In a show of cooperation, Sens. Kay Hagan (NC) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) have introduced a bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, which includes the reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Both senators had previously introduced their own individual sportsmen’s packages in this Congress.
“We are happy to see Senators Hagan and Murkowski working together to put the spotlight on our nation’s hunting heritage,” DU CEO Dale Hall said. “Outdoor recreation and conservation are strong economic drivers in the United States and DU is happy to see the industries getting deserved recognition in the halls of Congress.”
The bipartisan act (S.1996) is a compilation of bills that focus on wildlife habitat conservation, including the reauthorization of NAWCA, and increasing public-land access for sportsmen and women.
“NAWCA in particular is a vital conservation program that conserves habitat and enhances the waterfowl and wildlife populations necessary for hunters, anglers and all citizens to enjoy. It is the perfect example of a smart federal grant program because it leverages private funds to match federal dollars,” Hall said.
NAWCA conserves North America’s waterfowl, fish and other wildlife resources while producing a variety of environmental and economic benefits. NAWCA partnership grants play an important role in meeting the DU mission, from restoring wetlands that have been altered, and enhancing water quality and availability, to reducing soil erosion and the likelihood of floods. Every federal dollar provided by NAWCA must be matched by at least one dollar from non-federal sources. The program is so successful it leverages, on average, $3.20 from private sources for every federal dollar.
According to a Southwick Associates study, outdoor recreation, natural resource conservation and historic preservation provide a minimum $1.7 trillion in economic impact in the United States. Additionally, the industries provide more than $200 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, and support 12.8 million jobs.
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos at www.youtube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc.