The sportsmen's community is commenting on proposed guidance that would more clearly define which U.S. waters are subject to Clean Water Act protections. Photo courtesy of Brett Prettyman.
Some of the nation’s top sportsmen’s organizations – Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited and the TRCP – applaud the administration for taking an important step to begin restoring Clean Water Act protections to streams and wetlands. These waters provide critical habitat to fish and wildlife, flood control, drinking water and many other benefits.
Issued by the administration on April 27, the proposed guidance would more clearly define which U.S. waters are subject to Clean Water Act protections. This would begin restoring longstanding protections for many of the nation’s wetlands, streams, lakes and headwaters that have been vulnerable to pollution and destruction following two recent Supreme Court decisions. To ensure transparency and diverse stakeholder participation in the process, the proposed Clean Water Act guidance will be available for public comment and review for 60 days.
Decisions in the two Supreme Court cases and agency guidance issued in 2003 and 2008 jeopardize crucial water resources and wildlife habitat. Taken together, they removed protections for at least 20 million acres of wetlands, particularly prairie potholes and other seasonal wetlands essential to waterfowl populations throughout the country. Intermittent streams that provide critical habitat for fish, especially trout, and feed into the public drinking water systems for more than 117 million Americans also are at risk.
“The importance of this guidance cannot be overstated,” said Steve Moyer, vice president of government relations for Trout Unlimited, a TRCP partner. “Restoring these lost protections means more habitat in the long run for all the fish and wildlife that sportsmen love to pursue.”
Restoring protections for these waters directly benefits the American people, fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing and boating. The economic benefits to the United States from these wetlands and streams are staggering. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that wildlife-dependent recreation in the United States generates $80 billion in hunting and fishing expenditures annually.
Learn more about the guidance.
Sportsmen must speak up and ensure the implementation of strong Clean Water Act guidance and the development of a robust and more permanent administrative rule. Read More
Conservation receives a crucial boost with the approval of the Dakota Grasslands Conservation area. Read More
Legislation that would weaken Clean Water Act protections to America’s wetlands and waters is hastily moving through Congress as you read this. We need you to speak up for our nation’s waters and wetlands today. Read More
The new federal study illustrates the economic and ecological significance of the Bristol Bay watershed. Read More
Key sportsmen’s groups call for Congress to maintain funding for land conservation and restoration in the Gulf. Read More
Featuring the latest policy updates, staff adventures, top conservation leaders and much more, the TRCP Blog is a must read. Learn More
