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Preamble
As America’s original conservationists, the hunting and fishing community has proactively supported strategic efforts to conserve our nation’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems for more than a century. The ability to connect with our land, water and fish and wildlife through our outdoor pursuits continues to result in a deep appreciation and understanding of the link between healthy habitats and thriving fish and wildlife populations.
Through science-based, strategic implementation of management actions across the nation, as well as providing the bulk of the funding necessary to carry out conservation measures at the state level, we have been the catalyst that has positioned the United States as a global leader in natural resource and biodiversity protections. We therefore recognize and embrace the overlap between our collective work to conserve fish and wildlife species and their habitats and the establishment of ambitious global biodiversity conservation principles of the “30 by 30” initiative, which aims to conserve 30 percent of the globe’s lands and waters by 2030.
While levels of anthropogenic activity in various land and water management strategies can vary greatly, only those strategies that target conservation needs with measurable outcomes will be effective. We support 30 by 30 policies that are not merely aspirational, but that recognize existing management levels/actions that currently afford protections and work to identify additional conservation needs and actions through an objective, science-driven, stakeholder-engaged process to determine the appropriate level of management actions necessary to meet biodiversity conservation goals.
Furthermore, we support 30 by 30 policies that recognize hunting and fishing as well-managed and sustainable activities that are in harmony with other management goals. Maintaining the sense of connection to our abundant resources and unrivaled natural beauty that these activities provide is essential to ensuring we have natural resource and biodiversity stewards for the next century, just as we have had in the past.
Through science-based, strategic implementation of management actions across the nation, as well as providing the bulk of the funding necessary to carry out conservation measures at the state level, we have been the catalyst that has positioned the United States as a global leader in natural resource and biodiversity protections. We therefore recognize and embrace the overlap between our collective work to conserve fish and wildlife species and their habitats and the establishment of ambitious global biodiversity conservation principles of the “30 by 30” initiative, which aims to conserve 30 percent of the globe’s lands and waters by 2030.
While levels of anthropogenic activity in various land and water management strategies can vary greatly, only those strategies that target conservation needs with measurable outcomes will be effective. We support 30 by 30 policies that are not merely aspirational, but that recognize existing management levels/actions that currently afford protections and work to identify additional conservation needs and actions through an objective, science-driven, stakeholder-engaged process to determine the appropriate level of management actions necessary to meet biodiversity conservation goals.
Furthermore, we support 30 by 30 policies that recognize hunting and fishing as well-managed and sustainable activities that are in harmony with other management goals. Maintaining the sense of connection to our abundant resources and unrivaled natural beauty that these activities provide is essential to ensuring we have natural resource and biodiversity stewards for the next century, just as we have had in the past.
The hunting & fishing community Statement
WHEREAS, the United States is blessed with abundant resources and unrivaled natural beauty. Our fish and wildlife resources have provided food for generations of Americans as well as ample opportunity to enjoy hunting and fishing with their families and friends; and
WHEREAS, hunting and fishing provide Americans with opportunities to connect with the land, water, fish and wildlife and develop a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the link between professional science-based land and water management actions that result in healthy habitats, abundant fish and wildlife, thriving sporting opportunities, and an increased gratitude for the resources that our ecosystems can provide; and
WHEREAS, these connections have resulted in America’s hunters and anglers emerging as the nation’s most invested conservationists, contributing upwards of $3 billion directly to state-based conservation each year; and
WHEREAS, the hunting and fishing community continues to support and invest in land and water protection through management efforts that acknowledge the necessity of conserving ecosystems alongside associated cultural values and traditional natural resource management models; and
WHEREAS, hunting and fishing have historically facilitated the establishment of enduring conservation measures on lands and waters to ensure their natural character, resources, and functions are maintained for current and future generations to use and enjoy, including through participation in scientifically managed wildlife-dependent recreation like hunting and fishing, which is consistent with the 30 by 30 initiative’s objective to protect biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, the hunting and fishing community supports conservation efforts that maintain or increase outdoor recreation access, including hunting and fishing, that enhances our appreciation of biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, the hunting and fishing community supports conservation goals that recognize and include lands and waters already conserved in public trust by state, federal, or local law or regulation, particularly those conserved by each state’s fish and wildlife management agency through funds made available by hunting and fishing license fees in that state and excise taxes from the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
WHEREAS, lands and waters currently available for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting and fishing, should remain open and available for participation in these activities unless reduced access is justified by science-based concerns for the conservation of species affected by the recreational activity; and
WHEREAS, connecting all individuals with our natural resources, primarily those who have historically lacked access and opportunities to experience the outdoors, is the most effective method to increase awareness of, and generate support for, effective conservation efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the undersigned members of the hunting and fishing community support in principle the 30 by 30 initiative’s stated goal of protecting and enhancing biodiversity in terrestrial, wetland, aquatic, and marine habitats by the year 2030.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the support of the hunting and fishing community for individual 30 by 30 proposals is in accord with the development and implementation of 30 by 30 policy proposals that include: recognition of the positive role that hunting and fishing play in conservation; protected area definitions that allow for well-managed and sustainable wildlife-dependent activities; consideration of existing protected areas in measuring progress toward stated goals; targeted, science-based conservation measures developed through a stakeholder-driven process to address biodiversity threats; and clearly defined roles and authorities for the entities charged with carrying out the 30 by 30 initiative proposal.
WHEREAS, hunting and fishing provide Americans with opportunities to connect with the land, water, fish and wildlife and develop a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the link between professional science-based land and water management actions that result in healthy habitats, abundant fish and wildlife, thriving sporting opportunities, and an increased gratitude for the resources that our ecosystems can provide; and
WHEREAS, these connections have resulted in America’s hunters and anglers emerging as the nation’s most invested conservationists, contributing upwards of $3 billion directly to state-based conservation each year; and
WHEREAS, the hunting and fishing community continues to support and invest in land and water protection through management efforts that acknowledge the necessity of conserving ecosystems alongside associated cultural values and traditional natural resource management models; and
WHEREAS, hunting and fishing have historically facilitated the establishment of enduring conservation measures on lands and waters to ensure their natural character, resources, and functions are maintained for current and future generations to use and enjoy, including through participation in scientifically managed wildlife-dependent recreation like hunting and fishing, which is consistent with the 30 by 30 initiative’s objective to protect biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, the hunting and fishing community supports conservation efforts that maintain or increase outdoor recreation access, including hunting and fishing, that enhances our appreciation of biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, the hunting and fishing community supports conservation goals that recognize and include lands and waters already conserved in public trust by state, federal, or local law or regulation, particularly those conserved by each state’s fish and wildlife management agency through funds made available by hunting and fishing license fees in that state and excise taxes from the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
WHEREAS, lands and waters currently available for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting and fishing, should remain open and available for participation in these activities unless reduced access is justified by science-based concerns for the conservation of species affected by the recreational activity; and
WHEREAS, connecting all individuals with our natural resources, primarily those who have historically lacked access and opportunities to experience the outdoors, is the most effective method to increase awareness of, and generate support for, effective conservation efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the undersigned members of the hunting and fishing community support in principle the 30 by 30 initiative’s stated goal of protecting and enhancing biodiversity in terrestrial, wetland, aquatic, and marine habitats by the year 2030.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the support of the hunting and fishing community for individual 30 by 30 proposals is in accord with the development and implementation of 30 by 30 policy proposals that include: recognition of the positive role that hunting and fishing play in conservation; protected area definitions that allow for well-managed and sustainable wildlife-dependent activities; consideration of existing protected areas in measuring progress toward stated goals; targeted, science-based conservation measures developed through a stakeholder-driven process to address biodiversity threats; and clearly defined roles and authorities for the entities charged with carrying out the 30 by 30 initiative proposal.
Signatories
American Sportfishing Association
American Woodcock Society
Angler Action Foundation
Archery Trade Association
Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation
Arizona Wildlife Federation
Austin Fly Fishers
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Bass Anglers Sportsman Society
BoatUS
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Boone and Crockett Club
California Waterfowl Association
Campfire Club of America
Center for Sportfishing Policy
Coastal Conservation Association
Coastside Fishing Club
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
ConservAmerica
Conservation Force
Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports
Dallas Safari Club
Fishing Education Foundation/National Fishing in the Schools Program
Fly Fishers International
Georgia Wildlife Federation
Houston Safari Club
Idaho Sportsmen
International Game Fish Association
Izaak Walton League of America
Marine Education Initiative
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
Masters of Foxhounds Association
Montana Wildlife Federation
Mule Deer Foundation
National Association of Forest Service Retirees
National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative
National Deer Association
National Marine Manufacturers Association
National Professional Anglers Association
National Rifle Association of America, Hunters' Leadership Forum
National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action
National Wildlife Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation
New Mexico Sportsmen's and Conservationist Alliance
New Mexico Wildlife Federation
North American Falconers Association
North American Grouse Partnership
Orion: The Hunter's Institute
Pheasants Forever
Pope & Young Club
Quail Forever
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ruffed Grouse Society
Safari Club International
SolidMen Hunt Club
Southern Conservation Trust
Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters
Sportsmen's Alliance
Tennessee Wildlife Federation
The Billfish Foundation
The Conservation Coalition
The Corps Foundation
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Wildlife Forever
Wildlife Management Institute
Wildlife Mississippi
Wild Sheep Foundation
American Woodcock Society
Angler Action Foundation
Archery Trade Association
Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation
Arizona Wildlife Federation
Austin Fly Fishers
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Bass Anglers Sportsman Society
BoatUS
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Boone and Crockett Club
California Waterfowl Association
Campfire Club of America
Center for Sportfishing Policy
Coastal Conservation Association
Coastside Fishing Club
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
ConservAmerica
Conservation Force
Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports
Dallas Safari Club
Fishing Education Foundation/National Fishing in the Schools Program
Fly Fishers International
Georgia Wildlife Federation
Houston Safari Club
Idaho Sportsmen
International Game Fish Association
Izaak Walton League of America
Marine Education Initiative
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
Masters of Foxhounds Association
Montana Wildlife Federation
Mule Deer Foundation
National Association of Forest Service Retirees
National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative
National Deer Association
National Marine Manufacturers Association
National Professional Anglers Association
National Rifle Association of America, Hunters' Leadership Forum
National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action
National Wildlife Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation
New Mexico Sportsmen's and Conservationist Alliance
New Mexico Wildlife Federation
North American Falconers Association
North American Grouse Partnership
Orion: The Hunter's Institute
Pheasants Forever
Pope & Young Club
Quail Forever
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ruffed Grouse Society
Safari Club International
SolidMen Hunt Club
Southern Conservation Trust
Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters
Sportsmen's Alliance
Tennessee Wildlife Federation
The Billfish Foundation
The Conservation Coalition
The Corps Foundation
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Wildlife Forever
Wildlife Management Institute
Wildlife Mississippi
Wild Sheep Foundation
| huntfish3030_community_statement.pdf |