Number: 2017-11
WHEREAS, the Wilderness Act of 1964 contains the will of the Congress that “nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the several States with respect to wildlife and fish;” and
WHEREAS, several administrative decisions concerning fish and wildlife management in wilderness areas made through interpretation of the Act, appear to be in conflict with this statement of intent by the Congress; and
WHEREAS, consistent with applicable federal and state laws, the states and federal government each have management responsibilities affecting fish and wildlife, and should endeavor to work cooperatively in the fulfillment of these responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, state wildlife agencies have experienced significant fish and wildlife management restrictions within wilderness areas including project delays, increased costs, and legal challenges which has often led to difficulty for the states in maintaining and restoring wildlife populations and habitat conditions including effective and functioning wildlife water sources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual convention assembled June 8-10, 2017 in Stevenson, Washington, hereby supports the authority of the various federal and state wildlife agencies to manage wildlife populations and their habitats in wilderness areas; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports inclusion of the following language by the Congress of the United States into future wilderness area designations: “fish and wildlife is hereby recognized as a critical wilderness component in all wilderness areas; accordingly, fish and wildlife management activities designed to protect, maintain and enhance native fish and wildlife populations and their habitats shall be regarded as furthering the purpose of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131-1136).”