Around the world, bird populations are declining.

In wildlife action plans submitted to USFWS, state agencies have identified some 8,000 animal species of “greatest conservation need,” including more than 800 birds -- 120 of which depend on New York to safely migrate, nest, and raise their young, like the Peregrine Falcon, Common Loon, and Scarlet Tanager.

States play a vital role in conserving and recovering species in decline, before they reach the brink of extinction. The Recovering America's Wildlife Act represents the bold vision our nation needs to address this crisis.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), would establish a funding mechanism for the proactive conservation of fish and wildlife. It would direct an annual $1.3 billion to states to help stem population declines.

Be a voice for America's birds and other wildlife, and our irreplaceable natural resources and environment. Urge your representative to support the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

Here’s how the proposal works

The act would steer a steady $1.3 billion in existing annual revenue—collected from the general U.S. Treasury fund—into a conservation account that provides permanent, dedicated funding for wildlife conservation that is not subject to annual appropriations. The funding would be disbursed to states based on their population and land area, with the stipulation that no state can receive more than five percent or less than one percent of the pot. States would have to match at least 25 percent of the money they receive.

Currently, state wildlife agencies rely on revenue from excise taxes on hunting and fishing supplies. But since hunters and anglers provide the funding, the money is typically spent on projects designed for the species they pursue. Those initiatives can help non-game animals, too—good Ruffed Grouse habitat is often good Golden-winged Warbler habitat, for example—but some wildlife have unique needs that recreation-based management can’t meet. The new proposal would prioritize funding for species that need it most, game or not. 

Every state has a Wildlife Action Plan identifying species of conservation concern ready to implement. This bill recognizes the ingenuity of state fish and wildlife agencies and their ability to foster new, collaborative projects that benefit fish and wildlife on the ground. 10% of the total funding apportioned to states will be allocated through a competitive grants program, such that the most effective and innovative projects for conservation could be implemented.

What you can do to help

Already, business interest groups and conservation groups including the National Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) have urged New York’s lawmakers to become original cosponsors of the bill.

Tell your lawmaker why they should sponsor this game-changing act to help save America’s birds and other wildlife.

Read about the birds Audubon New York identifies as conservation priorities here: https://ny.audubon.org/birds-0/birds-conservation-concern

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Media Contact: Sharon Bruce | sbruce@audubon.org