Bill Creating More Wildlife Funds Passes House

House Resolution 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), today passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 315-103. The bill reallocates a portion of offshore oil and gas lease monies for funding of the 50 state fish and wildlife conservation and education programs.

The Wildlife Legislative Fund of America has been working closely with key members of Congress on this bill. Joining WLFA in this effort was the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA). This bill was also supported by the Izaak Walton League and outdoor enthusiasts from acoss the country.

According to bill sponsor, Rep. Don Young (R-AK), chairman of the House Resources Committee, "This historic conservation measure (CARA) will provide substantial contributions to wildlife conservation with major benefits to all outdoor recreationists," he wrote. WLFA's support has helped CARA reach 317 cosponsors in the House."

Specifically, these monies will increase the amount of funds a state agency currently receives from the taxes on sporting goods collected under the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly referred to as Pittman-Robertson funds.

According to Paul W. Hansen, executive director of the Izaak Walton League, "Their contribution to conservation today will be recognized and honored by our children and grandchildren in years to come."

CARA is also endorsed by all 50 state governors, by states and local communities, dozens of newspapers in every region of the country, as well as hunters and anglers, leading parks,environmental, and recreation organizations.

What better time than the beginning of a new century to refocus the nation's priorities on the importance of conserving our natural heritage." said Jim Mosher,conservation director, Izaak Walton League. "And what is more appropriate than to follow the strategy established of investing revenue from depletion of non-renewable resources into our renewable natural resources."

The bill will now move to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chaired by Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK).

This bill helped to passage by the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America a national, non-profit association, which provides legislative, legal defense and public education services to defend and advance sportsmen's rights.

(posted 05/17/00)
 

Anglers, Hunters, & Conservationists Fight Litter
America Outdoors

A new nationwide anti-litter campaign by the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) - in cooperation with Anheuser-Busch Companies - will celebrate the historic role outdoorsmen and

women have played in cleaning up our nation's outdoors. The campaign also will provide assistance and support to those who wish to continue the fight to keep our beautiful natural areas free of litter.

According to Joshua Winchell, director of the Izaak Walton League's Outdoor Ethics Program, "Nearly 80 years ago, the IWLA was founded by hunters and anglers who saw first-hand the damage done by littering and illegal trash dumping on public and private lands. People who spend a good deal of time outdoors - like hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationists - have an important responsibility and opportunity to keep the outdoors clean. Our new anti-litter campaign will increase awareness of these responsibilities and opportunities as well as provide support and recognition for those battling against litter in the outdoors."

The litter campaign will highlight the continued negative impact of littering on our natural and human communities. It also will educate the public about the variety of positive effects litter prevention and litter removal can have for our nation and neighborhoods.

By assisting hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to make litter pick-up a part of their outdoor routine, the campaign will help clean up our natural areas, enrich our outdoor traditions and promote the benefits of outdoor recreation to the public.

Hunters and anglers have played a in important role in America's conservation movement," Winchell said. "Reinforcing the value of outdoor litter pick-up as an integral part of their pursuit will demonstrate to the public their ongoing conservation commitment. Filling game pouches or creels

with litter discarded by others also would prevent sportsmen and women from ever having to go home 'skunked.'"

In addition to providing interested parties with advice and support for anti-litter activities, the national campaign will provide informational brochures and community cleanup workbooks. The campaign also will recognize outstanding anti-litter activists and organizations with annual Anti-Litter

Awards.

The Izaak Walton League of America is a national conservation organization with 50,000 members and supporters, 21 state divisions and more than 300 local chapters. Founded in 1922, the League is named for the 17th century conservationist and author of "The Compleat Angler."

America Outdoors Note: Of course, the first step in any anti-litter campaign is to encourage others to stop littering to begin with.

(posted 04-20-2000)