Major Wildlife Bill Clears Another Legislative Hurdle, Poised for Passage

The National Deer Association (NDA) is celebrating the recent passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last week in strong bipartisan fashion. The bill also passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee in late January, and is now poised for full-floor consideration in both Chambers. Look for engagement opportunities to move this important legislation across the finish line as it finds a date on Capitol Hill calendars.

The NDA has been advocating for the RAWA since its introduction in the 116^th Congress. Passage of this bill would be a historic and much-needed conservation victory. Versions of the bill have been introduced in both the House and Senate by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). RAWA provides significant investments in proactive, on-the-ground conservation work led by states, territories, and Tribal nations to support the long-term health of fish and wildlife habitat across America.

MORE INFO

Namely, RAWA provides $1.3 billion annually for state fish and wildlife agencies to implement congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans, which outline specific, science-based conservation actions necessary to recover and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations. These plans include strategies to collectively conserve close to 12,000 fish, wildlife, and plant species identified as “at-risk.” RAWA also provides nearly $100 million to Tribal fish and wildlife managers to carry out similar management and conservation projects on Tribal lands. This dedicated funding will not only boost conservation objectives but will provide increased economic benefits and create new outdoor opportunities for people from all walks of life.

The NDA is dedicated to ensuring the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. The continuance of the resource, the quality of our hunting experiences and the perpetuity of places to hunt, recreate and relax all rely on intact, healthy habitats and ecosystems. RAWA investments in on-the-ground conservation work will ensure sufficient, sustainable funding for the continued management of our much-loved wildlife resources and their habitats, including the accelerated recovery of 1,600 U.S. species already listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.