Brook trout are a recreationally and ecologically important native fish species across the Eastern United States. They are sensitive to water quality and temperature making them strong indicators of stream health. However, their populations have declined due to land use changes, habitat fragmentation and warming water temperature. This project aims to enhance brook trout habitat … Read more
The Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP), authorized under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, provides up to $11 million annually for projects that address national and regional conservation priorities beyond the capacity of individual states. This includes $6 million for Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants (T-MSCG) that support fish and … Read more
Conservation of migratory species requires cross-border collaboration within and beyond the United States to coordinate conservation measures over the entire species phenology. Understanding movement patterns and habitat use throughout the year is essential to coordinating these efforts. A total of 44 states identify at least one of the three long-distance migratory bats (silver-haired, red and … Read more
The Farm Bill conservation programs play a critical role in supporting both America farmers and ranchers and the work of state fish and wildlife agencies. This project, led by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) through its Agriculture Conservation Committee (ACC) and working groups, will provide that essential communication. Dedicated staff support will … Read more
State fish and wildlife agencies are charged with managing wildlife for the benefit of the public but many federal agencies also share wildlife management responsibilities across state boundaries and engage in international forums. In addition, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to species and habitat conservation operate at regional, national, and international levels—often in coordination with state … Read more
This project will strengthen the capacity and coordination of state Federal Aid Coordinators (FACs) by supporting the Federal Aid Coordinators Working Group (FACWG) with enhanced facilitation, information-sharing, and development of practical tools. As federal aid programs grow more complex, state fish and wildlife agencies (States) face increasing demands for consistent compliance, efficient administration, and effective … Read more
The purpose of this project is to combine the strengths of the public and private sector to increase target shooting capacity and participation where demand is the greatest: urban areas. Recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) grant-funded research shows most target shooters will not travel more than 30 minutes to a range (2012 NSSF, … Read more
The 2023 report, “Organizational Decision Making for R3: A Process for Leadership” (MSCG F23AP00513), provides decision makers and R3 coordinators with a clear decision framework and organizational guidance to establish goals and objectives, resources allocated, evaluation, and adaptation for their R3 efforts by applying the processes of structured decision-making, adaptive management, results chains (logic models), … Read more
In 2008, a plan emerged from the White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy entitled Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation. Among the recommendations in the plan was an action to, “Create a Hunting and Shooting Heritage Foundation Similar to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.” The Council to Advance Hunting and the … Read more
This project will provide state fish and wildlife agencies (SFWAs) with a reliable, replicable methodology for developing new collaborations with unengaged population segments and novel partner organizations, using existing staff and resources without being heavily reliant on external consultants. The need for agency-led engagement of broader constituencies has emerged from the many pilot projects led … Read more
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) established its Legal Strategy program in 2014 with the goal of building awareness of the constitutional, statutory, and jurisprudential sources of state authority to manage wildlife, to create opportunities for students and practitioners of natural resources law to learn about state management and the conservation successes of … Read more
State Fish and Wildlife Agencies are charged with managing wildlife for the benefit of the public. Numerous federal agencies share management responsibility across state boundaries. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) dedicated to conserving specific species and landscapes act regionally and nationally in coordination with State and Federal Agencies. Without strong coordination, it is impossible to realize the … Read more
