II" awards and grantees can receive up to $1.5 million. The Service will also release approximately $6 million to 31 states, commonwealths, and territories willing to match a smaller grant program known as "BIG Tier 1" funding.
Boats on display at Palm Beach Intl. Boat Show.  Photo by: Kim Betton, USFWS, WSFR Program, HQ 
 
         
Christy Vigfusson WSFR Chief Programs announced 2016 BIG Awards Photo by Kim Betton WSFR Program HQ
Grantees use BIG funds to construct, renovate and maintain marinas and other facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. Grantees may also utilize funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.
Click here  for projects supported by this year's BIG program.
Access to Fishing in Central Idaho just got easier
Source:  USFWS Pacific Region

Idaho's high desert Photo:  USFWS Pacific Region
In Idaho's high desert, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) in partnership with the Service's Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) recently secured permanent public access easement to more than 2 miles access while working closely with private landowners.  This agreement will ensure future generations will have improved access to fantastic fishing sites along Silver Creek, near Picabo, Idaho. 

Read more   
Quick Links
WSFR
Assistant Director's
Column
 
The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) is treasured in so many ways.   We appreciate all the support and dedication from our partners and we need to continue to help share the vision of this great program - the cornerstone of fish and wildlife conservation in North America.
 
This year WSFR  provided $1.1 Billion through the sale of hunting and fishing equipment to support habitat conservation and outdoor recreation.  And since the program's inception nearly 80 years ago more than $18 billion dollars have been distributed to States for this great work. 
 
All Americans, whether they hunt, fish, spend a day boating, or wildlife watching, benefit from this program. There's a good chance that the trail they hike, the park where they watch birds, and the wildlife they see every day wouldn't exist without the funding provided by hunters and anglers. In addition to providing conservation benefits, WSFR funds - along with revenue from state fishing hunting licenses support local economies and generate thousands of jobs.
   

We are grateful for you helping us to share the successes of this WSFR program.  Let's keep the momentum going strong for the wildlife and the people of this great nation.  
 

 - Hannibal

WSFR 75th Anniversary and Beyond Publication Highlights
2011 National Survey of Fishing Hunting and Wildlife Associated-Recreation
TRACS

Click here to view WILDLIFE TRACS 

 

 

Contact:
Kim Betton
Communications Manager
Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, Headquarters
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
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