Federal Conservation Laws

Lacey Act of 1900

Prohibits market hunting, making it a federal offense to transport unlawfully taken wildlife across the state, first federal law protecting wildlife, was a response to reduce and eliminate market hunting

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

Protects migratory birds and regulates safe use of bird parts, nests and eggs from unregulated hunting and collecting, saved the snow egret, whooping crane, and several species of waterfowl

Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929

Created the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, considers and approves federal land acquisition for wildlife refuges and any other lands acquired for wildlife by non-federal agencies using federal funding

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934

was enacted to protect fish and wildlife when federal actions result in control or modification of streams, rivers and other water bodies, ensures US Fish and Wildlife Service is involved in evaluating impact of work which alters and affects natural landscapes and resources

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of 1934

Duck Stamp Act, requires each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age to possess a valid federal hunting stamp, creates large amount of funding which is used to purchase waterfowl and wetland habitats

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937

Pittman-Roberson Act, provides funding to state wildlife agencies for restoration of wildlife, funds acquired through an excise tax on the purchase of sporting arms and ammunition

Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950

Dingell-Johnson Act, provides federal aid to states for management and restoration of fish, funds are collected from an excise tax on various fishing equipment

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956

Establishes the right for every citizen to fish for enjoyment, aims to increase public opportunities for recreational use of fish and wildlife resources, establishes programs to continue research on fish and wildlife

Endangered Species Act of 1973

Protects and recovers species which are endangered or threatened, seeks to prevent extinction among species which are at risk