Conservation News

NOV. 13: Native American Leaders to Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 12, 2019) — Tribal Nations, members of Congress and the National Wildlife Federation will urge Congress at a press conference on Wednesday, November 13, to support tribal wildlife conservation by passing the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Representatives from several Tribal Nations will discuss how investing $97.5 million in tribal-led conservation efforts would benefit at-risk wildlife.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which has 151 bipartisan co-sponsors, would accelerate efforts to reverse America’s wildlife crisis and recover 12,000 species of concern, including the more than 1,600 U.S. species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The bill would direct $1.3 billion to states in addition to its investments tribal-led wildlife conservation.

WHAT: Tribal leaders and allies will urge passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act

WHEN: Wednesday, November 13, 1 p.m. ET

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building 2247

VISUALS: Photos of wildlife and video of interviews with tribal representatives available

SPEAKERS:

  • Collin O’Mara, president and CEO, National Wildlife Federation
  • Gloria Tom, director, Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Boyd Gourneau, chairman, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
  • Representative Debbie Dingell
  • Representative Jeff Fortenberry

MORE INFORMATION:

Despite a long history of underfunding and exclusion from federal funding opportunities, Tribes manage or influence the management of 140 million acres of land, including more than 730,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs, 10,000 miles of streams and rivers and 18 million acres of forested lands. These lands provide vital habitat for more than 525 federally listed threatened and endangered plants and animals, many of which are both biologically and culturally significant to Tribes.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will help Tribes:

  • Manage wildlife and habitat on their lands as well as collaborate across jurisdictions to protect migrating wildlife.
  • Assist in the recovery of threatened and endangered species.
  • Manage, control and prevent invasive species and diseases.
  • Ensure that tribes have the staff capacity to do all they can to protect wildlife.

Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.

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