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In addition to ecological concerns, there is a need to satisfy a growing interest in wildlife among 

 outdoor recreationists Many Americans pursue wildlife-related activities such as viewing, 

 feeding, and photographing of wildlife, hiking, backpacking and camping According to the US 

 Fish and Wildlife Service Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife- Associated Recreation, in 1991, 

 approximately 76 million Americans participated in these activities, and spent a total of $59 billion 

 on trips and related equipment to support their interests These data suggest that user fees on 

 outdoor recreation products can indeed generate significant funding to support comprehensive 

 wildlife programs throughout the country Outdoor recreationists are willing to pay a small fee 

 to support the conservation of all wildlife 



In 1980, Congress recognized the needs of this expanding group of constituents by passing the 

 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act This law recognizes the value of nongame species programs 

 at the state level, but unfortunately it was never funded Teaming With Wildlife is the 

 legislative proposal that can make comprehensive programs work 



Support Of The Initiative 



A broad coalition of over 900 groups, including industry, sportsmen's and conservation 

 organizations, support Teaming With Wildlife In addition, the scientific wildlife and fisheries 

 management communities represented by The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society 

 endorse it. Collectively, these groups represent millions of Americans who are willing to pay for 

 conservation benefits 



Importantly, there are leaders in the outdoor recreation industry who do support the initiative as 

 well Companies such as BASS Pro Shops (retail outdoor recreation products), Swarovski Optik 

 (optica! equipment), American AGCO (wild bird products), and Arundale Products (bird feeder 

 manufacturer) strongly endorse Teaming With Wildlife As leaders m their various market 

 niches, these companies understand the value and growth that the initiative will bring to their 

 respective businesses As for the support at the state-level, several governors from across the 

 nation endorse the initiative, including the governors of AK, GA, OR, VT, NM, AR, LA and FL 

 These state political leaders support Teaming With Wildlife as indicated by endorsements from 

 all the wildlife agencies in the 50 states 



Mechanics Of The Initiative 



Teaming With Wildlife is modelled af^er the highly successful Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration 

 programs, supported actively by sportsmen and industry The minimal excise tax on hunting and 

 fishing equipment goes to the states in the form of grants to develop and promote fish and wildlife 

 research, conservation, and management efforts All interested parties have a say m how the 

 funds are spent at the state level. 



