Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops Pledge Conservation Dollars in Memory of President Jimmy Carter

Washington D.C. (January 6, 2025)- Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops have announced a One Million Dollar Conservation pledge to support conservation causes President Jimmy Carter championed for many years, all aimed to help introduce more kids to the joys of fishing hunting and the great outdoors.  The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is honored to be part of the disbursement of these dollars to support wildlife law enforcement.

Other conservation organizations benefiting from this support include:

• American Wetlands Trust (aligned with Ducks Unlimited) representing President Carter’s longtime commitment to clean water initiatives.
• National Wild Turkey Federation in recognition of President Carter’s passion for turkey hunting and wildlife habitat.
• Vamos A Pescar Education Fund, named in honor of fellow conservationist President George H.W. Bush to engage Hispanic families and youth with fishing, boating and conservation.
• National Wildlife Federation benefiting youth education and participation in nature.
• Gateway to Fishing Program supporting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide fishing opportunities for urban youth who may not otherwise have access to the joys of fishing.

“The Association is proud to remember and honor President Carter and his enduring legacy in shaping the future of conservation,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  “This funding will offer strategic capacity for state fish and wildlife agencies to address illegal wildlife trade and other conservation law enforcement challenges.”

Among President Carter’s many accomplishments, some of his notable conservation achievements include the implementation of the 1978 National Parks and Recreation Act, his Wildlife Law Enforcement Initaitative– eliminating obstacles inhibiting enforcement efforts, and the “Carter Amendments” to the Clean Water Act focused on preserving and restoring natural values of wetlands and floodplains.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, on Facebook /AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies and on Twitter @fishwildlife.