America’s public lands are synonymous with iconic fish and wildlife species such as pronghorn antelope, cutthroat trout, black bear, wolverine and mule deer, but these species, as well as countless others, face increasing pressures brought on by a changing world.
A growing population and associated development, energy exploration and production on public lands, as well as a changing climate all combine to put stresses on our fish and wildlife populations on public lands. Healthy, sustainable fish and wildlife populations signify healthy public lands, and healthy public lands provide countless benefits to people and communities across America.
Defenders of Wildlife supports enactment of America’s Wildlife Heritage Act, which would bring balanced, common-sense approach to wildlife management on our U.S. national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The legislation ensures that the fish and wildlife we currently enjoy on our national forests and BLM lands remain healthy and that populations remain sustainable into the future. The bill provides public land managers with sound, science-based tools for conserving wildlife – tools that help us fulfill our obligation to maintain America’s fish and wildlife legacy for future generations.