New Report Shows Conservation Is a High-Return Investment for Communities, Jobs, and Growth

November 19, 2025

Investments to conserve, restore, and manage fish and wildlife pump billions into the economy – fueling jobs, powering the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation industry, and rivaling major U.S. sectors.

A new report titled, “Conservation Economy in America: A Snapshot of Total Fish and Wildlife-Associated Direct Investments and Economic Contributions,” reveals that fish and wildlife conservation generates substantial economic benefits. Federal, state, local, and nonprofit contributions combined contributed $115.8 billion in total economic activity and supported over 575,000 jobs nationwide. Leading conservation organizations across the country applauded the findings, underscoring the report’s importance for America’s economy, communities, and natural resources.

“Conservation is an investment in America’s future and the bedrock of economic growth in communities nationwide,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This report makes clear that the principles of stewardship and collaboration that built our nation’s conservation legacy continue to drive prosperity today. By supporting proven programs that restore habitat, enhance resilience, and expand access, Congress and the Administration can deliver lasting returns for people, wildlife, and local economies alike.”

The report finds that $55.3 billion in direct spending on conservation – including habitat restoration, fish and wildlife management, and expanded public access – forms the foundation of the nation’s $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. These conservation investments generate powerful economic returns, adding $76.6 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and $16.3 billion in tax revenues for state, local, and federal governments. Simply put, the outdoor recreation economy doesn’t happen without conservation – its contributions are the bedrock upon which all outdoor recreation depends.

“Hunting and fishing alone contribute nearly $400 billion annually to the United States economy, and sound financial investments into conservation are the backbone of our uniquely American sporting traditions and this important sector of the economy,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President and CEO Jeff Crane. “Investments into conservation not only bolster fish, wildlife, and their habitats, but they also strengthen hunting and fishing opportunities for sportsmen and women across the nation, a win-win for our economy and our natural resources.”

The federal government was the leading source of conservation investments, accounting for approximately 48% of all spending. Its share, however, has been declining, even as state and local governments now provide 45% of spending – reflecting a shrinking portion of federal contributions to total conservation funding.

Together, these investments generated tax revenues on par with the video game industry – underscoring conservation’s powerful return for communities and the economy alike, while simultaneously preserving biodiversity and strengthening long-term growth.

Read the full report HERE.

What They’re Saying

“This report is a crystal-clear illustration that conservation investments stimulate the economy, from Wall Street to Main Street,” explained Marilyn Vetter, President & CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “These numbers tell the story of the conservation industry’s exponential effectiveness at turning each dollar into an economic ripple large enough to amplify our nation’s GDP. Just as important are the on-the-ground dividends of these investments, the habitat, wildlife, and water that benefit us all—hunters, anglers, families, and communities.”

“Theodore Roosevelt once proclaimed, ‘There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country,” said Gray N. Thornton, president and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. “This captures the essence of Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation, emphasizing both the environmental challenges of his time and the timeless relevance of his vision. He recognized that human activities threatened natural resources, and he advocated for their responsible management to ensure that future generations could enjoy the benefits of nature. Today, as the report highlights, conservation not only serves ecological purposes but also holds significant economic value. The sustainable use of natural resources can support economies while preserving the environment, reflecting Roosevelt’s original intent to protect wild lands and wildlife for the enjoyment of all. This dual focus on ecological integrity and economic prosperity underlines the importance of effective conservation efforts in contemporary society.”

“For the many Americans who have experienced the life-changing power of the outdoors, the conservation of our country’s wildlife and wild places is self-evidently one of the greatest aspects of our nation,” said Jason Burckhalter, National Wild Turkey Federation co-CEO. “This report emphasizes how conservation efforts bolster our beloved traditions and enrich our experiences outside and it illustrates how our conservation efforts create a powerful engine for our nation’s economy. It is imperative that our elected officials see both the importance of investing in conservation, from our vital natural resources to our nation’s economy. We are excited to collaboratively share the insights from the new report with our conservation partners and make meaningful impacts for future generations.”  

“When we save wildlife, we save ourselves. This important report affirms how wildlife conservation not only helps people thrive, but also grows local economies and creates jobs in communities across the country,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “This report is a clarion call for Congress and the White House that investing dedicated funding for state, Tribal, and territorial wildlife conservation will yield immense returns for taxpayers and future generations alike.”

“America’s strong conservation economy is a testament to the contributions from hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen and women across the country,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “This report highlights what we’ve known for years – supporting the conservation of wildlife habitat is an incredible return on investment for our communities. With every Duck Stamp sold, every hunting or fishing license purchased, and every outfitter patronized, sportsmen and women are doing their part to support America’s natural places and rural economies, and we hope lawmakers see the immense value in strengthening these investments at all levels of government.”

“The recreation economy remains a foundational driver of caring for the health and productivity of our family forests,” said Rita Hite, president & CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “This report highlights both the importance and meaningful impact of public and private funding in our woodlands. When we invest in family lands through recreation, we are investing in clean air and water, more biodiversity, improved wildlife habitat, and bolstering rural economies.”

“Conservation is a core American value,” said Desiree Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “As a nation, we value our public lands and shared wildlife heritage as a tenant of who we are as a people and this report shows that our shared investment in conservation isn’t just a nice thing to do, it is an essential economic driver for Americans. Conservation paves the way for the activation of the natural resource economy in all parts of our nation from rural communities to urban cities and this report highlights how investments pay dividends now and into the future.”

“Fish and wildlife are among our nation’s most valuable resources, along with clean air, water, healthy forests and lands that support all of us,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “State agencies have a primary responsibility for conserving our treasured natural resources. This report clearly illustrates that states, in collaboration with their federal, tribal, and conservation partners, deliver fish and wildlife conservation to our citizens with an impressive return on investment that generates positive impacts felt throughout the larger economy.” 

“When we discuss funding for conservation programs, it’s important that we think of these programs as investments for the future – the future of clean water, clean air, outdoor recreation, and abundant fish and wildlife. However, this report confirms that these conservation programs are also literal financial investments that help everyone’s bottom line, beyond the outdoor recreation industry and everyone it employs, directly or indirectly,” said Jeff Kopaska, Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society. “We saw this with the establishment of the Sport Fish Restoration Program 75 years ago. A small percentage of spending on fishing gear and boating fuel is directed towards fisheries restoration, research, and conservation, creating a self-sustaining cycle that builds up the sport fishing industry, along with providing more recreational opportunities and of course, benefitting our fish populations.”

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by: Noah Davis

posted in: Press Releases

November 13, 2025

Helena Event Celebrates Winner of Montana Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings License Plate Artwork Contest

Kylie Bute of Bozeman designed the winning plate selected from nearly 30 eligible submissions

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, in collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Old Salt Co-op, hosted an event on Wednesday evening in Helena to celebrate Kylie Bute’s winning design of the Montana Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings License Plate Artwork Contest.

Director Christy Clark of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks joined the celebration and spoke about the importance of wildlife crossings and safe migration routes for big game species.

“Meaningful conservation efforts take all of us working together,” said Director Clark. “This is a great example of how state agencies and conservation organizations can partner with community groups to find unique ways to help protect wildlife migration and provide for public safety. Congratulations and thank you for this captivating design, Kylie Bute.”

The event brought together members of the outdoor conservation community, agency staff, and community members to celebrate the recent milestone legislation supporting wildlife movement and driver safety and to raise funds for wildlife crossing projects across the state.

“Montana’s big game migrations are iconic, and safe highway crossings are essential for wildlife and drivers alike,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We applaud MT FWP for establishing this wildlife movement specialty plate and congratulate Kylie Bute on her winning design which will soon be proudly displayed on vehicles across our great state.”

Bute was announced the winner of the Montana Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings License Plate Artwork Contest and received a $1,000 award for her creative contribution to Montana’s conservation efforts. Bute’s winning design will soon appear on specialty plates available to Montana drivers, with proceeds benefiting wildlife connectivity and wildlife-vehicle collision risk reduction projects through MT FWP’s newly established Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account. Thank you to all the artists who submitted inspirational and compelling designs.

“My passion for art has always been about telling stories, and this design is a way to spread awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and movement,” said Kylie Bute, a June 2025 graduate of Gallatin High School. “I’m deeply appreciative and proud to know that my artwork will soon be on vehicles across our great state, helping Montanans connect with the incredible wildlife that surrounds us.”

Guests enjoyed food and drinks from Old Salt Co-op. A portion of the sales during the event will be deposited into the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account.

The Montana Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings License Plate Artwork Contest was organized by the TRCP and supported by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana Department of Transportation, National Wildlife Federation, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Glacier-Two Medicine Alliance, Vital Ground Foundation, and Montanans for Safe Wildlife Passage.

Learn more about TRCP’s wildlife migration work HERE.

by: Ryan Lockwood

posted in: Press Releases

November 6, 2025

Louisiana Decision Undermines Hard-Won Conservation Measure on Menhaden Fishing

The new Notice of Intent could once again permit industrial menhaden harvest in waters as shallow as five feet – rolling back a successful 2024 conservation measure developed through collaboration between anglers, industry, and state leaders

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) voted 4-3 today to move forward with a Notice of Intent (NOI) that could allow industrial pogy boats to again fish within a quarter-mile of most Louisiana beaches – eliminating a broader half-mile buffer zone that the industry agreed to in 2024 after negotiations with recreational angling and conservation groups, LWFC, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Despite overwhelming public opposition – including testimony, written comments, and letters from nearly 200 Louisiana-based and national conservation organizations and fishing tackle companies urging the LWFC to keep industrial fishing for pogies – also called menhaden – at least ½-mile off Louisiana’s coastline, the LWFC sided with the two foreign-controlled menhaden companies operating in the state.

“Today’s decision is extremely disappointing for anglers, conservationists, and those who care about Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems and habitat,” said Chris Macaluso, director of fisheries for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “In 2024, anglers, conservationists, and the menhaden industry reached a compromise to establish modest protections for Louisiana’s shallow coastal waters by setting a half-mile buffer off most Louisiana beaches. What happened today is nothing less than the industry and their political allies backing out of that deal.”

Commission Chairman Kevin Sagrera of Abbeville, La. – where Canadian-owned Omega Protein owns one of its two Gulf-based processing plants – instructed Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff in October to draw maps that reduced the ½-mile buffers to ¼-mile across most of the coast at the behest of the industry. The other industrial menhaden company operating in the Gulf is South African-controlled Daybrook Fisheries, which runs a processing plant in Empire, La.

The ½-mile buffers were enacted prior to the 2024 menhaden fishing season after two massive fish kill events were caused by the industry’s boats, as well as net tears in 2022 and 2023, that resulted in wasting millions of dead pogies, redfish, croakers, and other fish that washed up on Louisiana beaches. Menhaden reduction vessels draft around 10 feet, but will now again be permitted to fish in water as shallow as 5 feet if the NOI is ultimately approved in spring 2026.

“What happened today not only undermines public trust in our state’s ability to conservatively manage its fisheries but will ultimately result in harm to fragile coastal habitats and fish like redfish and speckled trout, whose populations have already declined over the past decade.”

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Chris Macaluso, director of fisheries for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership analyzed menhaden industry-related fish kill and spill information from 2024 and determined that the estimated number of fish spilled was reduced by 74 percent after the ½-mile buffer was instituted. Menhaden harvest data from NOAA Fisheries database also revealed that – despite industry claims that the buffers were resulting in a loss of jobs, profits, and fewer fish harvested – 2024 harvest levels were similar to levels during the 2021 and 2014 fishing seasons and that the dockside value of the Gulf menhaden harvest increased by a full $60 million from 2021-2024.

A 2024 study that thoroughly examined bycatch associated with the Gulf industrial menhaden fishery showed that more than 140 million non-target fish were killed along with menhaden by industrial vessels that year alone, including 22,000 breeding-size redfish (which are illegal to harvest by recreational anglers), 240,000 speckled trout, more than 80 million croaker, 25 million white trout, 5.5 million white shrimp as well as millions of other species like spot, black drum, catfish, sharks, and rays. An additional 8,000 smaller redfish, Louisiana’s only saltwater gamefish, were killed and along with menhaden reduced by the industry into fish oil, fish meal, and other industrial products. The 2024 study also showed that bycatch of speckled trout, redfish, and other species increased in net sets made in water shallower than 22 feet deep.

The LWFC was set to approve a 1-mile buffer coastwide in early 2024 after extensive public outcry about the millions of dead fish spoiling on Louisiana’s beaches in the previous two seasons. That decision was delayed by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s administration, which eventually insisted both recreational fishing and conservation advocates, along with the menhaden industry, accept a ½-mile buffer as a compromise.

The vote to reduce the current ½-mile buffer will include a 60-day public comment period to begin on December 19 and conclude on January 23, 2026. Should the LWFC give final approval to the NOI after the comment period, the Louisiana Legislature has the option to conduct an oversight hearing of the decision and could remand the decision back to LWFC for changes, if deemed necessary.

More information about the broad importance of menhaden is available on TRCP’s Forage Fish Recovery Page

by: Ryan Lockwood

posted in: Press Releases

October 28, 2025

Marine Fisheries Board Declines to Make Science-Based Reduction to Atlantic Menhaden Catch Limit

Revised models indicate the need to cut commercial quota by more than half to rebuild striped bass populations, but ASMFC Menhaden Management Board vote today reduces catch limit by a mere 20 percent

Despite a 2025 stock assessment indicating that Atlantic menhaden biomass is one-third lower than previously estimated – and an immediate need to cut the coastwide menhaden quota by more than 50 percent to support striped bass rebuilding – the Menhaden Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted today to reduce 2026 commercial catch by only 20 percent. The decision, which will likely prevent striped bass and other predators largely reliant on menhaden like bluefish, weakfish, spiny dogfish, and ospreys from having sufficient forage, was a disappointment for conservation and recreational angling organizations.

“Rebuilding the Atlantic striped bass population has always involved more than just regulating striped bass harvest. It’s also about ensuring that enough of their key food source, Atlantic menhaden, remains available in the water,” said Chris Macaluso, director of the Center for Fisheries for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The Menhaden Management Board’s decision to adopt only a 20 percent reduction in menhaden harvest, despite the science and input from ASMFC’s own scientists who highlighted the risks, makes it more challenging to achieve striped bass recovery by 2029. This step falls short of fully advancing more than a decade of progress toward ecosystem-based management and undermines public trust in the process.”

Three years ago, the Menhaden Management Board voted to increase the Atlantic menhaden catch limits for the 2023-2025 fishing seasons when the best available science indicated it was warranted.

The Board’s decision, made at the agency’s annual meeting in Delaware, ignores its own management framework based on “ecological reference points” (ERPs) — clear, science-based limits that tie menhaden harvest directly to predator health – and new estimates that show there are 37 percent fewer menhaden off the Atlantic coast than previously estimated. The Board also declined to vote for additional coastwide menhaden quota reductions beyond the 2026 fishing season, dodging additional quota cuts for 2027 and 2028 that could have collectively reached an ERP-based reduction that the recreational angling community called for after three years. The Board instead favored revisiting the issue in 2026 to determine if additional reductions are needed.

Notably, three years ago the Menhaden Management Board voted to increase the Atlantic menhaden total allowable catch for the 2023-2025 fishing seasons when the best available science indicated it was warranted. However, now that the best science indicates a reduction in catch is needed, the board has declined to reduce the catch to align with the ecosystem-based management model.

In early October, the ASMFC released its 2025 Atlantic menhaden stock assessment update, which indicated that the coastwide menhaden biomass is lower than previously estimated and suggested that slashing the coastwide catch limit by more than half would be necessary to ensure sufficient forage for rebuilding populations of striped bass. The Board’s decision today is not expected to achieve the standard 50/50 probability of not exceeding the ERP fishing mortality target – the precautionary approach that would dictate risk-tolerant, science-based management – and instead results in a 100 percent chance of exceeding the target in 2026.

“Today, the Menhaden Management Board chose to abandon ecosystem-based management and will be leaving less menhaden in the water to fuel our coastal ecosystems and sportfishing economies,” said Ted Venker, conservation director for the Coastal Conservation Association.

Unlike traditional single-species models that only measure the health of one species like menhaden, ERPs explicitly weigh the tradeoffs between menhaden harvest and effects on predator populations — in this case, most notably striped bass, also known as rockfish.

TRCP and partners successfully advocated for ERPs to be considered in menhaden management starting in 2020. The expectation of all involved in the process was that this methodology would drive future management decisions, even though following ERPs is not mandated for the ASMFC.

“We will continue working with the ASMFC, anglers, and conservationists to ensure that menhaden harvest reductions go beyond 20 percent and align with the ecosystem’s needs and the board’s stated commitments,” Macaluso said.

The Menhaden Management Board also voted today to initiate an addendum to specifically address Chesapeake Bay Management, which will develop options for quota periods which distribute menhaden removals more evenly throughout the fishing season, as well as options to reduce the Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishing Cap ranging from status quo to a 50 percent decrease. This process could yield significant benefits to the Bay ecosystem, which has faced multiple concerns in recent years, including osprey breeding failures due to chick starvation in many parts of the Bay.

More information about the broad importance of Atlantic menhaden is available on TRCP’s Forage Fish Recovery Page.

Banner image courtesy David Mangum

by: Michael O'Casey

posted in: Press Releases

October 21, 2025

TRCP Applauds Senate Committee Markup of the Fix Our Forests Act

Bipartisan legislation seeks to accelerate forest management and restoration, improve wildfire resilience, and expand collaboration and innovation

Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership applauds Senate advancement of the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. Led by Senator John Curtis (R-Utah), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), the Fix Our Forests Act passed out of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee with bipartisan support. The bill was first introduced by Representative Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Representative Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote earlier this year.

“The declining health of our National Forests and the fish and wildlife habitat that they provide is a concern for America’s hunters and anglers,” said Joel Webster, Chief Conservation Officer for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “TRCP applauds the leadership of Senate Agriculture Committee members for advancing the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. We urge Congress to pass these important forest management provisions and to accompany them with adequate resources and capacity to carry out on-the-ground work.”

The bill provides a comprehensive approach to address forest health and the wildfire challenges on our nation’s forests by accelerating important planning and implementation of restoration projects, expanding collaborative tools, and improving coordination between local, state, federal, and Tribal partners. The legislation bolsters the use of prescribed fire, promotes replanting after wildfires or other extreme events, and supports ecosystem and habitat restoration across Western forests, as well as the priceless white oak forests of the Eastern U.S.

Importantly, the Fix Our Forests Act would help communities become more resilient to wildfire by establishing a Community Risk Reduction Program and makes improvements to existing grant programs while fostering cutting-edge research. The bill creates a Fire Intelligence Center to improve interagency coordination and adoption of new technologies. For the first time, this bill recognizes that projects to restore and improve floodplains and wetlands can demonstrably reduce wildfire risk to downstream communities, including the long-term impacts wildfires can have on valuable drinking water supplies for rural and urban populations.

“While the ongoing government shutdown highlights the challenges facing our public land agencies, today’s bipartisan action by the Senate Agriculture Committee shows that progress on forest health and wildfire resilience can and should continue,” added Webster. “The Fix Our Forests Act lays the groundwork to advance the pace and scale of forest management, and the TRCP will continue to work with Congress to secure the resources agencies need to put these tools to work.”

Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to public lands HERE.