8 Million annually for wildlife programs

Associated Press
Dec. 27, 2001

WASHINGTON - Arizona could receive $8 million annually for state wildlife programs if a landmark bill that passed the Senate last Thursday becomes law.

The Senate unanimously passed the American Wildlife Enhancement Act of 2001 (SB 990) as the first session of the 107th Congress came to a close.

"This landmark legislation would provide a considerable safety net for wildlife agencies across the nation to address the needs of all wildlife and better meet the wildlife recreational needs of the public," said Duane Shroufe, director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Shroufe said many state wildlife agencies have no available funding for non-game wildlife, other than revenues derived from hunting and fishing.

"This could truly be the most needed and important national wildlife funding this century," he said.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H., last spring, provides an authorization (not an appropriation) for $350 million annually to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program, as well as three other wildlife-related conservation titles.

Title I authorizes an appropriation of $350 million for state fish and wildlife conservation and related recreation and education programs. The funds will be funneled through the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account, available to each state and territory through a subaccount of the Pittman-Robertson Act.

Title II amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish a competitive matching grant fund of $150 million that allows private landowners to apply for financial assistance for conservation of endangered or threatened species on their property.

Title III amends the Partnerships for Wildlife Act to establish a $50 million grants program that would allow states to protect areas of regional or national significance through easements or acquisition.

Title IV amends the Partnerships for Wildlife Act to establish a $50 million conservation assistance program for the conservation and restoration of historic shrub lands and grasslands for the benefit of endangered and threatened species as well as species at risk.