Senator Jon Tester has signed onto 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 nationwide.
“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act represents a substantial investment in protecting Montana’s wildlife,” said Eric Clewis, field coordinator for the Montana Wildlife Federation. “Some of Montana’s most iconic species are declining and this bipartisan bill will take great strides towards preventing these species from becoming endangered. We applaud Senator Tester for continuing to stand up for Montana’s wildlife and wild places.”
The bill will send $27.7M million to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks which the agency will use to implement its wildlife action plan. More than one hundred species would benefit – including Arctic grayling, trumpeter swans and sage grouse. The money would also go to support wildlife associated recreation and would build on existing cooperative conservation partnerships with private landowners, agricultural producers and other major contributors to the economy in Montana.
“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 Tester for leading the way on the historic Recovering America’s Wildlife Act that will have an immediate impact – saving species and creating jobs in Montana and all across the country.”
The bill will also provide $97.5 million annually to fund wildlife conservation efforts on tribal lands nationwide, which would benefit Montana’s eight Tribal Nations.
“Montana hunters and anglers have a special appreciation of the hard work, committed efforts and, critically, robust and vital funding required to keep our fish and wildlife populations healthy,” said John Sullivan, chair of the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Senator Tester has consistently championed Montanan values, our fish and wildlife resources and our outdoor traditions. We extend our thanks to him now for stepping up in support of this important legislation.”
The House version of the legislation has more than bipartisan 125 cosponsors.
“Wildlife conservation is an issue that unites all Montanans. We hope Senator Daines will join Senator Tester in championing this historic bill, just like he did the Great American Outdoors Act,” said Clewis.”
