NH Delegation Welcomes Over $10.7M in Fish and Wildlife Funding

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that New Hampshire will receive over $10.73 million to support wildlife and sport fish restoration through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The funding will help state wildlife agencies pursue conservation projects and programs, including support for hunting and fishing education, fish and wildlife management, scientific research, habitat restoration and protection and more. 

Specifically, the funding was awarded to New Hampshire state wildlife agencies from the following:

• $6,741,058 from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act
• $ 3,996,614 from the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration (PRDJ) Act

“Wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation have deep roots in New Hampshire, which is why I’m proud to announce that $10.7 million is heading to our communities. Fish and wildlife protection is needed more than ever amid a rapidly changing climate, and to safeguard our outdoor spaces that drive New Hampshire’s robust tourism and recreation economies,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll continue securing resources for New Hampshire to strengthen our conservation programs, advance scientific research and improve hunting and fishing education. It’s imperative we act now to preserve our environment for generations of Granite Staters to come.” 

“New Hampshire’s great outdoors — from our Seacoast to the White Mountains— defines us as a people and as a place. Granite Staters are fortunate to be able to enjoy these resources as part of our every day lives and are also glad to welcome people from around the globe who come to celebrate our state’s incredible beauty,” said Senator Hassan. “But it’s increasingly clear that the climate crisis is threatening our environment, including vulnerable wildlife. This funding builds on our conservation efforts while also helping strengthen our outdoor recreation economy. I look forward to seeing this funding in action and continuing to help New Hampshire get the funding it needs so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.” 

“Outdoor recreation and tourism are a central part of our economy in New Hampshire, making conservation efforts even more vital to the well-being of our communities,” said Rep. Kuster. “This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding will support critical conservation efforts in the Granite State and help to bolster wildlife protection projects across our state. New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful land in the country, and I will continue working in Congress to preserve it for generations to come.”

“New Hampshire’s communities and our economy are rooted in our natural surroundings, and it’s of the utmost importance that we protect wildlife and habitats,” said Rep. Pappas. “These funds will support wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation and will benefit our state for generations to come. I’ll keep fighting in Congress for programs that will support New Hampshire’s economy, environment, and way of life.”

Rooted in the Pittman–Robertson Act of 1937, the Dingell–Johnson Act of 1950 and the Wallop–Breaux Amendment of 1984, the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program establishes a conservation partnership among state wildlife agencies, the outdoor industry and the Service. When hunters, anglers and boaters purchase equipment and fuel, the manufacturers, producers and importers of those goods pay into the Wildlife Restoration, Sport Fish Restoration and Boating trust funds. The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Funds was reauthorized in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These funds are distributed by the Service to ensure wildlife agencies in all states, commonwealths and territories receive support.

Shaheen and Hassan have led efforts to safeguard our natural environment. They urged the Biden administration to repeal an order and policy changes made in the final hours of the Trump presidency that would have hurt conservation efforts in New Hampshire. They have fought to secure full funding and permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation.

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