Make sure you know how your state funds conservation efforts
Suzanne Anglewicz
As hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists, our sights are often focused first on the many diverse landscapes and natural resources surrounding us, but as 2025 state legislative sessions kick off in state capitols, there is a critical political landscape to also consider. Most conservation-based initiatives begin, or could possibly end, with the stroke of a pen in a political office. Ensuring durable and adequate funding to support Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s habitat and access priorities gives much to monitor throughout the states this year!
It is easy to agree on the need for adequate sustainable habitat and abundant wildlife, but the work to achieve this is more complex in considering sound conservation policy and the necessary public funding that furthers the mission. Conservation funding in the states is fueled by a wide variety of sources such as dedicated revenue streams, state general funds, state budget allocations, federal programs and matching federal funds among others, all of which are uniquely tied to each state’s laws, legislative procedures, as well as regulatory mechanisms.
As the state legislatures commence, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Government Affairs staff are monitoring these efforts state by state. In some states, it is merely identifying the in-state mechanisms that exist and, in turn, working to maximize and expand those opportunities for habitat and access efforts. In other states, it is creating new conservation funding where it does not exist at all or accomplishing the heavy work to garner the dollars needed for those funds through budget or appropriation processes. In some cases, the work turns to defending funds from being dismantled or diverted which often requires Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to showcase the critical work of our staff on state-specific projects.
While each state is uniquely situated with their resources and motivations, the one common thread is the demand for resources to support ongoing conservation efforts in the states is more than what is currently available. While Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will continue the critical advocacy work surrounding these efforts, be sure to take note of how your state funds conservation efforts. You can be a conservation advocate by making sure your elected officials understand the long-term value of protecting habitat, hunting, and outdoor recreation in your state and how it all starts with their support in funding these efforts.
Stay tuned for more legislative developments throughout the year as Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever continue the work to set our mission for habitat up for success in the states!
Advocating for Conservation
It takes good habitat to produce abundant wildlife and opportunities to hunt—but it also takes robust public funding and sound conservation policy. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s dedicated Government Affairs team works in Washington D.C. and state capitols across America to create and secure funding for programs that benefit the uplands, from the rugged backcountry to the neighboring farm’s “back 40.” Thank you to our chapters, volunteers and members for the generous grassroots and Legislative Action Fund (LAF) support that makes this work possible.
To learn more about PF & QF’s policy priorities and ways you can help advocate for conservation, visit this page or email advocacy@pheasantsforever.org.