Indianapolis, In. — Recognizing the wisdom of using existing funds for the monitoring and conservation of species at risk in Indiana, the Indiana Parks Alliance enthusiastically supports H.R.4647, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. IPA support for the Recovering American’s Wildlife Act reflects its mission of supporting Indiana state parks and nature preserves and the resources they steward.
The bill, with the support of more than 100 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, would provide more than $1.3 billion annually in royalties collected from energy and mineral development on federal lands and waters. A Senate version would require annual appropriations from Congress. Neither version requires a tax increase.
According to Tom Hohman, president of the Indiana Parks Alliance, “This is an opportunity to shore up conservation efforts on behalf of so many Indiana species fighting to survive and thrive. Without increasing taxes, this act would ensure robust funding for Wildlife Action Plans in every state.”
IPA joins a wide array of conservation, environmental and other groups in calling for a hearing by the full House Natural Resources Committee and continuing to add co-sponsors in the House and Senate.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act was spurred by a 2016 report of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources, which noted that “These funds would provide states with the resources needed to implement State Wildlife Action Plans which are designed to conserve 12,000 species in greatest conservation need.”
Scientists estimate that one third of all U.S. wildlife species are in trouble or vulnerable due to habitat loss, invasive species, and severe weather taking a toll on birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies and bees.
Indiana impact: $20 million annually
According to the Indiana DNR, among the many species that are endangered or of special concern are the cerulean warbler, trumpeter swan, black bear, lake sturgeon, red salamander and spotted turtle.
Indiana’s State Wildlife Action plan is a blueprint for conservation of non-game species by assessing the health of wildlife and habitat and identifying the species of greatest conservation need. Indiana has a proven track record of success for restoring Hoosier species such as the bald eagle, osprey, otters, falcons and others in the non-game categories in addition to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and numerous fish species for hunting and angling.
Indiana would be required to provide a $6 million match to fully access the $20 million estimated as Indiana’s share of the newly dedicated funding source. This support would continue indefinitely as part of the Pitman-Robertson Act that has funded state fish and wildlife programs since 1937. There are currently more than 100 co-sponsors of H.R.4647, including Rep. Andre Carson.
Taking action
Advocates are urged to contact their members of the U.S. House and Senate and urge them to join as co-sponsors for the future of Indiana’s wildlife.
