Expanding Opportunities for America’s Hunters and Anglers
Nicolas Lenze 05.10.21
With the way the past year has gone, the U.S. has seen a large increase in outdoor activities. With jobs being lost due to lockdowns, people have been turning to nature for her plentiful resources. A new proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to continue this growth, expanding opportunities for Americans to hunt and fish in previously non-permissive areas.
Continuing the Department of the Interior’s efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today a proposal for new or expanded hunting and sport fishing opportunities for game species across 2.1 million acres at 90 national wildlife refuges and on the lands of one national fish hatchery.
“We are committed to ensuring Americans of all backgrounds have access to hunting and fishing and other recreational activities on our public lands,” said Service Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams. “Hunters and anglers are some of our most ardent conservationists and they play an important role in ensuring the future of diverse and healthy wildlife populations. Our lands have also provided a much-needed outlet to thousands during the pandemic and we hope these additional opportunities will provide a further connection with nature, recreation and enjoyment.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Expanding Opportunities for Hunting and Fishing
The current administration has a goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S lands and waters by 2030. They are doing so by increasing access to public lands. This new rule would open 939 opportunities for hunters and anglers.
Today’s action proposes to bring the number of units in the Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System where the public may hunt to 434 and the number where fishing will be permitted to 378. The rule also proposes to formally bring the total number of National Fish Hatchery System units open to hunting or sport fishing to 22.
If you’d like more details, visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center. You can also find out more about the organization and what you can do to help by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. Remember to always pitch in when you can and preserve this way of life that we so love. Conservation is our future.
