HARRISBURG (TNS) — Pennsylvania will receive more than $47.6 million in federal wildlife and fish restoration funds announced recently by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will see $38,340,930 from the Wildlife Restoration Program, more commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Fund. The total amount allocated to the states and territories for 2022 is more than $1.1 billion.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will take in $9,317,437 from the Sport Fish Restoration Program, more commonly known as the Dingell-Johnson Fund. The total allocated for 2022 is $399,661,336.
“State wildlife agencies dedicate WSFR funds to a variety of conservation projects and programs such as hunting and fishing education, fish and wildlife management, scientific research, habitat restoration and protection, land and water rights acquisition, and hunting and boating access,” noted Fish and Wildlife ServicePrincipal Deputy Director Martha Williams. “Everyone benefits from these investments, which have ensured a legacy of wildlife and outdoor opportunities for all.”
The Wildlife Restoration Program, funded by the federal excise tax on guns, ammunition, and archery sales, provides grant funds to states and insular areas’ fish and wildlife agencies for projects to restore, conserve, manage and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitats. Projects include providing public use and access to wildlife resources, hunter education and development and management of shooting ranges.
The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is funded in part by the federal excise tax on fishing equipment and is the backbone of state-based fish conservation, benefiting all U.S. states and territories.
Pennsylvania will receive the third highest amount on the wildlife side of the ledger, $38,340,903, which includes $6,752,986 for hunter education. The top two recipient states are Texas at $51,093,607 and Alaska at $46,431,615. Rounding out the top five are California at $35,651,553 and Georgia at $35,243,230.
For sportfish restoration funding, Pennsylvania ranks No. 12 at $9,317,437. The top five states are Texas and Alaska, each at $19,983,069, California at $18,654,555, Florida at $14,239,304 and Minnesota at $13,914,531.
“For 85 years, this program has been foundational to wildlife and habitat conservation and outdoor recreation throughout the country,” Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau said.
To date, the service has distributed more than $25.5 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. The recipient state wildlife agencies have matched these funds with approximately $8.5 billion throughout the years, primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues.
Eligible states receive funds under distribution formulas based primarily on land and water area and the number of paid recreational hunting and fishing license holders in each state. Most states must provide a matching share of up to 25 percent, usually from state hunting and fishing license revenues.
