In June the House of Representatives passed an FY10 Interior Appropriations bill that included a $40 million increase for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants and a reduction in the nonfederal match requirement from 50% to 25%. Last week the Senate passed a bill that included a $5 million increase and no change in the match requirement. The two bills are now headed to a conference committee. State Wildlife Grants are the principal source of funding dedicated to implement State Wildlife Action Plans in every state and territory. Currently states receive an average of just over $1 million annually per state and territory to implement conservation actions to conserve and monitor more than 10,000 species known to be at risk. This level of funding is inadequate for these congressionally-mandated plans.
We need your help to inform members of the Senate the importance of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program. Please take a few minutes to call or email members of the Senate in your state and ask them to support State Wildlife Action Plan Implementation. You can reach your member of the Senate by calling (202) 224-3121 and asking to speak to your representative. A list of US Senators and information on emailing your Senator is available at www.senate.gov.
Suggested Talking Points
1. The Obama administration recommended and the House of Representatives approved $115 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program in the FY10 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (HR2996). The House also decreased the nonfederal match requirement from 50% to 25% for implementation projects as a no cost way to aid states during the economic downturn.
2. The Senate approved $80 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants in the FY10 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The Senate did not change the nonfederal match requirement.
3. Please help to increase funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program to a level that more closely matches the House amount and reduce the nonfederal match requirement to 25% for implementation of congressionally-required State Wildlife Action Plans.
4. Full implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans are our best hope to recovering listed species and preventing more than 10,000 at-risk species from being listed in the future.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Senator Tim Johnson Receives TWW Award
Senator Tim Johnson Receives the Teaming With Wildlife Award
The Teaming With Wildlife Coalition presented Senator Tim Johnson (SD) with the in August for his support of state-based wildlife funding. Senator Johnson reintroduced the Teaming With Wildlife Act (S688) in March and has secured the following six con-sponsors: Senators Stabenow (MI), Thune (SD), Tester (MT), Merkley (OR), Klobuchar (MN) and Udall (NM). The Teaming With Wildlife Act would provide state fish and wildlife agencies with $350 million annually over five years to implement State Wildlife Action Plans.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Senator Johnson Awarded for His Leadership in Helping to Prevent Wildlife from Becoming Endangered
August 4, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today was honored by the Teaming With Wildlife Coalition and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for championing federal funding for state-based wildlife conservation as part of the Teaming With Wildlife Act, which he introduced in March 2009.
The award recognizes the Senator’s leadership in supporting legislation to establish a first-of-its-kind funding program to help state fish and wildlife agencies further move their State Wildlife Action Plans into on-the-ground action to prevent at risk wildlife from becoming endangered nationwide.
"I am honored to receive this award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,” Johnson said. “South Dakota has a deep history of appreciation for the outdoors and that’s why I introduced important legislation that will help preserve our wildlife.”
As introduced by Senator Johnson, the Teaming With Wildlife Act would provide $350 million annually over five years through a portion of the royalties collected from Outer Continental Shelf drilling and mineral development on federal land to help state agencies carry out their State Wildlife Action Plans, the primary, comprehensive conservation tool adopted in every state and territory to keep fish and wildlife healthy and off the list of threatened and endangered species.
“We are grateful to Senator Johnson for recognizing that taking action to conserve wildlife before it becomes endangered is environmentally sound and fiscally responsible to taxpayers, said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Once a species declines to the point of potential extinction, recovery efforts become risky and expensive. The Teaming With Wildlife Act is a major milestone in the effort to secure dedicated funding essential for state agencies’ fish and wildlife conservation efforts.”
In addition to state fish and wildlife agencies, the Teaming With Wildlife Act has the active support of the 6,100-member Teaming With Wildlife Coalition, which is the largest and most diverse wildlife conservation alliance ever assembled in the U.S. representing millions of birdwatchers, hikers, anglers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and conservation professionals.
To lean more about Teaming With Wildlife and State Wildlife Action Plans, visit www.teaming.com and www.wildlifeactionplans.org.
WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today was honored by the Teaming With Wildlife Coalition and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for championing federal funding for state-based wildlife conservation as part of the Teaming With Wildlife Act, which he introduced in March 2009.
The award recognizes the Senator’s leadership in supporting legislation to establish a first-of-its-kind funding program to help state fish and wildlife agencies further move their State Wildlife Action Plans into on-the-ground action to prevent at risk wildlife from becoming endangered nationwide.
"I am honored to receive this award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,” Johnson said. “South Dakota has a deep history of appreciation for the outdoors and that’s why I introduced important legislation that will help preserve our wildlife.”
As introduced by Senator Johnson, the Teaming With Wildlife Act would provide $350 million annually over five years through a portion of the royalties collected from Outer Continental Shelf drilling and mineral development on federal land to help state agencies carry out their State Wildlife Action Plans, the primary, comprehensive conservation tool adopted in every state and territory to keep fish and wildlife healthy and off the list of threatened and endangered species.
“We are grateful to Senator Johnson for recognizing that taking action to conserve wildlife before it becomes endangered is environmentally sound and fiscally responsible to taxpayers, said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Once a species declines to the point of potential extinction, recovery efforts become risky and expensive. The Teaming With Wildlife Act is a major milestone in the effort to secure dedicated funding essential for state agencies’ fish and wildlife conservation efforts.”
In addition to state fish and wildlife agencies, the Teaming With Wildlife Act has the active support of the 6,100-member Teaming With Wildlife Coalition, which is the largest and most diverse wildlife conservation alliance ever assembled in the U.S. representing millions of birdwatchers, hikers, anglers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and conservation professionals.
To lean more about Teaming With Wildlife and State Wildlife Action Plans, visit www.teaming.com and www.wildlifeactionplans.org.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Smaller Increase for State Wildlife Grants for FY10
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a $5 million dollar increase for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program in FY10. The full House previously approved a $40 million dollar increase and a reduction in state match requirement from 50:50 to 75:25.
Since it’s unlikely an increase would be agreed to on the Senate floor, we will be working with members of a conference committee to secure funding in final legislation that reflects the president’s and House of Representatives request and for a reduction in state match.
Since it’s unlikely an increase would be agreed to on the Senate floor, we will be working with members of a conference committee to secure funding in final legislation that reflects the president’s and House of Representatives request and for a reduction in state match.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Mark-up Today
The Senate Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies will mark-up it's bill today. This bill will include proposed funding for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants for FY10. For those states with members of the subcommitttee (list below), please send a quick email/phone message and ask your member to support $115M for state wildlife grants (increase of $40M to help combat climate change) and to reduce the match requirement for implementation projects to 75:25 (reduction in match is needed because the economic crisis has signigicantly reduced the ability of many states to provide matching funds). Thanks.
Democratic Subcommittee Members:
Senator Dianne Feinstein (Chairman) (CA)
Senator Robert C. Byrd (WV)
Senator Patrick Leahy (VT)
Senator Byron Dorgan (ND)
Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Senator Herb Kohl (WI)
Senator Tim Johnson (SD)
Senator Jack Reed (RI)
Senator Ben Nelson (NE)
Senator Jon Tester (MT)
Republican Subcommittee Members:
Senator Lamar Alexander (Ranking) (TN)
Senator Thad Cochran (MS)
Senator Robert Bennett (UT)
Senator Judd Gregg (NH)
Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Senator Susan Collins (ME)
Senator George Voinovich (OH)
Democratic Subcommittee Members:
Senator Dianne Feinstein (Chairman) (CA)
Senator Robert C. Byrd (WV)
Senator Patrick Leahy (VT)
Senator Byron Dorgan (ND)
Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Senator Herb Kohl (WI)
Senator Tim Johnson (SD)
Senator Jack Reed (RI)
Senator Ben Nelson (NE)
Senator Jon Tester (MT)
Republican Subcommittee Members:
Senator Lamar Alexander (Ranking) (TN)
Senator Thad Cochran (MS)
Senator Robert Bennett (UT)
Senator Judd Gregg (NH)
Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Senator Susan Collins (ME)
Senator George Voinovich (OH)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Supporter Spotlight!
Teaming with Wildlife would like to Shine the Supporter Spotlight on Wild Virginia a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to preserving wild forest ecosystems in Virginia's National Forests.
Wild Virginia
P.O. Box 1065
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 971-1553
http://www.wildvirginia.org/
Wild Virginia
P.O. Box 1065
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 971-1553
http://www.wildvirginia.org/
New Supporters for the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition!
The following groups joined the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition on 6/18/09.
National Parks Conservation Association-California, CA
The Nature Conservancy-California, CA
EcoLogic Landscape Design, Inc., FL
Pandion Systems, Inc., FL
SaltwaterNOW, FL
Wildwood Preservation Society, FL
Wild Virginia, VA
National Parks Conservation Association-California, CA
The Nature Conservancy-California, CA
EcoLogic Landscape Design, Inc., FL
Pandion Systems, Inc., FL
SaltwaterNOW, FL
Wildwood Preservation Society, FL
Wild Virginia, VA
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Energy and Commerce panel passes cap-and-trade bill, 33-25
The House Energy Commerce Committee voted 33-25 on May 21, 2009 to pass sweeping legislation that would overhaul U.S. energy and global warming policy. Democrats largely held together in support of the 946-page bill shaped over several months of closed-door negotiations and nearly 40 hours of debate this week. Only one Republican supported the bill, as GOP opponents unified against the measure, insisting it was a costly and unattainable measure to be pushing in a tight economy.
$61 Million in State Wildlife Grants Will Help State Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conserve Species and Habitats at Greatest Risk of Becoming Endangered
More than $61 million will be distributed to the fish and wildlife agencies of the 50states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories to help conserve and recover imperiled fish and wildlife species through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Competitive Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced yesterday.
The State Wildlife Grants Program provides federal dollars to every state and territory to support the development and implementation of their unique State Wildlife Action Plans, which assess the health of each state’s wildlife and habitats, identify the problems they face and outline the actions needed to conserve them over the long term to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
“The State Wildlife Grant program exemplifies the Department of the Interior’s strong support for conservation efforts by the states,” said Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. “Along with President Obama’s commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the State Wildlife Grants will provide states critical funding to help conserve their highest priority wildlife, plants and habitat.”
“State and territorial fish and wildlife agencies have a long history of success in conserving game species, thanks to the support of hunter and angler license fees and federal excise taxes; but 90 percent of our nation’s wildlife—tens of thousands of species—is neither hunted nor fished,” said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “State Wildlife Grants help to partially fill the gap in conservation funding by supporting projects that prevent all wildlife from declining to the point of being endangered.”
Projects supported by State Wildlife Grants protect and restore important lands and waters; collect information on what kinds of wildlife are in trouble; and facilitate partnerships with landowners to protect declining species and habitats on public and private lands. Priority for use of grant funds is placed on those species and habitats with the greatest conservation need.
“By emphasizing a proactive approach, the State Wildlife Grants Program supports states and territories in their efforts to conserve wildlife and habitats before they become more rare, risky and costly to protect,” said Mark Humpert, Teaming With Wildlife Director at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The 6,000-member Teaming With Wildlife coalition, made up of organizations and businesses, strongly supports increased State Wildlife Grant funding for wildlife conservation, education and nature-based recreation.
Congress created the State Wildlife Grants Program in FY2002, funded from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funds appropriated under the program are allocated to each state and other eligible jurisdictions according to a formula based on land area and population. Since the program’s inception, Congress has distributed more than $500 million for conservation work on state and private lands.
For more information about State Wildlife Action Plans and to read an accomplishments report, visit www.wildlifeactionplans.org.
To view the State Wildlife Grant allocations for each state, go to http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SWG/SWG09Apportionment.pdf.
The State Wildlife Grants Program provides federal dollars to every state and territory to support the development and implementation of their unique State Wildlife Action Plans, which assess the health of each state’s wildlife and habitats, identify the problems they face and outline the actions needed to conserve them over the long term to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
“The State Wildlife Grant program exemplifies the Department of the Interior’s strong support for conservation efforts by the states,” said Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. “Along with President Obama’s commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the State Wildlife Grants will provide states critical funding to help conserve their highest priority wildlife, plants and habitat.”
“State and territorial fish and wildlife agencies have a long history of success in conserving game species, thanks to the support of hunter and angler license fees and federal excise taxes; but 90 percent of our nation’s wildlife—tens of thousands of species—is neither hunted nor fished,” said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “State Wildlife Grants help to partially fill the gap in conservation funding by supporting projects that prevent all wildlife from declining to the point of being endangered.”
Projects supported by State Wildlife Grants protect and restore important lands and waters; collect information on what kinds of wildlife are in trouble; and facilitate partnerships with landowners to protect declining species and habitats on public and private lands. Priority for use of grant funds is placed on those species and habitats with the greatest conservation need.
“By emphasizing a proactive approach, the State Wildlife Grants Program supports states and territories in their efforts to conserve wildlife and habitats before they become more rare, risky and costly to protect,” said Mark Humpert, Teaming With Wildlife Director at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The 6,000-member Teaming With Wildlife coalition, made up of organizations and businesses, strongly supports increased State Wildlife Grant funding for wildlife conservation, education and nature-based recreation.
Congress created the State Wildlife Grants Program in FY2002, funded from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funds appropriated under the program are allocated to each state and other eligible jurisdictions according to a formula based on land area and population. Since the program’s inception, Congress has distributed more than $500 million for conservation work on state and private lands.
For more information about State Wildlife Action Plans and to read an accomplishments report, visit www.wildlifeactionplans.org.
To view the State Wildlife Grant allocations for each state, go to http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SWG/SWG09Apportionment.pdf.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill-WE'RE IN IT!
Funding for wildlife adaptation is included in the Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill. This bill will be considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee next week. NRE adaptation would receive 1% of the allocation to start and reach 4% by 2027. This is great news as it was not looking very promising for us as late as yesterday afternoon.
The Waxman-Markey bill is the CC bill that will be considered by the full House possibly as early as June if it advances from the E&C committee. Although there will probably not be any Republican supporters, it appears there are enough Democrats to move the bill to the full House. Markup in Committee is expected to take several days, perhaps all week because Republicans are threatening to offer more than 200 amendments.
A little perspective; securing this allocation for wildlife was the culmination of 3-4 years of hard work by a coalition that included Gary Taylor and others from AFWA, NWF, DOW, TNC, DU, TU, TRCP, TPL, Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Earth Justice and others. Although we did not get 5% of the allocation as we had advocated, we should feel fortunate in getting something in a very difficult negotiating climate. The full text of the bill is expected to be 1,000 pages so I thought I would spare you that for the time being.
Assuming this bill gets through the E&C committee next week (and it’s likely it will) and assuming the bill makes it to the floor of the House and passes (odds look good) then we will still need action in the Senate (less certain there, needs 60 votes to advance). There are still some major hurdles to overcome, but this is a major milestone in our efforts to secure dedicated funding.
Here is the part that is relevant to F&W agencies:
Domestic Adaptation: From 2012 through 2021, 2% of allowances will be allocated for domestic adaptation purposes. The amount of allowances allocated for domestic adaptation will increase to 4% from 2022 through 2026 and to 8% in 2027 and thereafter. Half of these allowances will be used for wildlife and natural resource protection and half for other domestic adaptation purposes, including public health. Note: No further appropriation will be required.
The Waxman-Markey bill is the CC bill that will be considered by the full House possibly as early as June if it advances from the E&C committee. Although there will probably not be any Republican supporters, it appears there are enough Democrats to move the bill to the full House. Markup in Committee is expected to take several days, perhaps all week because Republicans are threatening to offer more than 200 amendments.
A little perspective; securing this allocation for wildlife was the culmination of 3-4 years of hard work by a coalition that included Gary Taylor and others from AFWA, NWF, DOW, TNC, DU, TU, TRCP, TPL, Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Earth Justice and others. Although we did not get 5% of the allocation as we had advocated, we should feel fortunate in getting something in a very difficult negotiating climate. The full text of the bill is expected to be 1,000 pages so I thought I would spare you that for the time being.
Assuming this bill gets through the E&C committee next week (and it’s likely it will) and assuming the bill makes it to the floor of the House and passes (odds look good) then we will still need action in the Senate (less certain there, needs 60 votes to advance). There are still some major hurdles to overcome, but this is a major milestone in our efforts to secure dedicated funding.
Here is the part that is relevant to F&W agencies:
Domestic Adaptation: From 2012 through 2021, 2% of allowances will be allocated for domestic adaptation purposes. The amount of allowances allocated for domestic adaptation will increase to 4% from 2022 through 2026 and to 8% in 2027 and thereafter. Half of these allowances will be used for wildlife and natural resource protection and half for other domestic adaptation purposes, including public health. Note: No further appropriation will be required.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Teaming with Wildlife Act (S655) Gained New Co-Sponsors
Update 5/8/09
The Teaming With Wildlife Act (S655), sponsored by Senator Tim Johnson (SD) recently added Senator Klobuchar (MN) and Senator Merkley (OR) as co-sponsors. The Teaming With Wildlfie Act would provide state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners with $350 million from 2012 to 2016 to implement State Wildlife Action Plans which are designed to prevent future endangered species listings. If you would like to help, contact the Senator in your state and ask them to consider co-sponsoring.
Co-sponsors of TWW Act (S655)
Sen Klobuchar, Amy
Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR]
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Sen Tester, Jon [MT]
Sen Thune, John [SD
The Teaming With Wildlife Act (S655), sponsored by Senator Tim Johnson (SD) recently added Senator Klobuchar (MN) and Senator Merkley (OR) as co-sponsors. The Teaming With Wildlfie Act would provide state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners with $350 million from 2012 to 2016 to implement State Wildlife Action Plans which are designed to prevent future endangered species listings. If you would like to help, contact the Senator in your state and ask them to consider co-sponsoring.
Co-sponsors of TWW Act (S655)
Sen Klobuchar, Amy
Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR]
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Sen Tester, Jon [MT]
Sen Thune, John [SD
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Great News for SWG in President Budget
The President just released his detailed budget and we have great news to share. The president has requested an additional $40 million in budget authority for State Wildlife Grants in FY10. The increased funding is proposed for incorporating strategies to address the impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife into State Wildlife Action Plans. The new funds will also support fish and wildlife climate change related adaptation actions included in the state plans”. I’m headed to a budget briefing at Interior shortly, but wanted to get this out to you as soon as possible. The full budget appendix is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Appendix
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Capital Journal-Senator Tim Johnson
April 23, 2009
Families need wildlife legislation
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson
Engrained in all South Dakotans is a deep appreciation for our sportsman tradition.
Nearly all of us have spent time hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors at one of the many recreational sites our state is blessed with. This way of life is an important part of who we are.
As a father, I am proud to have passed down these traditions to my own children, and want to make sure that families can do the same for years to come. That’s why I have introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act to help ensure we can pass on our South Dakota way of life to future generations.
If signed into law, this bill would create a first of its kind program with a dedicated funding source to help all states protect game and nongame fish and wildlife habitat while also funding recreation programs.
By directing a small portion of the royalties collected from onshore and offshore public land oil and gas production, we have a chance to fund practical conservation initiatives.
To ensure these funds are wisely spent, the legislation requires the funds be used to assist the implementation of each state’s comprehensive wildlife restoration plan. Throughout the past decade, every state has formed a Wildlife Action Plan to spell out the species in the greatest need of conservation. Together with a broad array of partners, state fish and wildlife agencies take a hard look at area wildlife and what steps need to be taken to protect the wildlife. Here at home, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks would receive a minimum of $3.5 million annually, or $17.5 million over five years if this bill becomes law.
We all know that money is hard to come by these days, and this bill will help our producers and private landowners save hard-earned dollars as well. My legislation would fund efforts to conserve at-risk fish and wildlife and prevent costly requirements and frustrating delays that stem from recovering a species when its habitat is threatened.
By solving the recovery problem on the front end, this bill takes some of the politics out of protecting fish and wildlife. I’ve worked hard to craft a bill that is based in good, common sense and not ideology. We all have a responsibility to protect our way of life for future generations, including providing our children with the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed. The Teaming with Wildlife Act does just that, and is something Republicans and Democrats can agree on.
As a senior member of the Energy Committee, I know firsthand the many important issues we face. From enhancing the health of our National Forests to crafting strong legislation that finally breaks the grip overseas nations have had on our energy supply for too long, the committee has a lot on its plate. As we prepare to address those matters in the weeks ahead, my bill is something we can do now to allow kids to enjoy our traditions for generations.
Families need wildlife legislation
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson
Engrained in all South Dakotans is a deep appreciation for our sportsman tradition.
Nearly all of us have spent time hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors at one of the many recreational sites our state is blessed with. This way of life is an important part of who we are.
As a father, I am proud to have passed down these traditions to my own children, and want to make sure that families can do the same for years to come. That’s why I have introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act to help ensure we can pass on our South Dakota way of life to future generations.
If signed into law, this bill would create a first of its kind program with a dedicated funding source to help all states protect game and nongame fish and wildlife habitat while also funding recreation programs.
By directing a small portion of the royalties collected from onshore and offshore public land oil and gas production, we have a chance to fund practical conservation initiatives.
To ensure these funds are wisely spent, the legislation requires the funds be used to assist the implementation of each state’s comprehensive wildlife restoration plan. Throughout the past decade, every state has formed a Wildlife Action Plan to spell out the species in the greatest need of conservation. Together with a broad array of partners, state fish and wildlife agencies take a hard look at area wildlife and what steps need to be taken to protect the wildlife. Here at home, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks would receive a minimum of $3.5 million annually, or $17.5 million over five years if this bill becomes law.
We all know that money is hard to come by these days, and this bill will help our producers and private landowners save hard-earned dollars as well. My legislation would fund efforts to conserve at-risk fish and wildlife and prevent costly requirements and frustrating delays that stem from recovering a species when its habitat is threatened.
By solving the recovery problem on the front end, this bill takes some of the politics out of protecting fish and wildlife. I’ve worked hard to craft a bill that is based in good, common sense and not ideology. We all have a responsibility to protect our way of life for future generations, including providing our children with the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed. The Teaming with Wildlife Act does just that, and is something Republicans and Democrats can agree on.
As a senior member of the Energy Committee, I know firsthand the many important issues we face. From enhancing the health of our National Forests to crafting strong legislation that finally breaks the grip overseas nations have had on our energy supply for too long, the committee has a lot on its plate. As we prepare to address those matters in the weeks ahead, my bill is something we can do now to allow kids to enjoy our traditions for generations.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
54 Senators Signed SWG Dear Colleague Letter
Thanks to all of your hard work we now have 54 Senators signed onto to the SWG Dear Colleague Letter.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Final House Dear Colleague SWG Letter
As of April 17, 2009, 30 Senators and 87 Representatives have signed the Dear Colleague letters supporting $85 million for the State Wildlife Grants Program
NEW TWW Supporters (March 25-April 6, 2009)
31 New Endorsements Total Supporters: 6,016
CALIFORNIA
BEAR League
California Oak Foundation
California Wildlife Foundation
Friends of Trinity River
Peninsula Fly Fishers
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Endangered Species Coalition
FLORIDA
Alachua Conservation Trust
Florida Natural Areas Inventory
Natural Pet Photography
HAWAII
Hawaii Wildlife Center
Life Net
IDAHO
The Indigo Snake Initiative
INDIANA
Indiana Land Management & Securities
MAINE
First Wind Energy, LLC
MARYLAND
Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum
Hazel Outdoor Discovery Center
Maryland Coastal Bays Program
Sassafras River Association
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
MISSOURI
Arcadia Valley Impact Club
Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment
MONTANA
Owl Research Institute
NEW MEXICO
Bird's Eye View
NEW YORK
Eastern Cougar Foundation
NORTH CAROLINA
NCDENR, Div. of Natural Resources Planning & Conservation
Organization for Wildlife and Land Stewardship (OWLS)
OREGON
Wallowa Land Trust
SOUTH DAKOTA
Upper Big Sioux River Watershed Project
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute
WASHINGTON
Pacific Biodiversity Institute
WISCONSIN
The Aldo Leopold Foundation
CALIFORNIA
BEAR League
California Oak Foundation
California Wildlife Foundation
Friends of Trinity River
Peninsula Fly Fishers
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Endangered Species Coalition
FLORIDA
Alachua Conservation Trust
Florida Natural Areas Inventory
Natural Pet Photography
HAWAII
Hawaii Wildlife Center
Life Net
IDAHO
The Indigo Snake Initiative
INDIANA
Indiana Land Management & Securities
MAINE
First Wind Energy, LLC
MARYLAND
Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum
Hazel Outdoor Discovery Center
Maryland Coastal Bays Program
Sassafras River Association
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
MISSOURI
Arcadia Valley Impact Club
Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment
MONTANA
Owl Research Institute
NEW MEXICO
Bird's Eye View
NEW YORK
Eastern Cougar Foundation
NORTH CAROLINA
NCDENR, Div. of Natural Resources Planning & Conservation
Organization for Wildlife and Land Stewardship (OWLS)
OREGON
Wallowa Land Trust
SOUTH DAKOTA
Upper Big Sioux River Watershed Project
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute
WASHINGTON
Pacific Biodiversity Institute
WISCONSIN
The Aldo Leopold Foundation
The Wildlife Society-April 2009 Issue
Teaming with Wildlife Act Introduced
On 19 March, Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act of 2009 (S.655) which would secure dedicated funding for state-level wildlife management and conservation efforts. The Act would use a portion of the royalties collected from mineral development on federal lands and outer continental shelf oil development to allocate states $350 million per year over five years (fiscal years 2011-2016).
The funds would be transferred directly to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. The Program, enacted in 2000, created a federal fund to support state conservation and education programs for all species through an amendment to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. The 2000 legislation also required states to create comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies – also known as wildlife action plans – that identify conservation challenges and prioritize needs. Wildlife action plans have been developed for all 50 states, six territories, and D.C., with the focus of preventing wildlife from becoming endangered.
Since its 2000 enactment, however, The Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Fund has only received appropriations for one fiscal year. In the meantime, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has administered an alternative in the form of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program, offering states and tribes matching grants to fund projects that address wildlife action plan goals. Unfortunately, because the SWG program depends on the annual appropriations process, it has been unable to meet all the states’ long-term planning needs.
Historically, the majority of wildlife conservation funding has come from state hunting and fishing license sales and the federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment created by the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts. State wildlife agencies require additional, long-term funding to conserve all wildlife species. The Teaming with Wildlife Act would alleviate the problems associated with short-term funding cycles, and make up to 75 percent of a state project’s costs eligible for federal funding.
The Act was cosponsored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), and John Thune (R-SD), and is currently under consideration by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
See also: WPN Volume 18, Issue 3, Article 6Sources: The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Office of Senator Johnson, The Teaming with Wildlife Act
On 19 March, Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act of 2009 (S.655) which would secure dedicated funding for state-level wildlife management and conservation efforts. The Act would use a portion of the royalties collected from mineral development on federal lands and outer continental shelf oil development to allocate states $350 million per year over five years (fiscal years 2011-2016).
The funds would be transferred directly to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. The Program, enacted in 2000, created a federal fund to support state conservation and education programs for all species through an amendment to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. The 2000 legislation also required states to create comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies – also known as wildlife action plans – that identify conservation challenges and prioritize needs. Wildlife action plans have been developed for all 50 states, six territories, and D.C., with the focus of preventing wildlife from becoming endangered.
Since its 2000 enactment, however, The Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Fund has only received appropriations for one fiscal year. In the meantime, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has administered an alternative in the form of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program, offering states and tribes matching grants to fund projects that address wildlife action plan goals. Unfortunately, because the SWG program depends on the annual appropriations process, it has been unable to meet all the states’ long-term planning needs.
Historically, the majority of wildlife conservation funding has come from state hunting and fishing license sales and the federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment created by the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts. State wildlife agencies require additional, long-term funding to conserve all wildlife species. The Teaming with Wildlife Act would alleviate the problems associated with short-term funding cycles, and make up to 75 percent of a state project’s costs eligible for federal funding.
The Act was cosponsored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), and John Thune (R-SD), and is currently under consideration by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
See also: WPN Volume 18, Issue 3, Article 6Sources: The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Office of Senator Johnson, The Teaming with Wildlife Act
Friday, April 17, 2009
30 Senators Signed the SWG Dear Colleague
As of April 17, 2009 we have 30 Senators signed onto the State Wildlife Grants Dear Colleague Letter. Great Job Everyone! Also the deadline has been extended to Wednesday, April 22, 2009! View the lastest list online at http://www.teaming.com/
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Senate Dear Colleague Letter
12 Senators have signed on to the Senate Dear Colleague Letter in support for State Wildlife Grants as of April 14, 2009. See if your Senator has signed on at http://www.teaming.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
Teaming with Wildlife Puts Press on Congress
More than 100 advocates from 30 states urge lawmakers to protect endangered speciesWASHINGTON, DC -- As part of the 8th Annual Teaming With Wildlife Fly-In Day, more than 100 conservation leaders from 30 states recently met with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The conservationists were there to discuss the importance of new and greater funding through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/KDWP-Info/News/Web-News/April-2009/TEAMING-WITH-WILDLIFE-PUTS-PRESS-ON-CONGRESS
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/KDWP-Info/News/Web-News/April-2009/TEAMING-WITH-WILDLIFE-PUTS-PRESS-ON-CONGRESS
TWW Coalition NOW Over 6,000 Supporters!
TWW Coalition....The Hawaii Wildlife Center will be honored for putting us over the 6,000th Supporter of the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition!
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