Yesterday, the President’s FY 2021 Budget Request was released. While there were drastic cuts to many programs, the U.S. Fish and WIldlife Service has made it a priority to increase funding for the Operations and Maintenance fund of the National Wildlife Refuge System. We were thrilled to see the $23 million proposed increase (total request: $525.4 million) over current funding ($502.4 million) and applaud the Service for continuing to recognize the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System.,

However, many other programs were cut drastically. All funding for land acquisition was eliminated. The FWS grant programs, including State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (54% cut), Multinational Species Fund (60% cut), Cooperative Endangered Species Fund (100% cut), and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (15% cut), were all reduced.

While we are pleased to see the Operations and Maintenance funding increased, we know that state management areas(or state wildlife programs) and conservation organizations depend on funding from other sources for projects. The grant programs and land acquisition all contribute towards healthy habitat and robust wildlife populations, which benefits the American public and their connection to nature.

We will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to reverse these cuts and keep robust funding flowing to all these programs.