Policy focused conservation organizations are applauding the U.S. Senate unanimously passing America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act. Having already passed the House of Representatives, ACE now heads to the President’s desk where it is expected to be signed it into law.

There are many legislative acts and rules that benefit conservation and natural resources in our country. But ask a few sportsmen to name a few, and chances are you’ll find little public knowledge of the crucial means by which our way of life is protected, funded, and regulated. 

ACE includes the reauthorization of one government initiative sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts nationwide should be especially interested in. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which bolsters fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation, and protects access for anglers across the nation.  

According to Ducks Unlimited, since its enactment in 1989, NAWCA has conserved almost 32 million acres and created an average of 7,500 new jobs annually. It is a voluntary matching grant program that leverages non-federal and federal funds for wetland restoration. Every dollar spent by the federal government, on average, receives a $3 match from program partners like Ducks Unlimited. NAWCA grants totaling more than $2.1 billion have leveraged over $4.3 billion for NAWCA projects through matching funds. The ACE Act reauthorizes NAWCA at $60 million a year until 2030.

“America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act impacts many of North America’s foundational conservation programs,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “From national initiatives like NAWCA to regional partnerships like the Chesapeake Bay Program, this bill will strengthen our ability to conserve wetlands and other waterfowl habitat in all 50 states. Its passage indicates a strong finish for the 118th Congress, and we thank Reps. Wittman and Thompson and Sens. Carper and Capito for their leadership. We look forward to carrying this bipartisan momentum for conservation into the new year.”

ACE was a priority for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). Made up legislators at the national and state levels, CSF works tirelessly for sportsmen and women in Washington DC and in statehouses nationwide, regardless of the political landscape, to pass legislation beneficial to fish and wildlife, and our rights and privileges to hunt and fish. 

“CSF thanks the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Members who were instrumental in seeing the ACE Reauthorization Act clear Congress and head to the President’s desk for his signature. This legislation demonstrates yet again that conservation and issues of importance to sportsmen and women continue to be bipartisan issues across Congress,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “We look forward to the President quickly signing this bill into law to deliver on-the-ground, meaningful conservation for fish and wildlife as well as a key protection for our nation’s anglers.”

The ACE Reauthorization Act includes a 5-year protection to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating the use of lead fishing tackle under the purview of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Despite efforts by the environmental community, the EPA has consistently reaffirmed that they do not have the authority to regulate lead tackle under TSCA.

ACE will fund projects and programs nationwide. For most state fish and game agencies, federal funding is crucial for management and upkeep of public resources. 

“These programs are indispensable to the scientific management of our natural resources, empowering state agencies to ensure abundant fish and wildlife, healthy habitats, and recreational opportunities for all Americans” said Judith Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association. “On behalf of the state agencies entrusted to steward these resources and the millions of hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists across the country, we thank Chairman Carper (D-DE), Ranking Member Capito (R-WV), and the entire Senate for once again passing this bill unanimously.”

The original cosponsors of ACE were Senators Boozman (R-AR), Cardin (D-MD), Mullin (R-OK), Padilla (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wicker (R-MS).

See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
driftwoodoutdoors@gmail.com

Pic: America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act will fund wetlands and wildlife nationwide.  

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