NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/912676
16 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2017 By Kristal Stoner, Wildlife Diversity Program Manager I n October, Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberry announced he would introduce legislation that would fund conservation and habitat restoration projects across the United States. Called the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, the legislation would use existing revenues from minerals and energy taken from federal lands to fund projects aimed at preserving and restoring habitat for imperiled species. Up to $1.3 billion annually would be allocated to state wildlife agencies. "The Recovering America's Wildlife Act is an exciting new policy approach to wildlife management and care for our natural resources," Fortenberry said. "This legislation will help at-risk species before they require the expensive, restrictive measures required by the Endangered Species Act. This smarter approach, using the existing state wildlife action plans, will create the conditions for preservation, conservation, and new economic dynamics." Our nation's wildlife and wild places are at risk. Nationally, more than 12,000 species have been identified as threatened with extinction. In Nebraska, nearly 90 species are considered threatened with extinction, and an additional 680 are declining and warrant concern. This is not the first time Americans have faced a national wildlife crisis. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many species were in steep decline or on the brink of extinction. Elk, bison, bighorn sheep, black bears – even white-tailed deer – had all but disappeared across the country. Realizing the gravity of the problem, Congress took issue. In 1937 and again in 1950, Congress funded game species conservation with an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery, fishing and boating equipment. These funds, paid by the sportsmen and women who purchased sporting equipment, were directed to habitat conservation projects and research. These conservation and research projects over time led to the recovery of our game species, many of which are still thriving today. Unfortunately, the current system was not designed to conserve the entire array of our nation's biodiversity. There are thousands of species under state management jurisdiction that are not hunted or fished that have no comparable sustainable dedicated funding source in place to support their conservation. A group called the Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife is working with Fortenberry, other elected officials and many other groups to face this rising fish and wildlife crisis. Representatives from the outdoor recreation retail and manufacturing sector, the energy and automotive industries, private landowners, educational institutions, conservation organizations, sportsmen's groups and state and federal fish and wildlife agencies are all part of the alliance – and all are invested in the future of our fish, wildlife and wild places. In August, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission passed a resolution supporting the Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife efforts to diversify and expand funding for the thousands of animals and plants that make Nebraska their home. Twenty-three other states have passed similar state resolutions. "We can't adequately address the changing needs of our constituents or the needs of all Nebraska's fish and wildlife with the resources we currently have," said Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director Jim Douglas. "This funding source will ensure that future generations can enjoy thriving fish and wildlife populations." In Nebraska, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act would have tremendous impact. It would fund three key areas essential to the continued success of at-risk species: habitat projects, research, and education efforts. If the Recovering America's Wildlife Act were to pass, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would work with private landowners across Nebraska to cooperatively improve habitat for these declining species in a proactive, voluntary manner. Commission biologists would work on public areas to manage wild habitats for both people to enjoy and for declining species to thrive. The agency would be able to support urban habitat development including pollinator gardens and green space, both of which are becoming increasingly important to wildlife. ■ Sustaining America's Diverse Fish and Wildlife Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, middle, speaking with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists Gerald Mestl, left, and Kristal Stoner, right, about the introduction of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. PHOTO BY JENNY NGUYEN