Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that Washington state will receive over $26 million in federal funding to support conservation efforts and connect people with nature.

This funding comes through two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs. The Wildlife Restoration Program provides funds to fish and wildlife agencies for projects to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitat. The Sport Fish Restoration Program provides funds to fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education.

“The Pacific Northwest is home to some of our nation’s most breathtaking national forests, parks, mountains, and waterways. Protecting these natural treasures is critical to protecting the quality of life we cherish,” said DelBene. “These federal resources will support conservation efforts that will help ensure future generations can enjoy the Pacific Northwest as we do today.”

“Around the country, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding supports collaborative wildlife and habitat conservation, fish and wildlife health, clean water and outdoor access efforts of our state, commonwealth and territorial partner agencies,” said Martha Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. “This vital funding fosters efforts to monitor and manage our nation’s fish and wildlife resources, supports hunter and aquatic education, improves access for outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing, and boating, and connects people to wildlife and wild places.”

These investments can be used to fund professional biologists, offer education and safety programs, operate fish and wildlife health labs, purchase and operate and maintain more than 35 million acres of land open to hunting and angling, and provide access at over 9,000 locations nationally for community fishing access.

Along with the more than $28 billion distributed to date nationally, partner fish and wildlife agencies have contributed approximately $9 billion in investments throughout the program’s history. Through these combined funds, agencies have supported the annual stocking of over 1 billion fish, managed and monitored over 500 species of wild mammals and birds, provided hunter-education to millions of students and constructed or renovated over 800 target ranges.

More information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s final apportionment of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration grant funds can be found here. More information about the program can be found here.