Association applauds conservation funded by America the Beautiful Challenge

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Biden-Harris Administration (Administration) for awarding more than $90 million in grants for conservation and restoration projects through the America the Beautiful Challenge. Last week, the Administration announced that 55 new grants in 42 states, 3 US territories, and 14 tribal nations have been selected for locally-led ecosystem restoration projects under the public-private grant program.

“We thank the Administration for supporting the vital work of state fish and wildlife agencies, tribes and their partners,” said Curt Melcher, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and president of the Association. “Bold actions like the Challenge are needed to help us combat growing threats to our nation’s species and habitats, while ensuring everyone has access to healthy, thriving land and water.”

Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Challenge brings together funds from the Department of the Interior, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Defense to advance conservation work on the ground by state, tribal, NGO and private. land labor partners.

“These grants come at a critical time in our nation’s conservation history, the gravity of which has just been underscored by the findings of the 2022 State of Birds Report,” said Ron Regan, the Association’s executive director. “Large-scale, voluntary conservation projects led by local communities are key to restoring and protecting species at risk, such as those identified in State Wildlife Action Plans.”

Leveraging more than $50 million in matching contributions this year, the Challenge will provide more than $140 million for conservation projects that support increased connectivity, improved habitats, and abundant populations while stimulating the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy.

The Association thanks the Administration and participating partners for recognizing the need to empower state, territorial, and tribal resource managers, and urges Congress to build on this commitment by quickly passing the United States Wildlife Recovery Act. Joined.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies— the organization representing North America’s fish and wildlife agencies — promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks out on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.orgon Facebook /Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and on twitter @fishwildlife.