Press Releases

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies commends the Department of the Interior’s (Department) announcement of a final rule expanding hunting and sport-fishing opportunities across national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. The Association welcomes this expanded access and appreciates efforts to better align federal and state wildlife regulations.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies proudly shares the news that Patricia Allen, Director of Communication at the Association, is recognized as this year’s Kay Ellerhoff Spirit of ACI Award winner. Allen was presented with this award during the Association for Conservation Information (ACI) Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This prestigious award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and efforts on behalf of ACI.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies strongly supports state management of successfully recovered fish and wildlife populations. State fish and wildlife agencies are charged with the on-the-ground management of all wildlife within their borders and serve as core partners in the recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA’s framework is grounded in science-based decision-making and is designed to recognize conservation success when recovery objectives are achieved. Upon delisting, management authority returns to the states, and they begin implementing their approved species management plans while beginning a 5-year mandatory monitoring period of the species to ensure continued successful recovery.

Following last week’s White House release of the Make America Beautiful Again (MABA) Report, federal agencies are highlighting progress made under the MABA Executive Order. The report details specific actions by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to expand public access to outdoor recreation and advance landmark conservation initiatives across the nation.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for the proposed opening and expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). Last week, the Service issued the proposed rule for 2026-2027 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations, which would open or expand more than 1,450 hunting and fishing opportunities across the NWRS and NFHS, increasing the total acres available for hunting in the NWRS to over 92 million.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) proudly shares the news that Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association, is recognized as one of this year’s recipients of the Count Lajos Károlyi Merit Award during a ceremony held at the historic Károlyi Hunting Castle in Palárikovo, Slovakia. Hosted by Count József Károlyi, the ceremony honored individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting contribution to wildlife conservation, sustainable hunting, and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is soliciting Full Proposals for the 2027 Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP) which funds projects that address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. The deadline for submitting the Proposals for the 2027 cycle is July 14, 2026.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the introduction of the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 (S.4451) by Senator Baldwin (D-WI), which would strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to wildlife diseases with significant risks to public health, agriculture, and natural resources.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the distribution of over $57 million for state fish and wildlife agencies to restore, manage, and conserve important habitats for species of greatest conservation need through the implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans. This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the disbursement of funds through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program to support state efforts to conserve at-risk species and their habitats across the nation.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds Oregon’s enactment of HB 4134, that provides dedicated funding for at-risk species and wildlife habitat. Under this Act the state will use a share of its transient lodging tax to generate ~$37 million yearly to drive much-needed funds into Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as the state’s blueprint for conserving and recovering 321 species of greatest conservation need.