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 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 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 & 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.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement releasing $1.2 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation and outdoor opportunities. This funding supports critical state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects throughout the nation and comes from excise taxes paid by the hunting, shooting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows and ammunition, and sportfishing tackle, some boat engines and small engine fuel.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the U.S. Department of the Interior for issuing Secretarial Order 3447, Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters. The order directs coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies and reinforces a science-based approach to wildlife management, including decisions related to the use of ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands.

The Association of Fish and Agencies (Association) enthusiastically commends Congress for passage and successful enactment of the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 (H.R. 2316), ensuring that critical funding will continue to support wetlands conservation and habitat projects in North America. On November 25, this important conservation legislation was signed into law by the President.

The Association of Fish and Agencies (Association) applauds Congress for passing the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 (H.R. 2316), ensuring that critical funding will continue to support wetlands conservation and habitat projects in North America. On October 23, the Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent, following passage by the House earlier this year via voice vote.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies applauds the Department of Interior’s Secretary’s Order 3442, allocating $437 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. This order will strengthen outdoor access and recreation nationwide by providing funding to expand green spaces, improve recreation infrastructure, and enhance conservation efforts—particularly in underserved communities.