Gosar Amendment to Protect States' Role in Wildlife Management Clears Key Hurdle

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) issued the following statement after his amendment, which requires coordination between the Department of Defense, the Fish and Wildlife Service and States concerning wildlife management on lands adjacent to military installations, was successfully included in H.R.4309 and passed the House Natural Resources Committee:

"My common-sense amendment ensures states are actively involved in coordinating natural resources and wildlife management projects that take place within their borders; our state and local officials are the true experts on the ground and should be allowed a decisive voice in determining what happens on their lands. This amendment strengthens a provision already found in the Sikes Act that requires state coordination with the Department of Defense and Fish and Wildlife Service to carefully balance wildlife management and conservation with military operations without compromising their mission."

Larry Voyles, Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said, "This amendment upholds the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation by reaffirming the long established authorities of the State to manage its wildlife in trust for her citizens."

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