Game and Fish agencies across the United States have unveiled new initiatives and policy updates in recent days as they work to address challenges facing native fish and wildlife. The U S Fish and Wildlife Service, together with its partners, announced more than 23 million dollars in funding for fish habitat conservation in 2025. This allocation, delivered through the National Fish Habitat Partnership, will support 53 on the ground projects in 29 states, with substantial additional contributions from nongovernmental organizations and state agencies. These projects are designed to restore and reconnect fish habitats, improve water quality, and strengthen local fish populations. Efforts will range from removing barriers to fish passage and restoring stream banks to addressing drought-related impacts and closely monitoring conservation needs across the country, including in urban, suburban, and tidal wetland areas from Alaska to Vermont. This funding also ensures continued coordination of habitat partnerships and the establishment of national conservation priorities according to the Service

Another major development comes from the U S Fish and Wildlife Service’s ongoing work to strengthen its Endangered Species Act section ten program, which aims to balance the needs of conservation with those of private landowners and industry. The Service is currently inviting public comment and information about ways to improve the process of issuing permits and developing habitat conservation plans. These efforts are designed to incentivize voluntary conservation and streamline compliance for those whose activities may unintentionally affect protected species. Public input will help shape how the agency protects vulnerable fish and wildlife while working collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders

In state news, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has begun the process of amending regulations related to live wildlife management, following a comprehensive five year review. The proposed changes are intended to clarify existing rules, ensure regulatory consistency with state and federal laws, and simplify processes for the public. Arizona residents have until early July to submit comments on the proposals, and the department will also host a public meeting in Eagar this September for oral input

Several other states are focusing on targeted issues. Florida recently held hearings on reinstating a limited black bear hunting season, citing scientifically based management to restore ecological balance. In Colorado, wildlife officials addressed livestock predation by gray wolves, opting for lethal removal in a specific incident in Pitkin County. Meanwhile, in Wyoming, officials are seeking information related to the illegal killing of pronghorn, highlighting ongoing concerns about wildlife crime

The U S Fish and Wildlife Service has also distributed over 55 million dollars in wildlife grants to state agencies as part of the State Wildlife Grant Program, supporting critical actions aimed at preventing new federal listings of threatened species and recovering those already at risk. This funding is distributed based on a formula relating to state population and geography and must align with the conservation priorities outlined in each State Wildlife Action Plan

Across the country, Game and Fish agencies are focusing on strengthening partnerships, enhancing regulatory clarity, and investing substantial resources in the conservation of fish and wildlife, with a clear trend toward collaborative and locally led solutions. These coordinated efforts reflect a growing emphasis on long-term habitat resilience, adaptive regulation, and public input to address the complex needs of fish and wildlife in rapidly changing environments.