Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Affirms the Role of States in Conserving Recovered Fish and Wildlife
Washington D.C. (July 21, 2026)- The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies strongly supports state management of successfully recovered fish and wildlife populations. State fish and wildlife agencies are charged with the on-the-ground management of all wildlife within their borders and serve as core partners in the recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA’s framework is grounded in science-based decision-making and is designed to recognize conservation success when recovery objectives are achieved. Upon delisting, management authority returns to the states, and they begin implementing their approved species management plans while beginning a 5-year mandatory monitoring period of the species to ensure continued successful recovery.
“State fish and wildlife agencies are on the cutting edge of conservation delivery all across the country with premier science-based restoration and management programs,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “There are countless success stories including charismatic species such as the Louisiana black bear, grizzly bear, and gray wolf. These are excellent examples of state leadership and expertise on display, with the successful recovery of these iconic keystone species.”
The Department of Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have recognized these successes, as they have repeatedly recommended delisting of the grizzly bear and gray wolve. Last week, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum reaffirmed the importance of returning management to the states through their rule that begins to return more authority to manage grizzly bears to western states that stand ready to take on the responsibility.
“We have reason to celebrate these conservation achievements,” noted Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Due to the collaborative efforts between state fish and wildlife agencies, federal agencies, and the conservation community, populations of these apex predators have recovered, and state agencies stand ready to continue to responsibly manage these species.”
The Association believes that once a federally protected species meets its established recovery goals under the ESA, the species should be promptly delisted and management authority returned to the states. The ultimate metric of success for the ESA is the transition of species off the federal list. Delaying delisting once recovery benchmarks have been met undermines the incentive for states, tribes, and private landowners to participate in intensive recovery efforts. State management provides flexible, science-based regulations that balance wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict, public safety, and long-term ecological health.
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
