With careful monitoring and effective management, the Service conserves, protects and enhances populations and habitat for more than 800 bird species safeguarded by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Information on bird habitat and populations helps the Service and its partners develop needed conservation actions. The Service also works with states to design annual hunting framework regulations to help ensure healthy game populations in the future and fairly distribute hunting opportunities. A federal permit program authorizes take of migratory birds primarily for scientific collecting and controlling birds that are causing damage. The Service works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services and with states to promote healthy bird populations and reduce human conflicts with birds such as over-abundant Canada geese and double-crested cormorants.

Support to States

The Service distributes more than $116 million a year in grant funds to the 13 states in the Northeast Region and the District of Columbia. The Division of Federal Assistance manages grant programs to conserve endangered species, wildlife that is hunted and fished, and to protect wildlife habitat on public and private land. Money for the Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs comes from federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment and motor boat fuels. The funds go to state fish and wildlife agencies for research, management, aquatic and hunter education, private land stewardship, boating and fishing access facilities, fish hatcheries, and wildlife management areas.

Federal Assistance funds research on Canada lynx in northern Maine. The results provide guidance for states on identifying and monitoring lynx populations, as well as guidance for private landowners and government agencies on land management practices for lynx conservation. New Hampshire’s aquatic education program uses Federal Assistance funds to teach educators, students and other citizens about watersheds, aquatic ecology and fisheries. They also learn how to enjoy angling and to become effective natural resource stewards.

This partnership between the states and federal government benefits fish and wildlife and provides public access for wildlife-associated recreation and education for hunters, anglers and the public.