Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
A significant, proactive conservation effort for imperiled species
What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act?
In April 2021, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) introduced the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the House, a major step forward in securing $1.4 billion annually for state and tribal fish and wildlife agencies to undertake significant, proactive conservation of imperiled species. In July 2021, a version of the act was also introduced in the Senate (S.2372) by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).
The Growing Crisis
Despite the remarkable diversity of fish and wildlife in the U.S., populations of many species are in decline. Freshwater animals have been particularly hard hit and approximately 40 percent of the nation’s freshwater fish species are now rare or imperiled. Similarly, an astonishing three-quarters of the nation’s freshwater mussel species are imperiled or vulnerable. Without concerted attention, our growing wildlife crisis will almost certainly lead to many more species qualifying for protection under federal and state endangered species laws.
How would it work?
Investing in conservation makes a difference. State and federal wildlife agencies have been battling the decline of fish and wildlife for decades, but evolving threats and insufficient funds have limited the ability of these agencies to adequately address the crisis.
State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) assess the health of fish and wildlife within each state and outline the conservation actions necessary to prevent them from becoming listed under the Endangered Species Act. Collectively, these plans have identified nearly 12,000 species nationwide that are in need of conservation attention and action. Currently, funding only covers a fraction of the need. As a result, states are forced to focus only on just a very few species, with many more at-risk and heading towards becoming endangered.
This bill would provide the funding needed to implement three-quarters of every state’s action plan. Conservation efforts could include reintroduction of imperiled species, conserving and restoring important habitat, fighting invasive species and disease, and more. This would significantly reduce the number of species in decline and would ultimately prevent these species from needing protections afforded under the Endangered Species Act.
How will it benefit the fisheries profession?
This bill brings with it more employment opportunities for aquatic resource professionals in state agencies and in the private sector. Fisheries biologists and other resource professionals will be able to address the serious peril that aquatic species face in light of habitat degradation, water quality impairment, rising temperatures and reduced water availability, and other existential threats. Due to the increased and dedicated funding, state agencies will be to hire more fisheries professionals who will be better able to enact long-term, science-based programs to protect and restore our nation’s imperiled aquatic resources. Click here to see an estimate of how much your state would receive.
Support passage of the bill
Recovering and conserving America’s fish and wildlife will be no easy task. Halting and reversing the current trend will require investment in widespread on the ground efforts by state and federal agencies along with local and private partners. Now is the time to build on the successes of the past!
AFS is teaming up with the National Wildlife Federation, The Wildlife Society, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and others in support of the bill. We need the help of our members!
- Sign a letter of support from your chapter in support of the bill.
- Call your member of Congress today and ask them to co-sponsor the bill! Here’s the current list of co-sponsors and a call script with the important messages and details.
- Use social media to raise awareness using the hashtag #RecoverWildlife.
Email Drue Winters to get involved.
- RAWA Fact Sheet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Support of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act: A Guide to Grassroots Advocacy Webinar
Latest News about the Act
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Video Contest
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is nearing the finish line. AFS is joining our partners in a social media blitz to mobilize personal networks around Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. We are asking people to make videos to share with their friends, followers, connections (particularly on social media, but any digital medium can be used), describing […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Passes House
Contact: Drue Banta Winters, 504-220-7868, [email protected] Caroline Murphy, 301-968-1903, [email protected] America’s Natural Resource Professionals Commend Passage of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act June 14, 2022 – Today, fisheries and wildlife professionals from across the United States are celebrating the bipartisan House passage of groundbreaking legislation to conserve the nation’s fish and wildlife. The Recovering America’s […]
Policy Column: Crossing the Finish Line: Help Pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act this Congress
Drue Banta Winters | AFS Policy Director. Email: [email protected] Imagine a world where fisheries professionals have enough resources to keep fish from sliding to extinction. Sounds like a fairytale, right? Given the challenges facing fish and the hurdles of navigating big ticket legislation through Congress, I would normally agree. Yet, we’ve never been closer to […]
AFS and TWS Urge Senate Environment Committee to Approve the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY ● THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY 06 April 2022 Senator Tom Carper, Chair Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 410 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Ranking Member Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 456 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito, […]
AFS and TWS Urge Senate Committee to Consider Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY ● THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY 07 December 2021 Senator Tom Carper, Chair Environment and Public Works Committee U.S. Senate 410 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Shelley Moore Capito Environment and Public Works Committee U.S. Senate 456 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito, […]
Fish and Wildlife Scientists Commend Introduction of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
For Immediate Release July 20, 2021 Contact: Drue Banta Winters, 504-220-7868, [email protected] Caroline Murphy, 301-897-9770 x 308, [email protected] Fish and Wildlife Scientists Commend Introduction of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act BETHESDA, MD – Today, fisheries and wildlife professionals from across the United States welcomed the introduction of groundbreaking legislation that will empower natural resource managers to conserve at-risk […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Re-introduced in Congress on Earth Day
For Immediate Release April 22, 2021Contact: Drue Banta Winters, 504-220-7868, [email protected] Caroline Murphy, 301-897-9770 x 308, [email protected] Natural Resource Professionals Commend Re-introduction of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Today, fisheries and wildlife professionals from across the United States welcomed the reintroduction of groundbreaking legislation to empower natural resource professionals to conserve at-risk species for generations to come. […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Would Also Help Economic Recovery
June 11, 2020 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Capitol, H-232 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Capitol, H-204 Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Charles Schumer Minority Leader U.S. […]
Senators and Representatives Urge Support of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program
AFS and other organizations garnered support from members of Congress for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program with letters of support to relevant House and Senate subcommittees. The program, slated for deep cuts in the President’s FY2021 budget is critical for addressing species before they become endangered. The chronic underfunding and the proposed budget […]
250 Conservation Organizations, Professional Societies, Outdoor Groups, and State Agencies Call for a House Vote on Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
February 24, 2020 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Capitol, H-204 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy, As organizations collectively representing millions of Americans who enjoy the outdoors through hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, paddling, and gardening, as well as the state fish and wildlife agencies and other […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Passes House Committee
The bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee on December 5, positioning it for a vote on the House floor. The bill would fund proactive conservation efforts to prevent species from becoming endangered and would provide additional funding for species that are already listed. “Forty percent of aquatic species […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Reaches 150 Co-sponsors
House Bill Addressing America’s Wildlife Crisis Gains 150+ Bipartisan Cosponsors More than one-third of all wildlife species in the United States are at-risk or vulnerable to extinction — and now more than one-third of the members of the House agree on a solution. WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, a bipartisan House bill aimed […]
More than 1,000 Scientists Call for Proactive Conservation; Urge Passage of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
For Immediate Release October 17, 2019 Contact: Drue Banta Winters, 504-220-7868, [email protected] Caroline Murphy, 301-897-9770 x 308, [email protected] More than 1,000 Scientists Call for Proactive Conservation; Urge Passage of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Today, more than 1,000 scientists from every state along with several territories and tribes sent a letter to members of Congress urging […]
Conservation, Sporting, and Outdoor Groups Call for Passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
October 17, 2019 The Honorable Jared Huffman Chairman Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee 1522 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Tom McClintock Ranking Member Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee 1522 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Huffman, Ranking Member McClintock and the Members of the Water, Oceans and Wildlife […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Reintroduction: A Major Step Forward for Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Contact: Caroline Murphy, [email protected]; Beth Beard, [email protected] Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Reintroduction: A Major Step Forward for Fish and Wildlife Conservation July 12, 2019 (Bethesda, MD) – The American Fisheries Society (AFS) and The Wildlife Society (TWS) are praising landmark legislation that seeks to transform fish and wildlife conservation across the nation. U.S. Representatives Debbie […]
Webinar Recording: Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Update
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Update from fisheries on Vimeo.
Webinar on July 10: Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Update
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Update Wednesday, July 10, 2019 2:00 pm Eastern Time Join us for a free webinar on July 10 to get up to speed on the latest updates and grassroots engagement tools to help you and your unit work to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Participants will be provided with background […]
AFS and Other Groups Submit Letter to Congressional Hearing Supporting Biodiversity Protection
The American Fisheries Society, National Wildlife Federation, and the Wildlife Society submitted a letter for Chairman Huffman and Ranking Member McClintock on the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife as well as a comprehensive report about the necessities of biodiversity protection and the upcoming Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to be re-introduced.
AFS and Other Groups Request Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Hearing in Senate Committee
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a hearing on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act entitled, “Examining Funding Needs for Wildlife Conservation, Recovery, and Management” on Thursday, November 15 at 10 a.m. Is your senator on the commiteee? If so, you and/or your Chapter should call to your Senator’s office to express your […]
Lame Duck Session Offers Opportunity for End of Year RAWA Co-Sponsor Push
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is gaining momentum in Congress. The House bill, introduced last December, now has over 100 co-sponsors. The corresponding Senate bill, introduced in July, is expected to be the subject of an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing in November. There’s a critical difference in the House and Senate bills in […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Reaches 100 Co-Sponsors in House
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 4647) – legislation that would dedicate $1.3 billion annually towards the conservation and monitoring of at-risk species at the state level – has just reached 100 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The American Fisheries Society has been working in concert with partner conservation organizations to secure co-sponsors. The […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Funding Source Also Targeted for National Parks Maintenance Backlog
This week, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act, a bill that seeks to fund the maintenance backlog on national parks, wildlife refuges and public lands. The American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society urged the committee to consider funding for proactive fish and wildlife conservation. More than […]
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Introduced in Senate
The bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, S.B. 3223, was introduced in the Senate on Tuesday by Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), and cosponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.); Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). The bill would authorize up to $1.3 billion annually, subject to appropriations, for state fish and wildlife agencies to support […]
Capitol Hill Briefing Highlights Wildlife Crisis and the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
The American Fisheries Society (AFS), The Wildlife Society (TWS), and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) hosted a Congressional briefing on the status of U.S. fish and wildlife, along with a new funding mechanism that could address the current wildlife crisis. The event focused on a recently released report, Reversing America’s Wildlife Crisis, which shows that […]
Interior Appropriations Update
The House Appropriations Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee released a Fiscal Year 2019 funding bill last week that would restore funding to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRUs) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State and Tribal Wildlife Grants. President Trump’s FY19 budget proposal eliminated funding for the […]
New Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Co-Sponsors and Reminder of May 22nd Deadline
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is gaining momentum in Congress. As of this month, 52 members of Congress have joined Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (R.-Neb.) and Debbie Dingell (D.-Mich.), the lead sponsors of H.R. 4647, in co-sponsoring the bill. There’s more work to be done! We’re expecting a companion bill in the Senate in the near […]
One-Third of American Wildlife at Increased Risk of Extinction
New Report Details America’s Looming Wildlife Crisis, Highlights Ways to Help Species in Trouble Contact: Lacey McCormick, National Wildlife Federation, 512-610-7765, [email protected] Martha Wilson, American Fisheries Society, 202-445-9514, [email protected] WASHINGTON (March 29, 2018) – As many as one-third of U.S. wildlife species are at increased risk of extinction, according to […]
New Report Details Looming U.S. Wildlife Crisis
America harbors a remarkable array of fish and wildlife, yet many are in serious trouble and up to one-third of U.S. species are at increased risk of extinction. Habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, disease, and pollution all pose threats to our wildlife—threats that are being amplified by a rapidly changing climate. Reversing America’s Wildlife […]
Bipartisan Support for RAWA Grows as 36 Lawmakers Co-Sponsor Bill
36 U.S. lawmakers signed on to support Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) this past week. AFS Executive Director Doug Austen made the rounds with Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) President Jeff Crane and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies on Capitol Hill. They met with Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Gene Green (D-Tex.) to secure sponsors for […]
Update: Cosponsors of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
There are 35 cosponsors of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. To find out if your representative is one click here
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act briefing March 14th
AFS Executive Director Doug Austen met with Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Gene Green and CSF president Jeff Crane on Capitol Hill on March 14th for a Recovering America’s Wildlife Act briefing.
Recording: Support of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – A Guide to Grassroots Advocacy
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Hearing Held on Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
AFS is proud to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA). The congressional hearing on February 15 was a great step toward advancing this important legislation to provide state fish and wildlife agencies with the resources they need to conduct proactive conservation and to reverse species population declines. Witness Bob Ziehmer, Senior Director of Conservation […]
State Wildlife Action Plan Success Story: The Guadalupe Bass
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) will secure $1.3 billion annually for state fish and wildlife agencies to undertake significant, proactive conservation of imperiled species. This will provide dedicated funding for State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs), which assess the health of fish and wildlife within each state and outline the conservation actions necessary to prevent […]
Support of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – A Guide to Grassroots Advocacy
Want to learn more about grassroots advocacy techniques? Join us for a free webinar on February 22 to learn how you can help AFS support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in your state. Participants will learn the fundamentals of a congressional “field visit”, the elements of a successful in-district meeting with a member of Congress, and how to prepare and deliver an “elevator speech” to spur a decision-maker into action!
A Call to Action: Support Dedicated Funding to Recover America’s Fish and Wildlife
In mid-December, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the House, a major step forward in securing $1.3 billion annually for state fish and wildlife agencies to undertake significant, proactive conservation efforts for imperiled species. If enacted, fisheries biologists and other resource professionals will be able […]
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARY: The AFS Role in High-Priority Policy Issues
By Steve McMullin, AFS President President Barack Obama once famously said, “Elections have consequences.” The first year of the Trump Administration clearly demonstrates the truth of that statement, and the consequences for fisheries and the environment are potentially “huge.” The Trump Administration’s approach to science and the environment during its first year in office included […]
AFS Proud to Support Dedicated Funding to Recover America’s Fish and Wildlife
America’s fish and wildlife are in crisis. Hundreds of species are facing risk of becoming threatened or endangered. States have determined that there are 12,000 species that are rare, declining, or vulnerable and in need of conservation, but current funding does not match the size of the problem. AFS, the National Wildlife Federation, The Wildlife […]