The Pittman-Robertson Act and the Dingell-Johnson Act were put in place to help fund state conservation initiatives. The Pittman-Robertson Act was put in place by Congress in 1938 and it places taxes on the sale of guns, ammunition, and archery equipment. The Dingell-Johnson Act was passed in 1950 and places taxes on fishing tackle, boat fuel, electric motors for fishing, and import duties on boats. Basically, the entire burden of funding state wildlife agencies falls onto hunters and fishermen. However, they only account for 30% of the use of the areas they fund. Hikers, campers, bird watchers, and other groups use these areas but do not contribute to the funding. State agencies are becoming increasingly stressed because hunting has seen a significant decline in participation which cuts down on the amount of money collected. This system has been in place since the inception of Pittman-Robertson in 1938. I have no issue in paying my fair share. As a hunter and fisherman, I spend a great deal of my time in wild places that benefit from these acts. I am a bit upset that things like hiking gear, camping gear, and other outdoor items are not taxed as well to cover some of these costs especially knowing that the funding from hunters is declining rapidly. This brings me to the Recovering America’s Wildlife Restoration Act of 2019.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife and Restoration Act of 2019 is possibly the most significant conservation legislation in a generation. If passed, it will amend the Pittman-Robertson Act by appropriating $1.3 billion dollars annually to state agencies to fund programs aimed at preventing species from becoming endangered. This act is significant in several ways.
It creates an environment where public and private entities can work together in a proactive approach towards helping at-risk species. In my opinion this is one of the significant points of this act. We are not waiting until a species hits the Endangered Species Act to react to a problem. Once a species hits the ESA the cost to taxpayers and businesses skyrockets. By spending preventative dollars now to keep species off the ESA we will reduce our long-term costs and reduce the conflicts between governments, businesses, and conservation groups.
Another significant point is that it increases state funding from the current budget level of $70 million to $1.3 billion for at-risk species. This increase will give states the resources needed to have a real impact on conservation projects aimed towards these species. States must also raise 25% in matching funds.
It also sets aside 10% of the money for competitive grants. These grants will be awarded based on how they promote innovation and collaboration between public and private entities. A focus on the use of best practices will also be emphasized.
I have talked about the Monarch butterfly here and here, and the importance of reintroducing the American Chestnut here and here. I also talked about Maryland suing Pennsylvania over pollution in the Susquehanna River. All of these could benefit from the passing of this legislation. I encourage you to contact your congressmen today and tell them you want them to support Recovering America’s Wildlife Restoration Act of 2019. This link makes it very simple to send them your request. You don’t even need to know who your congressmen is to send them your request. Just a few clicks and off it goes to the right person.
There are also prominent conservation organizations at the national level who have signed on in support of this legislation. Organizations such as Trout Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation, The Quality Deer Management Association, and Pheasants Forever to name a few. At the corporate level Bass Pro Shops has signed on in support. To see a full list of organizations who support this legislation go here. This legislation is good for wildlife conservation, good for the taxpayer, and good for businesses. It is always better in the long run to spend money on preventative measures then to wait until something becomes a crisis. When it becomes a crisis, you will always spend more money. Please contact your congressmen using the link provided or through your own means and voice your support to them on this once in a lifetime legislation.
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