The National Deer Association (NDA) welcomes the reintroduction of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA, S. 1149) in the 118th Congress by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). The NDA has been actively advocating for the passage of RAWA – a bipartisan once-in-a-generation conservation bill investing significantly in the future of at-risk species and habitats nationwide – since its introduction in the 116th Congress.
Passage of this bill would be a historic and much-needed conservation victory. RAWA provides significant investments in proactive, on-the-ground conservation work led by states, territories, and Tribal nations to support the long-term health of fish and wildlife habitat across America. Namely, RAWA provides $1.3 billion annually for state fish and wildlife agencies to implement congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans, which outline specific, science-based conservation actions necessary to recover and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations. These plans include strategies to collectively conserve close to 12,000 fish, wildlife, and plant species identified as “at-risk.”
RAWA also provides nearly $100 million to Tribal fish and wildlife managers to carry out similar management and conservation projects on nearly 140 million acres of Tribal lands. This dedicated funding will not only boost conservation objectives but will provide increased economic benefits and create new outdoor opportunities for people from all walks of life.
The NDA is dedicated to ensuring the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. The continuance of the resource, the quality of our hunting experiences and the perpetuity of places to hunt, recreate and relax all rely on intact, healthy habitats and ecosystems. RAWA investments in on-the-ground conservation work will ensure sufficient, sustainable funding for the continued management of our much-loved wildlife resources and their habitats, including the accelerated recovery of 1,300 U.S. species already listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.