Hunters, anglers and boaters are providing more than $1 billion this year to support increased outdoor access and wildlife habitat conservation across the United States.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week announced that it’s distributing the funds to all 50 states and U.S. territories. The money comes from excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment and boat fuel.
New Mexico’s share totals more than $13.3 million this fiscal year, according to the federal agency.
Authorized by Congress through the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, the money supports critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects. They are administered through the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, the cornerstone of fish and wildlife conservation in the country.
“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, the Service’s 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 Service has distributed more than $21 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. State wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $7.3 billion throughout the years, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.