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 and federal partners. Without strong, strategic coordination among all parties, the full benefits of these varied efforts cannot be realized. Successful conservation across North America requires dedicated resources to bring state agency leaders to the table and ensure their voices are heard. Many state agencies are already stretched thin, with limited resources focused on internal, state-specific priorities. Without external support, they often lack the capacity to participate meaningfully in broader, multi-jurisdictional efforts. For example, decisions made through international bodies such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) can significantly affect the authority and operations of state fish and wildlife agencies. While U.S. federal agencies, foreign governments, and NGOs actively participate in these forums, state agencies frequently lack the time and funding needed to engage effectively. Participation in CITES is particularly critical due to its economic implications. The trade of furbearers supports hundreds of thousands of Americans and generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually in tax revenue and economic activity. Ensuring a coordinated and informed state agency presence in international conservation discussions is essential. To meet this need, the CITES Technical Work Group was established in 1994 by the states. In parallel, dedicated resources are also needed to foster, maintain, and expand relationships between state agencies and industry. Hunting- and angling-supportive industries contribute substantial excise tax revenue under the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Acts—funding that forms a significant portion of state agency budgets. Improved communication with industry reduces misunderstanding and promotes collaboration at events and conferences where NGOs and industry representatives convene. Effective coordination also relies on strong centralized communication. Accessible platforms ensure that key issues are identified, and that state agencies and their partners can collaboratively develop solutions to cross-jurisdictional, national, and regional challenges. Currently, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) website—launched in 2018—is outdated and only partially meets Section 508 compliance. A redesigned website will ensure mobile optimization, Priority Accessibility Level AA 508 compliance, and improved search engine visibility (SEO), enhancing accessibility for AFWA members and partners and supporting broader coordination efforts. Outcomes of this project will include increased state participation in critical international and national conservation forums, improved collaboration between agencies and industry stakeholders, and a modernized communication platform to support coordination across jurisdictions. Together, these investments will amplify the states’ voice in conservation policy and strengthen the long-term capacity of agencies to manage wildlife for the benefit of the public.
Coordination of Fish and Wildlife Conservation by State Fish & Wildlife Agencies Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Fiscal Year
2026
Organization
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Grant Number
F26AP00476
Categories
Communication, Coordination, Technical Assistance
R3
No