WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)– U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minnesota.), a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, has put his support behind a bipartisan package of legislation to enhance hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities iacross the country.
On Tuesday, April 29, Sen. Franken cosponsored the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, which combines several measures to help ensure the continuation of Minnesota’s long tradition of using its outdoor resources for recreation. The package would provide resources for conservation programs important to hunters and anglers, improve access to public lands, and addresses issues that are unique in different parts of the country.
“In Minnesota, we have many generations of families who have used our state’s land, waterways, and natural resources for hunting, fishing, and many other recreational activities,” said Sen. Franken. “This bipartisan measure would enhance those traditions and help ensure that they continue. It includes a package of legislation supported by both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it enacted.”
Among other things, the package of bills:
–Reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which supports the acquisition, restoration and enhancement of wetlands critical to the habitat of migratory birds. In the past 20 years, the program has funded 1,600 projects that conserved 20 million acres of wetlands across North America
–Authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to allow states to provide federal duck stamps electronically.
–Allows states greater flexibility to spend federal funds so that shooting ranges on public lands can be built or upgraded.
–Directs federal land managers to consider the effects of management decisions on opportunities for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting. Requires that 1.5 percent of Land Water Conservation Fund dollars be dedicated to obtaining access for recreational users to public lands with limited public access.
–Reauthorizes the non-profit National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at $25 million annually for pressing environmental and conservation efforts.
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Preceding provided by Senator Al Franken