Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Gets Senate Companion

State and local wildlife agencies would receive significant additional resources to manage the care and recovery of wildlife across the United States under bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate last week.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) would invest $1.397 billion to support on-the-ground conservation efforts to help protect and recover species. These efforts include conserving and restoring habitats, fighting invasive species, reintroducing native species and tackling emerging diseases. A similar bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in April.

Approximately $1.3 billion from RAWA would support state fish and wildlife agencies, in partnership with state-based conservation entities, to implement their congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans. The remaining $97.5 million will go toward tribal wildlife conservation efforts.

The following is a statement by Lynn Scarlett, chief external affairs officer of The Nature Conservancy:

“With over a third of America’s fish and wildlife species at risk of extinction, the time to save our biodiversity is now. The Recovering America's Wildlife Act would invest in America's wildlife and would be a giant step in stemming species loss. State and local wildlife agencies are uniquely positioned to protect wildlife and help declining populations recover. On-the-ground work, driven by the best-available science, can help protect species survival while creating jobs and supporting local outdoor recreation opportunities. This time-tested, locally driven approach has generated significant gains for wildlife across the country. Investing more in state agencies will build on that success. The Nature Conservancy looks forward to helping pass this bill through Congress.”