The work of America’s state fish and wildlife agencies has facilitated a miraculous recovery of many game species from the brink of extinction at the beginning of the 20th century.  Despite these successes, many wildlife species continue to decline, as evidenced by a staggering more than 1000 species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Recognizing the need to take action to prevent wildlife decline, more than 3000 groups came together as the Teaming with Wildlife coalition.  This coalition includes wildlife managers, conservationists, hunters, anglers and birdwatchers, nature-related businesses, and many others who support the goal of restoring and conserving our nation's wildlife.

1980

The Federal Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (“Nongame Act”) is passed by U.S. Congress to fund planning and conservation efforts for nongame wildlife.  While authorized at a $5 million level, no funds were ever appropriated.

1990

The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies establishes an Ad Hoc Nongame Funding Committee charged to develop a strategy for obtaining funding for the “Nongame Act”.  The general goal was to establish a trust fund to provide states with nongame funding similar to the federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson trust funds.

1991

A steering committee, composed of conservation organizations, was formed to develop strategy for the initiative.  IAFWA hired a wildlife diversity coordinator to conduct a public education effort and associated grassroots campaign to build support for the initiative.

1994

The “Bridge to the Future” Conference in St. Louis officially launches the Teaming with Wildlife initiative.  Over 400 conservation organizations are invited to join the TWW Coalition and IAFWA calls for a coalition and TWW coordinator in every state.

1998

By 1998 the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition had grown to include 3,000 member organizations.  While the initial funding proposal to expand the existing recreational equipment excise tax did not gain traction, our goal of a permanent and dedicated $350 million annual fund for wildlife conservation was included in the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA).  CARA included many other conservation programs and totaled $3.1 billion in conservation funding.  TWW now became part of a coalition of parks, historic preservation and coastal interests ultimately growing to be an over 5,000-member organizations strong CARA coalition

2000

CARA passes the House with over 300 votes!  Unfortunately, its large-scale and dedicated funding source did not survive a final compromise with the White House and Senate, but a State Wildlife Grants program was established.  It provides annual appropriations ($340M since inception) to the state wildlife agencies on a formula basis and mandates the development of Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies by October 2005.

2005

As the state wildlife agencies submit these action plans for wildlife, Teaming with Wildlife is mobilizing again.  Strategic communications, supported by polling data, will lay the groundwork for a reinvigorated coalition and will build public support for the financial resources these plans need for success.