Fact Sheet
Private: Fish and Wildlife Agency Funding Fact Sheet
July 27, 2021
Policy Options
Conservation Funding
Overview
Wildlife agencies are responsible for the vast majority of state-level wildlife, ecosystem and landscape conservation. Historically, the funding for this conservation work has been dependent on license fees and excise taxes on equipment for hunters and anglers. These sources currently generate nearly 60% of the funding for state wildlife agencies. However, these recreational activities are decreasing in popularity which has led to a drop in state level conservation funding. States are looking for alternative funding sources for state conservation activities, including state parks. Here are some examples of conservation funding sources states have established outside of hunting and angling.
State Options
- Outdoor Recreation Tax – Dedicate sales tax revenue from sale of recreation equipment to state conservation work. Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act & Texas Sporting Goods Sales Tax
- Lottery Proceeds – Invest a portion of lottery proceeds to conservation funding. GOCO Colorado
- Conservation Stamp – A stamp (required or optional) purchased when attaining a hunting or fishing license and proceeds are dedicated to protecting habitat, land access or other conservation measures. Colorado Habitat Stamp & Wyoming Conservation Stamp
- Private Donation Fund – Private donations are used by state government to purchase public access across private lands. MT-PLAN Fund in Montana
- Trust Fund Tax – Use revenue from a tax on the transfer of certain real estate for conservation purposes. Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Grant and Trust Fund & Vermont’s Housing and Conservation Trust Fund
- State Matching Funds – State agrees to match funds for certain conservation projects from local governments or private landowners. North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund & LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Fund
- Constitutionally Dedicated Fund – Dedicated fund to protect fish, wildlife, land and water. Minnesota Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment
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