Western Governors support provisions of H.R. 3742, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2019 (RAWA), that direct annual funding to state fish and wildlife agencies and tribes for proactive conservation of at-risk species and habitats.
The outreach of Nov. 15, 2019 sent to House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Raul Grijalva reminds that "states possess primary management authority over fish and wildlife within their borders" and, after decades of work, "have developed extensive science, expertise and knowledge of species and habitats within their borders."
The letter signed by WGA Chair North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Vice Chair Oregon Gov. Kate Brown additionally notes that while states are the "primary recipients of economic benefits associated with healthy species and ecosystems ... at the same time, loss of functioning ecosystems, species listings and the associated land use prohibitions and consultations can affect the ability of western states to promote economic development, accommodate population growth, and maintain and expand infrastructure."
The Governors explain further that while State Wildlife Action Plans "provide the blueprint" for states to address threats to at-risk wildlife populations and habitat, "states lack the fiscal resources necessary to fully implement these plans."
Which is why, the letter concludes, "annual funding through RAWA ... would (ensure) that future generations will be able to enjoy vibrant working landscapes." Read, download the letter
