TODAY’S FEATURE

Associations Pull Together For Common Good

Yesterday in Washington, the nation’s conservation and recreation industry leaders signed an agreement aimed at strengthening a longstanding partnership for the future of fish and wildlife conservation as well as the growth of hunting, shooting and angling in America.

Signers included officials from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Archery Trade Association, Wildlife Management Institute, American Sport Fishing Association and National Marine Manufacturers Association.

It was a December, 2006 meeting that established the baseline for the agreement. At that initial Industry-Agency Summit, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies brought together the varied partners to start the process. Jay McAininch, president of the Archery Trade Association says he appreciates the fact that “Matt Hogan (AWA) and the Association have taken the lead in working to craft this agreement, and the archery industry stands with our colleagues in the firearms and fishing industry to proudly unite in our support for conservation, hunting, shooting and angling.”

The state fish and wildlife agencies use more than a quarter of a billion dollars in excise tax funds paid on fishing, hunting, shooting and boating equipment for fish and wildlife conservation and management. They also use the money to recruit and retain new hunters, shooters, anglers and boaters. The new alliance agreement will focus on accountability and building better communications between the parties, pursing more visible marketing strategies and measuring long-term use of the funds.

“Without the crucial financial contributions of the hunting, fishing, shooting and boating industries, our celebrated outdoor traditions and healthy populations of fish and wildlife would simply not exist,” said Matt Hogan, executive director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Building on the important relationship between these industries and state fish and wildlife agencies is a top priority for us and we’re happy to be part of this new agreement.”

“The sportfishing industry and the state fish and wildlife agencies have much in common and it is imperative that we work together to assure increased participation of anglers and access to public waters,” said Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. “The sportfishing industry and the state fishery programs have demonstrated for decades the willingness to step up and be the premier conservationists for fishery resources. It is only fitting that we join together with this agreement to assure the future will be as successful as the past.”

“The firearms industry remains one of the nation’s strongest supporters of conservation programs, providing billions of dollars in support over the years through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act,” said Doug Painter, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association of the firearms industry. “By continuing to work closely together, all of our organizations can continue to ensure a positive future for our country’s outdoor traditions.”

McAninch adds, “The Archery Trade Association and all archers and bowhunters are proud to continue our commitment to the state agencies and their efforts to protect and manage habitats and wildlife populations as well as provide opportunities for shooters, anglers and hunters. The federal excise tax on archery equipment has grown by more than 50 percent since 2004 and we are ready to work with the state agencies to grow archery and bowhunting as well as to grow hunting and fishing.”

We’re hopeful the group can stay unified and focused - the future of all our sports depends on it.