More than 1,600 species of animals and plants are currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Another 12,000 species have been identified by state wildlife agencies as species of greatest conservation need that are declining and may require ESA listing if recovery efforts are not attempted. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) is a bipartisan initiative designed to support states, territories, and tribes to undertake proactive conservation initiatives to aid the recovery of vulnerable species or prevent wildlife and plant populations from reaching a critical status where they require protection under the ESA.

The approach combined an in-depth literature review, case studies from state fish and wildlife agencies and interviews with private companies and industry associations employing proactive strategies in the management of wildlife and plants in the course of doing business. This information will assist the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and its partners in advocating for proactive conservation efforts to prevent species listings. Additionally, these case studies illustrate how the RAWA can assist regulatory agencies to work with private businesses on proactive approaches to conservation and reduce new ESA listings and associated costs.