Congress introduces bipartisan bill to recover fish and wildlife
By Robert Catalanotto for Trout Unlimited
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Friday, July 12, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), along with 59 members of Congress introduced the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA).
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is designed to help recover and conserve at-risk species by dedicating $1.3 billion for state-level conservation projects. Specifically, RAWA provides funds for state wildlife agencies to implement their congressionally-mandated State Wildlife Action Plans, which outline specific conservation actions needed to recover and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations.
Public Domain
The bill also provides $97.5 million to tribal nations for on-the-ground conservation projects. With RAWA funds, tribal governments can further expand conservation efforts to improve fish and wildlife habitat on their lands.
Why RAWA?
In May, U.N. scientists and researchers produced a comprehensive report on the strain rapid human expansion is putting on global biodiversity. The study estimated 8 million plant and animal species on earth are at risk of extinction. In the United States alone, more than one-third of all species are at risk of becoming threatened or endangered. In their congressionally-mandated State Action Plans, fish and wildlife agencies across the country have identified more than 12,000 species in need of conservation.
