Protecting our nation’s wildlife conservation programs — including the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program, National Wildlife Refuge System, Migratory Bird program, National Forests, Endangered Species Act – is an important way to ensure that future generations can enjoy the wealth of wildlife.

Wildlife Funding Fly-In

Angela Rossman (Idaho Wildlife Federation Board of Directors), Hector Galbraith (Director, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences) and Naomi Edelson (NWF) [Photo: Karen Dante

Sixteen local leaders and experts from around the country gathered in Washington DC to advocate for the protection of wildlife conservation programs, driving home the message that funding cuts are shortsighted and will lead to more extinctions of wildlife and job loss.

It was inspirational to observe these participants drop their work schedules and other commitments in the blink of an eye and rush to chaotic DC. It took me some time to understand their quick response and then it came to me – they truly care about wildlife.

When asked what were his reasons for attending this fly-in,  George LaPointe,  an active member of the Natural Resources Council of Maine Board of Directors passionately replied that it is because “wildlife is the soul of our people and our country and … it is equally important as education and human services and should be seen as such.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

My Story – Advocating on the Hill

Karen Dante (NWF), Angela Rossman (Idaho Wildlife Federation Board of Directors), Naomi Edelson (NWF) with Senator Crapo [Photo: Peter Stegner

While the bald eagle has been taken off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, it is still possible without funding or with cuts to conservation programs under the Fish & Wildlife Service that the iconic American national bird could once again face endangerment or worse yet, become extinct. 

Help prevent having to tell our grandchildren stories that begin with – “There once lived a beautiful bird species known as the bald eagle, which was often used as a symbol for our nation. Sadly, the species no longer exists.”

While there still remains more to do, we have not lost this battle. It is evident from this successful event that we have taken great strides in raising the profile of wildlife funding programs.

I urge you to tell your personal wildlife story to a friend, an elected official or anyone that will listen and help them understand why it’s important to conserve vital conservation programs, and as a result, protect our nation’s wildlife. An ounce pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take action today!