Washington D.C. (July 6, 2026)- Following last week’s White House release of the Make America Beautiful Again (MABA) Report, federal agencies are highlighting progress made under the MABA Executive Order. The report details specific actions by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to expand public access to outdoor recreation and advance landmark conservation initiatives across the nation.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) appreciates the Report’s acknowledgement of State Fish and Wildlife Agencies as critical partners in the delivery of conservation across North America, as well as acknowledging the importance of wetland conservation, and for expanding hunting and fishing access across Federal properties.
“We commend Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik for their leadership to ensure enhanced coordination with State Fish and Wildlife Agencies,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “Their recent actions have reinforced the cooperative management relationship between state and federal agencies.”
Recently the Association applauded the Service’s proposed rule that would open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS).
“State fish and wildlife agencies hold primary authority and expertise for managing fish and wildlife populations across all lands and waters, including federal areas,” added Johansen. “By coordinating closely with the Service, state agencies help ensure that public access opportunities remain compatible with wildlife conservation, habitat needs, and safe, responsible recreation.”
The Association looks forward to continuing to work with its members and Secretary Bergum, Director Nesvik and other members of the Administration to develop durable solutions to enact regulations that support science-based management, enhance public access, and maintain strong coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies.
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.
ASSOCIATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES
