Hunting, Fishing Groups Release Statement on 30 by 30 Concept
October 20, 2020
Today, the nation’s leading hunting, fishing, and habitat conservation organizations released a statement on the Thirty by Thirty Initiative (30 by 30 Initiative) to establish a goal of placing 30% of the planet’s lands and waters under protected status by the year 2030.
- Recognizing the positive role that hunting and fishing play in conservation;
- Protected area definitions that allow for well-managed and sustainable wildlife-dependent activities;
- Consideration of existing protected areas and other management strategies that achieve biodiversity conservation in measuring progress toward stated goals;
- Targeted, science-based conservation measures developed through a stakeholder-driven process to address biodiversity threats; and
- Clearly defined roles and authorities for the entities charged with carrying out the 30 by 30 Initiative proposal.
“In addition to the $3 billion that hunters, anglers, and recreational shooters contributed directly last year alone, sportsmen and women continue to lead on conservation in the United States and around the world. From permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund to leading the charge for non-game Species of Greatest Conservation Need through the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, we are advocating for policies that support biodiversity. Collectively, we are an asset for fish, wildlife, and habitat and we’ll continue to ensure this remains the case as elected officials consider ambitious goals in the conservation space.” – Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
“Hunters and anglers are asking for a thoughtful approach to safeguarding our nation’s lands and waters.  In order to find common ground and achieve lasting results, complex management issues need to be resolved with input from a diverse set of stakeholders. We want a conservation roadmap that ensures biodiversity so the next generation of sportsmen and sportswomen can enjoy the outdoors.” – Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
“America’s 50 million recreational fishermen not only have a significant economic impact of $125 billion annually but also contribute substantially to conservation through excise taxes, fishing license purchases, and direct donations. Continued access to our nation’s fisheries is critical for maintaining and building our stewardship of these resources. Recreational fishing is entirely compatible with conservation targets like the 30 by 30 Initiative.” – Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association
“Protection of America’s lands and waters is something that should be important to every sportsperson. As these protections are considered, it is essential that the benefits of active management are recognized for biodiversity. It is also critical that regulated hunting and fishing be allowed to continue where appropriate. Not only is regulated hunting and fishing compatible but at times essential for managing biodiversity and ensuring sportspersons’ support. Sportsmen and sportswomen have always been champions of conservation for all species and habitats.” – Becky Humphries, CEO, National Wild Turkey Federation  Â
“America’s sportsmen and women play a central role in large scale conservation efforts nationwide. From species management to critical conservation funding derived from license sales and excise taxes, they truly are the original conservationists. Ensuring they continue to have access to public lands and waters and a seat at the table when discussing the future of species biodiversity will allow wildlife populations and conservation efforts to thrive for generations to come.” – W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI and SCI Foundation
Jeremy Mallette is co-founder of International Sportsman. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has spent more than a decade in the outdoor industry, from hiking and camping to silencers and hunting. His father taught him to shoot at age six, and he received his first firearm at age eight — a 1942 Colt Commando .38 special revolver. He enjoys yearly trips to Kansas for pheasant hunting, spending time with his children at the deer lease, and collecting unique firearms.