What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and how can it help save animals like the golden eagle?

Imagine a bird so majestic that when it spreads its wings, it nearly touches both sides of a room (8 feet wide). 

That’s the golden eagle, a symbol of the wild and free spirit of Colorado. These birds form lifelong partnerships and command territories, sometimes over 25 square miles, about the size of the city of Boulder, Colorado, soaring high and cooperatively hunting with incredible agility and skill.

Golden eagles are in trouble 

Despite their power and majesty, golden eagles face threats they cannot overcome alone. Urban growth, farming, wildfires, and industrial activities are taking away their homes. They’re also facing dangers from poisoned food, car strikes, electrical lines and shootings. 

Experts warn golden eagle losses could be more than these amazing birds can handle.

We can save the golden eagle and other Colorado wildlife

The golden eagle is not alone. All across America, too many mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects are in big trouble. 

In the U.S., more than 1,300 species need the protections of the Endangered Species Act, our nation’s premier wildlife protection law. They are either threatened or worse, endangered. 

The problem is they are not alone – there’s a long line of species approaching the point of needing to be added to the Endangered Species Act. 

Let’s protect wildlife before they become  threatened or endangered. 

We know which species these are. States have identified 12,000 species that are in need of conservation efforts but aren’t as bad off as those animals on the Endangered Species Act. And states have a plan to help them.

What is a state wildlife action plan?

Every state in the nation has its own wildlife action plan, a requirement set by Congress. 

These plans serve as detailed guides for safeguarding wildlife within each state. States first developed their plans in 2005, updated them in 2015, and are set to do so again in 2025.

The idea behind these plans is simple: state wildlife experts have the local know-how and are actively involved on the ground. This positions them perfectly to identify which species are facing declines and could benefit from extra conservation work.

What is Colorado’s state wildlife action plan?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has a plan that will encourage and support conservation actions that address Colorado’s species of greatest conservation need – again, before they need to go on the Endangered Species Act. 

Within the Colorado’s wildlife action plan a prioritized “Tier 1” species list (including the golden eagle) of greatest conservation need have been identified.

Colorado Tier 1 species that would be supported by the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act

The plan is incredibly valuable but we are missing a key piece, the funding necessary to carry out the plan.

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act

A bipartisan bill in Congress, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, would provide more than $1 billion per year to states. 

The bill is led by Senators Martin Heinrich from New Mexico and Thom Tillis from North Carolina. 

Passing the Act will be a game-changer, offering essential funding to protect the golden eagle and over 50 other Coloradan species on the conservation priority list.

The Act is a bold vision and pragmatic approach to helping species in need. Combining it with other existing wildlife and habitat laws would prove massively beneficial for wildlife.

Proactive intervention is a crucial element of the Act and state plans, aiming to protect species before they become endangered and preserve habitats before destruction occurs.

What are the key components of the Act?

Here’s how the act breaks down. Some highlights:

• $1.3 billion is for state agencies to carry out wildlife protection plans and other conservation activities. 
• $97.5 million goes to supporting wildlife conservation by Tribal groups. 
• 15% of the money is specifically for helping endangered and threatened animals. 
• States only need to provide 25% of the money they get from the federal government. Having states contribute ensures they are invested in the program’s success.

Help us protect the golden eagle and all of America’s Wildlife

You have the power to help. By urging our leaders in Congress to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, you’re standing up for the golden eagle and Colorado wildlife. 

Let’s not let these magnificent birds decline to the point of needing the Endangered Species Act. 

Join us – act now to secure a brighter future for them and the many generations to come.