USFWS Distributes More Than $1 Billion to States for Recreation Access, Conservation

On April 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that it will be distributing more than $1 billion to all 50 states and U.S. territories this year.

The funds comes from excise taxes collected over the course of the year on the sale of hunting, shooting and fishing equipment, as well as boat fuel as authorized through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, and aids in critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

“For many decades funds generated by these programs have consistently supported millions of acres and miles of outdoor recreation access and wildlife habitat in this country,” said Margaret Everson, USFWS Principal Deputy Director. “Thanks to industry, states and hunters, shooters, anglers and boaters, America’s wildlife and natural resources and the opportunities they provide will be available for generations to come.”

To date, the USFWS has distributed over $21 billion for state conservation and recreation efforts. State wildlife agencies also matched these funds with approximately $7.3 billion over the years, primarily though hunting and fishing license revenues.

Click here for the state-by-state listing of the Service’s final apportionment for the Wildlife Restoration Program and here for the Sport Fish Restoration program funds for Fiscal Year 2019.