Georgia wildlife officials and advocates urge passage of big federal bill to fund conservation

There are more than 3,400 species of plants in Georgia, 265 species of freshwater fish, 89 reptiles – and, for the bivalve fans – 129 species of freshwater mussels. It’s one of the most biodiverse states in the nation. But funding to protect all those plants and animals can be hard to come by.

That’s why Georgia wildlife officials and advocates are urging Congress to pass a bill that would give a big boost to conservation work here and around the country.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, or RAWA, which has passed the U.S. House and is awaiting a vote in the Senate, would provide states, territories and tribal nations with about $1.4 billion annually.