Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

📣ICYMI- AFWA's 2024 Annual Report is now available!! 2024 was a year of resiliency, leaning in, partnerships, and the business of conservation. The Association’s continues to fight for dedicated and sustainable funding for healthy fish, wildlife, and ecosystems. Despite the ongoing challenges in 2024, the Association and our coalition partners once again secured a number of policy wins for conservation and state agencies, including the successful reauthorization of the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE). Check out the report here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eSQw5XgP

📣𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭 🐦 Today, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) published the 2025 State of Birds Report during the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Key findings in the new report shows that more than one-third of U.S. bird species are of high or moderate conservation concern, including 112 Tipping Point species that have lost more than 50% of their populations in the last 50 years. The report also reveals that bird populations in almost every habitat are declining. Most notably, duck populations, which have been a bright spot in past State of the Birds reports, have trended downward in recent years. Despite the concerning trends, the report emphasizes that conservation efforts can succeed when adequately supported. “The State of the Birds Report highlights the critical role that state wildlife agencies can play in not only protecting our current bird populations but in enhancing these populations,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “The Report also details current population trends, conservation successes, and the important role healthy bird populations play in strengthening communities, spurring local economies, and connecting people to the outdoors. It is imperative that we continue to invest in bird conservation strategies and policies.” Birds are big economic drivers and provide countless outdoor recreation opportunities for game bird hunting and for bird watching. Nearly 100 million Americans are engaged in birding activities, contributing $279 billion in total economic output and supporting 1.4 million jobs. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is a key NABCI partner in the United States. The AFWA Bird Conservation Committee (BBC) works closely with NABCI and represents the states within the NABCI partnership. NABCI often brings critical bird conservation issues to the BCC to solicit more in-depth state feedback or engagement. 👓 Read full press release ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/ejsmC87c

👏 👏 The Association Applauds the Introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act in both the House and the Senate   Washington D.C. (February 25, 2025)- The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act. The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, known as VPA-HIP, is a grant program appropriated through the Farm Bill under which state fish and wildlife agencies and tribes can apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife dependent recreation. If enacted, the Volunteer Public Access Improvement Act will increase funding for this important program to $150 million over the life of the Farm Bill.   “The grants administered by this important program are crucial in allowing state fish and wildlife agencies to support public access for wildlife-dependent recreation on private lands,” said Judith Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association. “The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act will provide much needed funding to increase public access to private lands for recreational opportunities and enhance fish and wildlife habitats.” The 2018 Farm Bill allocated $50 million for VPA-HIP over five years, and 26 states and one tribe received grants. Increasing the funding level to $150 million will allow prior grant recipients to expand access opportunities, while also enabling states and tribes that have not previously participated to create their own public access programs. The Association thanks representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Roger Marshall (R-CO) for their leadership in sponsoring this legislation. We look forward to advocating for this legislation to be incorporated into future Farm Bill legislative proposals. Read full press release ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/e8JrtYcv

🎣 The Association Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Fix Excise Tax Slippage 🏹 The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds House introduction of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act (H.R. 1494), which would close a significant gap in the collection of taxes for the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Trust Funds. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Panetta (D-CA) and Moore (R-UT) to make online marketplaces accountable for collection of the excise tax on archery and angling equipment sold directly to consumers from outside of the U.S. by online vendors. “We thank Representatives Moore and Panetta for their leadership to restore the integrity of our nation’s conservation investments,” said Riley Peck, Director of the Division of Wildlife Resources for the Utah Department of Natural Resources. “In Utah, we are fortunate to have almost 200 Wildlife Management Areas across more than 500,000 acres that our agency is entrusted to manage. Keeping those habitats healthy, accessible, and full of abundant fish and wildlife requires us to make every dollar count.” Archery and sportfishing manufacturers proudly contribute tens of millions of dollars annually to the American System of Conservation Funding through the collection of excise taxes under the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Programs, providing dedicated funding to state agencies for fish and wildlife conservation. But online sales from foreign companies avoid the traditional method of excise tax collection, placing an unrealistic administrative burden on the individual consumer. “Continuing our legacy of conservation simply would not be possible without these excise taxes funding the work of state fish and wildlife agencies,” said Judith Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association. “We owe it to our natural resources, our hunters and anglers, and industry partners to protect American businesses from being undercut by foreign manufacturers that do not pay the excise tax on sporting goods.” The bill would follow through on the recent recommendations from the Government Accountability Office by making online marketplace facilitators accountable for the collection of excise taxes on these products. The Association urges unanimous passage of this legislation and also thanks original cosponsors for their support. Read full press release ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eNr_75DH

🌿 Nominate Your Top Staff for NCLI! 🌿 Since 2005, the National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI) has been transforming conservation professionals to tackle today's challenges. It's time to nominate your high-potential staff for the 19th cohort! 🗓️ Nomination Deadline: April 15, 2025 👥 Qualities to Look For: * Mid-career professionals with strong leadership potential * Significant experience and tenure left * Ability to attend in-person and virtual residencies * Reflective, resilient, and open to learning For more info, visit NCLI Program Overview or contact Amanda Myers at amyers@fishwildlife.org. Let's continue building strong leadership for the future of conservation! 🌍

The Association Applauds House Passage of the SHARKED Act 🦈 Read more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eKmMZ8nR 📸 by: Sylke Rohrlach

Position Announcement: Program Manager for Professional Development Location: Hybrid (Washington DC/Home) Salary: $75K or commensurate with experience Application deadline: February 28, 2025 To apply: Send resume and cover letter to Elena Takaki at etakaki@fishwildlife.org, with the subject line: Manager for Professional Development Read full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gxZ8RN2j

Request for Proposals: Multistate Conservation Grant Program Policies and Procedures Due January 15, 2025 The Association seeks bids from vendors to develop Policies and Procedures for the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) to address strategic priorities, partner engagement, MSCGP application processes, and state participation in the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP). These policies and procedures will improve program transparency, partner involvement, and application alignment with MSCGP priorities. Please CLICK LINK BELOW ⤵️ for the full RFP. https://lnkd.in/et_3i-Ma

Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops Pledge Conservation Dollars in Memory of President Jimmy Carter   Washington D.C. (January 6, 2025)- Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops have announced a One Million Dollar Conservation pledge to support conservation causes President Jimmy Carter championed for many years, all aimed to help introduce more kids to the joys of fishing hunting and the great outdoors. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is honored to be part of the disbursement of these dollars to support wildlife law enforcement. Other conservation organizations benefiting from this support include: ·  American Wetlands Trust (aligned with Ducks Unlimited) representing President Carter’s longtime commitment to clean water initiatives. ·  National Wild Turkey Federation in recognition of President Carter’s passion for turkey hunting and wildlife habitat. · Vamos A Pescar Education Fund, named in honor of fellow conservationist President George H.W. Bush to engage Hispanic families and youth with fishing, boating and conservation. · National Wildlife Federation benefiting youth education and participation in nature. · Gateway to Fishing Program supporting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide fishing opportunities for urban youth who may not otherwise have access to the joys of fishing. “The Association is proud to remember and honor President Carter and his enduring legacy in shaping the future of conservation,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “This funding will offer strategic capacity for state fish and wildlife agencies to address illegal wildlife trade and other conservation law enforcement challenges.” Among President Carter’s many accomplishments, some of his notable conservation achievements include the implementation of the 1978 National Parks and Recreation Act, his Wildlife Law Enforcement Initaitative– eliminating obstacles inhibiting enforcement efforts, and the “Carter Amendments” to the Clean Water Act focused on preserving and restoring natural values of wetlands and floodplains. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eW_ybnm6

🐦 Southern Wings Full Annual Cycle Migratory Bird Online Guide Now Available 🐦 Today, Southern Wings published a full annual cycle migratory bird Online Guide. The Guide will help states identify where their priority bird species spend parts of the annual cycle. It is intended to be a one-stop shop for states to access novel and complementary sources of information to guide financial investments for implementing State Wildlife Action Plans targeting priority migratory birds. It will also help states partner with organizations working throughout the Western Hemisphere to maximize the protection and conservation for priority species. “Southern Wings leadership in full annual cycle conservation of migratory birds is critical to successfully conserving hundreds of species whose populations are declining,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The Guide will assist state fish and wildlife agencies in successful implementation of the State Wildlife Action Plans as well as making strategic investments in conservation when birds are outside of the United States.” The Guide was developed in partnership with American Bird Conservancy, Georgetown University, National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the state agency Southern Wings Technical Committee, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The user-friendly Guide includes state specific pages with tailored information such as: • Shared Stewardship Connection Maps • Focal Species Information • Single and multi-species Tracking Connections maps for focal species • Conservation challenges that impact focal species • Project Partners in Latin America and the Caribbean ... Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3Vn9kS3