Governor Mike DeWine [ [link removed] ]
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
October 17, 2019 *MEDIA CONTACTS:*
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
Jill Del Greco: 614-644-0957



GovernorDeWine Joins FellowGovernors to Support ProtectingAmericas Wildlife

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)**Ohio GovernorMikeDeWinejoinedgovernorsfromMichigan, Wisconsin,Pennsylvania,Illinois,andMinnesotainsendinga letter [ [link removed] ] tomembers ofthe U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources in support ofthe Recovering Americas Wildlife Act.

Thebillwoulddedicatealmost$1.4billion forfish and wildlife conservation effortsacross the country.

Future generations shouldhave the opportunity toenjoy Ohios wildlifeand wild places, said GovernorDeWine.Its our responsibility totakeproactive measuresthat will protectand conserve these vitaland vulnerable resources.

The billwouldprovideapproximately$1.3 billion for state-level conservation and $97.5 million totribal nationsannuallyto recover and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations.Funds would beused to accelerate the recovery of more than 12,000 species by implementing the strategies identified in each statescongressionally-mandatedState Wildlife Action Plan [ [link removed] ].

Its critical that wetake actionto protect the future of wildlife in Ohio,said Mary Mertz,director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.If passed, thisfundingwouldhelpour state toconserveits great diversityofspeciesand ensure that future generations can enjoy abundant fish, wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Ohio currently receives approximately $1.4 million in federal funding per year to protect, restore, and manage the states most at-risk species. Under the current proposal, Ohios portion of the funding would increase to an estimated $28 million annually, with a required non-federal match of approximately $9 million annually.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio has 94 species considered at risk of extinction,eitherglobally or nationally, and another 400speciesidentified asin-need.Once a species declines to the point of being listed, it is very difficult to recover.Taking proactiveandcollaborative measurestomaintain and recover populationsbeforethey become at-riskcan save taxpayer resources and allow businesses to operate with more regulatory certainty and reduced risk.

Other governorswho also signed the letterinclude J.B.Pritzker (Illinois), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Tim Walz (Minnesota), Tom Wolf (Pennsylvania) and Tony Evers (Wisconsin).The letter was sent totheU.S. House Committee on Natural Resourceschairman,Rep.Ral Grijalva,andranking member,Rep.Rob Bishop.


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