Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops recently announced a One Million Dollar Conservation pledge to support conservation causes President Jimmy Carter championed for many years, all aimed to help introduce more kids to the joys of hunting, fishing and a lifelong appreciation of the great outdoors. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is one of the organizations honored to be part of the disbursement and has already earmarked its portion to support wildlife law enforcement.
“The Association is proud to remember and honor President Carter and his enduring legacy in shaping the future of conservation,” said Judy Camuso, commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “This funding will offer strategic capacity for state fish and wildlife agencies to address illegal wildlife trade and other conservation law enforcement challenges.”
Other conservation organizations benefiting from the generosity of Bass Pro Shops and its founder, Morris, include American Wetlands Trust, Vamos A Pescar Education Fund, National Wildlife Federation, Gateway to Fishing Program and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Among President Carter’s many accomplishments, some of his notable conservation achievements include the implementation of the 1978 National Parks and Recreation Act, his Wildlife Law Enforcement Initaitative–eliminating obstacles inhibiting enforcement efforts—and the “Carter Amendments” to the Clean Water Act focused on preserving and restoring natural values of wetlands and floodplains.
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.