You may have seen recent media regarding the United Nations report which estimates that one million species globally are at risk of extinction. This troubling news came from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, a panel with 132 participating nations, including the United States. The report also highlights implications for humans - how species losses impact water and food security, as well as human health. In 2018, the National Wildlife Federation, The Wildlife Society, and The American Fisheries Society reported similar declines for the United States. Nationwide, one-third of our fish & wildlife are believed to be at increased risk of extinction. Significant action is needed now to reverse this crisis. One of the critical barriers we face in addressing these declines is the need for dedicated, adequate state wildlife conservation funding. States are currently funded at less that 5% of what they need to effectively implement their Wildlife Action Plans. These action plans are conservation "road maps" for stabilizing at-risk species populations, before they become endangered. Soon to be reintroduced in Congress, bipartsian legislation known as the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, seeks to address these funding challenges and provide a new model for state wildlife conservation funding. Recovering America's Wildlife Act would provide $1.3 billion nationally to state-based conservation, and $97.5 million to tribal lands, without any new taxes, to fund conservation efforts for at-risk fish & wildlife across the nation. Texans often ask, what can I do to help? Many actions, big and small, really do help. For example, growing native plants in your garden, supporting and volunteering with your favorite conservation organization (like those in our Alliance), or visiting one of our many state parks, which provide natural space for wildlife and people. Advocating for solutions to help find sustainable wildlife funding is also a meaningful and impactful way to help. Passing legislation like Recovering America's Wildlife Act would truly be transformative for fish and wildlife conservation, helping to stabilize and recover the full array of fish and wildlife in Texas, and across the country. Stayed tuned for updates on how you can help support these efforts.
