CEO Michael Butler Advocates for Sound Conservation Policy in D.C.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation closely monitors local, state, and federal legislation, and advocates for sound conservation and wildlife management policies. As such, the Federation works hard to ensure we understand current issues and communicate with legislators at all levels of government.

Recently, CEO Michael Butler traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with several members of the Tennessee congressional delegation and attended a Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation event.

The Federation is currently monitoring several issues and communicated updates to the delegates. These issues include:

• • The national monuments review conducted by the Department of the Interior. Tennessee Wildlife Federation opposes changes to monuments that would diminish conservation of important wildlife habitats and impact public access. This sentiment was reiterated in D.C.
  • Public lands access. The Federation firmly believes there are many benefits to keeping public lands public. In order to continue to benefit from public lands, it is important to advocate for policies allowing greater access to and scientific management of federal public lands.
  • Dedicated wildlife funding. If enacted, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) will dedicate already existing energy and mineral development revenues to implement State Wildlife Action Plans, which is vital for conserving non-game species.

>>READ MORE: Recovering America’s Wildlife Act

• Conserving the Hatchie River. Our policy team is working hard to ensure conservation of the Hatchie River and its habitats by evaluating support for a possible National Wild and Scenic River designation.

At the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation dinner, Butler connected with many conservation partners from across the nation, including Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Greg Sheehan.

“These face-to-face opportunities are valuable to promoting sound conservation and stewardship practices as well as to communicate issues important to outdoors sportsmen and women. We work hard to champion the conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources and appreciate the support of our congressmen and women,” said Butler.