Hunters and anglers applaud the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
The bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (HR 3742) was recently reintroduced and on the list of cosponsors is Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson.
Time and time again, Simpson has proven himself to be a friend to Idaho hunters and anglers. Already in 2019, the Congressman showed strong support of salmon and steelhead recovery during his speech at the Andrus Center for Public Policy forum in May. His sponsorship of RAWA continues this trend of championing Idaho’s wildlife.
In 2018, IWF staff and board members flew to Washington D.C. to meet with Simpson and advocate for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. As a result, the Congressman agreed to be a cosponsor of the bill.
What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act?
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act was crafted to help recover and conserve at-risk species by dedicating $1.4 billion annually to state-level and tribal fish and wildlife agencies. Idaho would receive millions from this pot of funds each year. Funding provided through RAWA would support the implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans which guide conservation efforts needed to recover and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations. As outlined on IDFG’s website, Idaho’s State Wildlife Action Plan “describes key conservation targets (fish and wildlife species and their habitats), threats to those targets such as invasive weeds and wildfire, and recommended actions to address the threats”.
Species focused on in State Wildlife Action Plans fall under the classification of Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
In Idaho, bighorn sheep are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
The work to restore threatened and endangered species costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year. Being proactive in supporting species before they reach the brink of extinction, and ensuring healthy future populations, will prevent these species from needing costly “emergency room” measures under the Endangered Species Act.
Funds for RAWA will come from a pre-existing royalties fund generated from offshore and public lands mineral and energy development – no new taxes will be generated.
Why is it good for hunters and anglers?
A number of fish and wildlife species enjoyed by hunters and anglers have landed on the Species of Greatest Conservation Need list including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, sharptailed grouse and of course, anadromous salmon and steelhead. Game species also share habitat with many non-game species identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Funds allocated for RAWA will provide habitat benefits and ecosystem resiliency which will support all sport fish and game species.
The efforts of RAWA will also be aimed at keeping species off the Endangered Species List, avoiding restrictive measures that come along with these listings.
No longer will hunters and anglers sbe the sole bearers of costly state-level wildlife management practices.
In conclusion,
Proactive conservation will benefit Idaho’s wildlife, its taxpayers, and its hunters and anglers young and old.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act compliments the work of the Idaho Wildlife Federation. We support the efforts this bill addresses and applaud Congressman Simpson’s cosponsorship of this crucial bill
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