American System of Conservation Funding
In the early 1900’s state fish and wildlife agencies initiated state hunting and fishing licenses to fund conservation and law enforcement efforts. In 1937, Congress passed the Pittman-Robertson Act with manufacturers of firearms and ammunition paying a federal excise tax. Dollars go into a dedicated trust fund for wildlife restoration. Thirteen years later, in 1950, the Dingell-Johnson Act extended that same principle to sport fish. Federal excise taxes on fishing
tackle, import duties on pleasure boats and yachts, and a portion of the federal gas tax that is attributable to motorboats and small engines would fund aquatic conservation. Together, these actions form the foundation of American System of Conservation Funding creating one of the most successful conservation funding systems in the world.
For over 80 years, this funding has benefited wildlife and habitat, expanded public access, and safeguarded our outdoor heritage. The American System of Conservation Funding has delivered decades of measurable success including:
- Tens of millions of acres of habitat restored coast to coast
- Public lands and waters opened for public access
- Conservation of critical wetlands across the nation
- Hunter, trapper, and aquatic education to hundreds of thousands of people annually
- Boating safety, boating infrastructure, and clean water programs that keep America’s waters safe and accessible
- Wildlife and sport fish populations recovered and managed
- Thousands of wildlife research and management projects at the state, regional, and national level
- Expanded outdoor access for hunting, fishing, target shooting, and wildlife observation.
Through this system, more than $31 billion has been apportioned to state fish and wildlife agencies for the management of over 800 species of wild birds and mammals, 200 species of sport fish, the habitats needed for species survival and expanded outdoor access. Each purchase, each license, each restored acre, each managed species form the American System of Conservation Funding.
How the System Works:
Manufacturers pay the federal excise taxes.
Hunters & anglers purchase licenses, and these funds are protected by statute ensuring they go to the adminstration of state fish & wildlife agencies and cannot be diverted.
The license funds are then combined with federal excise tax funds multiplying their project impact.
