WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Maine will receive $16,194,065 from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program to support wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor sport in the state. The funding will help conserve Maine’s outdoors, manage wildlife populations, and support outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations.

“Outdoor recreation and sport is an essential part of the Maine’s history and culture, allowing Mainers to connect with the nature and wildlife that surround us,” said Senator Collins and King in a joint statement. “This new funding from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program will expand resources for our state’s incredible outdoor sport opportunities and support conservation programs to safeguard these treasured assets. This is a significant investment in Maine’s future and will boost the conservation of the state’s outdoors, wildlife, and recreation for future generations to come.”

“The Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program is the backbone of fish and wildlife conservation in Maine, protecting and enhancing Maine’s cherished fish and wildlife,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “This North American model of conservation is responsible for the recovery and conservation of iconic species such as bald eagles and moose, while also protecting and enhancing species such as brook trout and white-tailed deer throughout Maine. Hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund programs that benefit all of Maine and our wildlife.”

The WSFR program is distributing $1.5 billion nationwide to state wildlife agencies to support restoration, conservation, and management of wildlife for the benefit of the public, hunter education, and the development and management of shooting ranges. To date, the program has distributed more than $25.5 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. These programs work to foster cooperative partnerships between federal and state agencies. By working alongside hunters, anglers, and other outdoor interests, these programs serve to enhance recreational opportunities while advancing sustainable resource goals.  

The funding will be distributed to Maine programs as follows:

·       Sportfish Restoration programs will receive $3,997,809 to conserve Maine waters and over 70 species of freshwater and sport fish. This funding will also improve research and management of fish passage, expand angler and outdoor ethics education courses, and increase fishing and boating opportunities.

·       Wildlife Restoration programs will receive $9,865,260 from the federal funding to provide grants to agencies across the state that work on wildlife research, species reintroduction, and habitat management and restoration.

·       Hunter Education programs will receive $2,250,996 to develop and increase safe access to Maine hunting, fishing, and boating. 

With over one million people participating in wildlife-related recreation in Maine each year, Senator Collins and King have long worked to increase access to these opportunities while ensuring Maine’s outdoor treasures are preserved for generations to come. As cosponsors of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), Senators Collins and King helped advance GAOA to passage in 2020 and secured funding for Maine’s waterways through the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act. Recently, King also introduced a bill to create a “Waze for Parks” that would increase accessibility and eliminating overcrowding of national parks to ensure access while also protecting public lands. Senator Collins and King also recently introduced a bill that creates a dedicated source of funding for projects that expand outdoor recreational opportunities in urban and low-income communities across the nation.