USFWS R5 Federal Aid: Wildlife Restoration Program

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration

PURPOSE:

Since 1937, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program has provided funds to state fish and wildlife agencies for:

The restoration, conservation, management, and enhancement of wild birds and mammals, and the provision for public use of and benefits from these natural resources.
The education of hunters and archers in the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to be responsible, competent sportsmen and women

WHERE FUNDS COME FROM:

Where do Wildlife Restoration funds come from?

A federal excise tax is collected from manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. This tax is passed on to the hunter and shooter, who benefit from the recreational and educational opportunities created with the funds; users pay, and users benefit.

When these are purchased:	This portion of the wholesale price supports wildlife:
Rifles and Shotguns	11%
Shells and Cartridges	11%
Pistols and Revolvers	10%
Archery Equipment	11%

WHAT FUNDS ARE USED FOR:

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds can be used for:

Research into problems affecting wildlife populations
Acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitats
Wildlife population surveys
Management of wildlife areas
Reintroduction of wildlife species
Construction of facilities to enhance wildlife or the public enjoyment of them
Hunter education programs
Construction of shooting ranges
Communicating results of research and management activites to the public
Technical assistance to landowners
Funds cannot be used for law enforcement or public relations activities for the purpose of promoting the state fish and wildlife agency.

State fish and wildlife agencies submit proposals for projects that address their needs and priorities. States are reimbursed for 75% of the cost of eligible projects, providing a 25% match, typically using hunting and fishing license fees to match Federal Aid funds.

How Wildlife Restoration Funds are Collected and Distributed

How wildlife restoration funds are distributed to the states in the northeast region

For additional information regarding this Web page, contact Dee Mazzarese, in the Northeast Region Division of Federal Aid Office, at dee_mazzarese@fws.gov

Return to theUSFWS Northeast Region Division of Federal Aid
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Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page