With more than seven decades of wildlife conservation and quality outdoor recreation opportunities under its belt, the WSFR program has reason to celebrate.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joined the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and other partners at the 2012 SHOT Show in January to announce a celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, one of the most significant and successful partnership approaches to fish and wildlife conservation in U.S. history.
The celebration, known as “WSFR 75 – It’s Your Nature,” unites federal and state wildlife agencies; the hunting, shooting, angling and boating industries; and conservation organizations to mark an important milestone in a conservation success story that relies on collaboration and partnerships to ensure quality outdoor recreation.
“The service is proud to join our partners in recognizing more than seven decades of wildlife conservation and quality outdoor recreation opportunities,” said USFWS Director Dan Ashe. “With our nation’s support and our partnership’s renewed commitment, WSFR will help more Americans enjoy wildlife and our great outdoors for many years to come.”
In its 75-year history, the WSFR program has administered several crucial conservation agendas. Among the most fruitful was the 1937 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which raised funds for conservation and wildlife programs through an excise tax on ammunition and sporting firearms. The 1950 Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act was enacted to raise funds for fish conservation and boating and fishing recreational programs in each state.
Learn about the local and state level clubs and organizations that work with the TRCP to guarantee all Americans a place to hunt and fish. Learn More
