The Biden Administration recently announced the 18 members of the new Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council, which was created in February of 2022 as an advisory panel to guide the federal government in fishing, hunting, habitat conservation, and shooting sports issues. The U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture subject matter experts from various fields, including ranching, archery, deer, waterfowl, upland, and Tribal resource management.
"Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts have some of the deepest connections to wildlife and form the bedrock of habitat conservation efforts," said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in a press release. "I look forward to working with the Council as we advance efforts to expand access to the great outdoors, address climate change, and safeguard the wildlife and health of the natural systems that supply our food, water, and other resources. This kind of engagement is at the heart of the America the Beautiful initiative and the Biden-Harris administration's broader conservation strategy."
The recently formed council is a reincarnation of the 2010 Wildlife Hunting and Heritage Conservation Council, established by the Obama Administration. That council was disbanded in 2018. In 2006 George W. Bush initiated the Sporting Conservation Council, which had a similar goal. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the current advisory council. Council members meet twice a year and have a three-year term.
Current council members are:
- Colin Beck
- Ryan Busse
- Jeffrey Crane
- Michael Crowder
- John Devney
- George Dunklin Jr.
- Bethany Erb
- Daniel Forster
- Cole Mannix
- Collin O'Mara
- Lucas Martinez
- Lydia Parker
- Joel Pedersen
- Land Tawney
- Keith Tidball
- Lauren Ward
- Gerald (Tony) Wasley
- Joel Webster
Alternate Council members are:
- Edward Arnett
- Brad Brooks
- Kathleen Falk
- Mark Hennelly
- Blake Henning
- Wayne Hubbard
- Marshall Johnson
- Simon Roosevelt
- Roberta Salazar-Henry
- Andrew Schmidt
- Theodore Sedgwick
- Michael Van Fossan
"This group of sportsmen and women will provide USDA and DOI vital insight in how we can strengthen wildlife conservation, expand recreational access, and promote rural economic development," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They are a critical partner in preserving America's wildlife and hunting heritage and advancing our work to protect our nation's precious lands and waters. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to conserving, connecting, and restoring America's lands, waters, and wildlife, and I look forward to working with members of the council to help achieve these objectives."
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