The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 3742) (RAWA) is a bipartisan bill in Congress
that would funnel much needed funds to state game and fish agencies. Monies enabling them conserve and restore key habitats for “species of conservation priority”, fighting invasive species, tackling emerging wildlife diseases, and supporting wildlife-related education and recreation.
•As the bill stands now, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department would receive
$13 million per year.
•There is a lot of support for RAWA. The bill currently has more than 160 co-sponsors, including more than 40 Republicans. In January, the bill passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee 26-6. The majority of voting Republicans on the committee supported the bill. Governor Burgum, current Chair of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), signed a letter supporting the bill.
•RAWA is cost effective and good for business. Preemptive actions to conserve species before their populations become critically low cost much less than measures required by the Endangered Species Act. This bill can help avoid species being listed by the Endangered Species Act, providing businesses the ability to operate with more regulatory certainty and reduced risk.
• By conserving more wildlife, outdoor-oriented businesses will benefit. Hunting and
fishing in North Dakota contributes an estimated $2.1 billion in annual input to the state’s economy. Wildlife viewing contributes another $206 million.
• North Dakota’s wildlife is under significant pressure. As a result, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has identified 115 “species of conservation priority” that are currently at risk. RAWA would funneling funds to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to do sound conservation work helping to enhance existing and provide new habitat for these species. In turn, all wildlife species will benefit.
Please contact Representative Kelly Armstrong and urge him to support this important bill for wildlife habitat in North Dakota.
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