Senator Deb Fischer is supporting a bipartisan wildlife conservation bill, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, that will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to locally-led efforts to help at-risk wildlife species in Nebraska and nationwide.
“This funding is vitally important to conserving fish and wildlife on private working lands throughout the state,” said George Cunningham of the Nebraska Wildlife Federation. “We thank Senator Fischer for recognizing the need to conserve at-risk species by co-sponsoring this legislation.”
The bill will send $17.2 million to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which the agency will use to implement its wildlife action plan. Roughly 770 local species would benefit – including long-billed curlews, swift fox and blanding’s turtles. The funds can be used for collaborative efforts on private lands to maintain ecosystems such as the Nebraska Sandhills and other native grasslands.
“Saving the thousands of at-risk wildlife species will require bold, bipartisan leadership and unprecedented collaboration,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are so grateful to Senator Fischer for leading the way on the historic Recovering America’s Wildlife Act that will have an immediate impact – saving species and creating jobs in Nebraska and all across the country.”
Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-Lincoln) has led efforts in the House on behalf of the bill in partnership with Michigan Democrat Debbie Dingell for the past three legislative sessions. He and Representative Don Bacon (R-Omaha) are among the more than 125 bipartisan supporters of the current House bill.
“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will be an important part of how we respond to the loss of 3 billion birds in North America,” said Kristal Stoner, Vice President and Executive Director in Nebraska for the National Audubon Society. “The dedicated funding provided in this bill will use practical solutions that are a good fit in Nebraska. It is critical to proactively conserve vulnerable species, like the Sandhill Crane, Golden Eagle and Greater Prairie Chicken. We thank Senator Fischer for her leadership.”
Federally recognized tribal nations, such as the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, would share $97.5 million annually to fund wildlife conservation efforts on tribal lands.
“We thank Senator Fischer for co-sponsoring this landmark bipartisan effort. This bill provides needed funding for the conservation and care of all of Nebraska’s fish and wildlife through collaborative voluntary efforts among private landowners and our many partners,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “This funding source will help recover at-risk species and ensure future generations can enjoy thriving fish and wildlife populations.”
For more information on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act go to outdoornebraska.gov/wildlifeact/.
Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.
The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly-changing world. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The post Senator Fischer Supports Historic, Bipartisan Wildlife Bill appeared first on Hunting and Hunting Gear Reviews.
Source: Huntinglife
