Florida’s mangrove forests, longleaf pine savannas, wetlands, springs, estuaries, and coastal plains support more than 250 species unique to the state. Florida’s natural beauty makes it an international destination–and outdoor recreation generates $49 billion annually.
Unfortunately, many of Florida’s iconic wildlife species are endangered or at risk due to loss of habitat, invasive species, toxic algae outbreaks, and other threats. However, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) will dedicate funding to help these at-risk species before they become endangered— creating jobs and helping wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Each state has a wildlife action plan designed to take preventative action for species in decline. These plans are congressionally mandated, but they are funded at less than 5% of what’s needed to implement them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) develops and implements Florida’s plan.
Florida’s wildlife action plan identifies 690 wildlife species that need conservation assistance. In 2023, FWC proposed adding plants to the plan – 596 plant species. This addition will also provide additional funding to protect and recover plant species.
RAWA would direct $39.5 million every year to Florida wildlife managers to prevent extinctions, invest in on-the-ground conservation projects, and recover species before they’re on the brink of disaster. The current level of funding in Florida is $2 million a year, which is woefully inadequate to help the species at risk.
Florida has the most to lose if we don’t pass RAWA. But we also have the most to gain when it does pass.
The RAWA’s approach is just plain common sense and fiscally conservative. If the Endangered Species Act is the emergency room for species on the edge of extinction, RAWA will invest in proactive and preventative care for plants and wildlife — and without intrusive or heavy-handed federal intervention.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
This truly bipartisan bill is one of the most critical conservation bills Congress has considered in decades. It remains a top legislative priority for the Federation as we seek more bipartisan co-sponsors. We celebrated Senator Marco Rubio’s co-sponsorship earlier in 2024 and we need YOU to help us secure more bipartisan support and get a version introduced in the House.
All of Florida’s leaders need to help get this historic, bipartisan bill across the finish line and ensure that Florida’s unparalleled wildlife and outdoor heritage can endure for future generations.
Please sign the petition urging your member of Congress to cosponsor and work immediately to pass RAWA.