Over $1.3 Billion Allocated to Advance State Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Recreational Access

Funds are disbursed through grants by the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. This state-industry-federal partnership, established nearly a century ago with the support of concerned sporting and conservation organizations, sporting manufacturers and conservation professionals who recognized the need to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats, is one of the most effective tools for conservation in the world. Since 1937, more than $28 billion has been distributed through annual apportionments for conservation and public access projects.

Along with the more than $28 billion distributed to date through annual apportionments, 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.

Eligible states, commonwealths and territories use this money 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.