U.S (NATIVE ORGANIZERS ALLIANCE ACTION FUND): TRIBES doing vital conservation work can't access federal funds to support it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friend, 

 

North America has some of the most diverse wildlife and wildlife habitats on the planet. Conserving this biodiversity is imperative to the health of Mother Earth.

As climate change accelerates, it costs more money to make sure moose, salamanders, bears, and other wildlife populations thrive. The strain on our Tribal communities responsible for managing a significant amount of America's prime wildlife habitat is especially tough, because they can't access one of the biggest pools of money to pay for the work.

Right now, most of the money state-funded wildlife agencies have for conservation comes from hunting and fishing licenses sold by the state. Similarly, federal money comes from taxes on sales of guns and ammunition. Last year alone federal taxes generated more than a billion dollars that was transferred to the states for wildlife and habitat conservation.

Tribes see none of that money. Nada. Zilch. Nothing.

Now, the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) would change it. It would, for the first time ever, give Tribes annual federal funding for wildlife research and conservation. It’s a big deal and with 8 Republicans already co-sponsoring, we have a real shot of overcoming a Senate filibuster to get the 60 votes needed to pass it. Will you send a direct message urging your Senators to co-sponsor and pass RAWA now?

SIGN & SEND

RAWA would protect America’s biodiversity through proactive conservation that would keep thousands of animals from becoming endangered species. RAWA’s guaranteed funding would allow Tribes to invest in species recovery efforts and continue to support habitat restoration efforts, reaping environmental and economic benefits for generations to come.

RAWA would also support the wildlife and outdoor recreation industries that provide economic opportunities in many rural and Tribal areas.

In total, it would provide $97.5 million for Tribal wildlife conservation efforts and it has the support of 70% of the people in recent polling, more than 60 Tribes and 1,500 organizations across the country.

Without enough resources, Tribal wildlife agencies have been severely understaffed and forced to pick and choose which species they can save and which ones they can’t. Instead of doing the proactive work that is necessary to maintain healthy wildlife populations on the front end, too often they have been forced into using reactive measures to rescue species after they are listed as threatened or endangered.

We urgently need to save thousands of species with a solution that matches the magnitude of the challenge. Our grandchildren and their grandchildren -- generation to generation -- must be able to experience the same rich and abundant wildlife, from bumblebees to bison, that we have been so lucky to live in harmony with since time immemorial.

Please take a moment to sign and send a direct message urging your Senators to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act now.

Together we are stronger.

Hawwih (“thank you” in Caddo) for speaking up and building support to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act today. 

 

Judith LeBlanc (Caddo)
Executive Director.

DONATE TODAY