Applauding Secretary Zinke in Issuing Secretarial Orders on Day One
Washington – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies applauds today's announcement of Secretarial Order 3346and Secretarial Order 3347 by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. These orders revoke a non-toxic ammunition and fishing tackle order signed by the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on January 19, 2017 and "enhance conservation stewardship, increase outdoor recreation, and improve the management of game species and their habitat."
"Outdoor recreation is about both our heritage and our economy. Between hunting, fishing, motorized recreation, camping and more, the industry generates thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity," said Zinke. "This package of secretarial orders will expand access for outdoor enthusiasts and also make sure the community's voice is heard."
"I would like to thank Secretary Zinke for taking these important steps to soundly affirm his interest in working cooperatively with the conservation community," said Nick Wiley, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "He has done a great service to our hunters and anglers, the firearms and angling industries and the public trust by issuing these Orders. We look forward to working closely with our federal partners at the Department of Interior to deliver the best possible stewardship of America's fish and wildlife resources."
"Secretary Zinke's quick action by issuing these two secretarial orders on his first day at the Department of the Interior demonstrates his commitment to our outdoor recreation heritage and economy," said Executive Director Ron Regan. "These Orders demonstrate an understanding of the important role hunters, target shooters, boaters, and anglers play in the conservation of fish and wildlife resources."
Secretarial Order 3347 notes: "President Theodore Roosevelt loved the outdoors, vigorously hunted wildlife, and developed a uniquely American Conservation ethos… As a servant of the American people, the Department will continue to strengthen President Roosevelt's conservation stewardship legacy through this Order by seeking to expand recreational and conservation opportunities for all Americans."
Secretary Zinke was joined by representatives from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Boone and Crockett Club, Wild Sheep Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Rifle Association, Safari Club, National Wild Turkey Foundation, Archery Trade Association, American Recreation Council, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, and National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Secretary Ryan Zinke signing Secretarial Orders- March 1, 2017
Photo Credit: Department of the Interior, Tami A. Heilemann
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America's fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association's member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.
Contact: Patricia Allen
Director of Communications
202-838-3461 office I 443-808-6437 cell
pallen@fishwildlife.org
