The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced over $1.3 billion in apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation and connect people with nature.
Montana will receive more than $24 million in wildlife restoration and hunter education apportionments.
Montana will receive more than $10 million for sportsfish restoration apportionments.
This critical funding is generated by manufacturers who paid federal excise taxes last year on ammunition, firearms, archery and angling equipment, and a fuel and small engine tax. The funds are disbursed to partner fish and wildlife agencies through grants by the Service’s Office of Conservation Investment.
This state-industry-federal partnership was established almost a century ago with the support of concerned sporting and conservation organizations, sporting manufacturers and conservation professionals who recognized the need to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat. Since 1937, more than $29 billion has been distributed through annual apportionments to monitor and manage our nation’s fish and wildlife resources, support hunter and aquatic education, and improve access for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and boating.
“Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding is vital to supporting collaborative conservation efforts, enhancing fish and wildlife health, and ensuring clean water and outdoor access for all,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “This partnership represents one of the most effective conservation tools in the world and is critical to strengthening the connection between people and nature.”
Along with the more than $29 billion distributed through annual apportionments, partner fish and wildlife agencies have contributed over $9 billion in investments throughout the program’s history. Through these combined funds, agencies have supported monitoring and management of over 500 species of wild mammals and birds, annual stocking of over 1 billion fish, operations of fish and wildlife disease laboratories around the country, and provided hunter and aquatic education to millions of students. These funds have also supported operations and maintenance of over 800 target ranges and opening of over 36 million acres of land to hunting and angling.
To view the Service’s final apportionment of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration grant funds for Fiscal Year 2025 and historic funding amounts visit www.partnerwithapayer.org/funding-sources/.
For more information about the Office of Conservation Investment visit https://www.fws.gov/program/office-conservation-investment or www.partnerwithapayer.org.
