The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will distribute more than $1 billion this year to support increased outdoor access and wildlife habitat conservation. The funds come from excise taxes on hunting, shooting, fishing equipment, and boat fuel. They will be distributed to all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Authorized by Congress through the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, the money goes to support state conservation and outdoor recreation projects. They are administered through the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. Here is a state-by-state breakdown of the fund distribution.
“For many decades funds generated by these programs have consistently supported millions of acres and miles of outdoor recreation access and wildlife habitat in this country,” said Margaret Everson, the Service’s principal deputy director, in a statement. “Thanks to industry, states and hunters, shooters, anglers and boaters, America’s wildlife and natural resources and the opportunities they provide will be available for generations to come.”
The Service has distributed more than $21 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects over the years. The recipient state wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $7.3 billion, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.
For details on specific programs, please follow this link.
