New study: overhaul of state wildlife management needed to halt biodiversity loss in the U.S.

A recent study published in the journal BioScience concludes that the current focus of state wildlife managers on providing hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities is a major contributing factor to the erosion of biodiversity in the U.S. According to the authors, the ongoing and widespread shrinking of wildlife populations and their ranges is an important but underappreciated aspect of the extinction crisis. State wildlife agencies are failing to address this aspect despite polling which shows the public favors restoration of biodiversity over other management goals. The authors cite a lack of democratic decision-making as an important reason for this misalignment. They also found that protecting more land under President Biden’s 30 x 30 initiative will not be sufficient to protect biodiversity without also reintroducing species that have experienced range contraction. The study confirms that reforms advocated by Wildlife for All and other groups are urgently needed to protect wildlife in the U.S. 

Bill to modernize wildlife conservation advances in New Mexico

A bill that would expand the mission and authority of the NM Department of Game and Fish to cover all wildlife species, as well as ensure broader public representation on the NM Game Commission, and increased hunting and fishing fees, is scheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Friday. House Bill 178, sponsored by Representative Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) cleared the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee last Saturday with a wide spectrum of groups voicing support. As introduced, it was similar to McQueen’s Game Commission reform bill passed by the Legislature in 2023 with bipartisan support but pocket vetoed by the governor. Parlimentarian rules allowed McQueen to reintroduce the bill during this session, even though it would normally have been ruled nongermane for the short “budgetary” session. Once introduced, McQueen proposed amendments essentially making the bill an omnibus package for wildlife management modernization. The reforms in the amended version of the bill received support from eleven non-profit organizations, including Wildlife for All, in the form of a letter to Governor Lujan Grisham in late 2023. 

“House Bill 178 is a crucial step towards revitalizing our approach to wildlife management in New Mexico,” said WFA’s co-Executive Director Michelle Lute. “It reflects a collaborative effort among diverse groups who share a deep commitment to our state’s natural heritage.”

You can help:

Please take a moment if you live in NM to contact members of the House Judiciary Committee before Friday to voice your support for HB178. 

Wildlife for All is hiring!

Wildlife for All is seeking a passionate and organized individual to join our team as a part-time Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator will play a crucial role in expanding and engaging our member base, fostering relationships, and ensuring the success of our fundraising and awareness campaigns. This part-time, permanent, and salaried position. To learn more and apply, click on the Idealist.org listing here.