The wildlife restoration program encourages community stewardship of local natural resources by providing opportunities for the public to learn about conservation ethics and safety

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 awarded $1.46M to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning & Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611). The award, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, funds a comprehensive wildlife restoration initiative emphasizing community stewardship and public education. Primary deliverables include hunter education programming with archery skills training, coordination of wildlife restoration projects, operations and maintenance of existing facilities, and ecological surveys and research focused on eligible species and their habitats across the territory.

The funding supports the territorial government's wildlife conservation mission through multiple service components. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct hunter education and safety training, manage and maintain wildlife facilities, implement habitat restoration activities, and conduct research on species of conservation concern such as sea turtles, ground lizards, and West Indian whistling ducks. This formula grant, derived from federal excise tax revenues on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, represents part of the broader Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act framework that provides dedicated funding to eligible state and territorial agencies for wildlife management and hunter safety initiatives.

We primarily provide training and opportunities to practice archery skills in hunter education. This award also supports coordination of wildlife restoration projects, O M for existing facilities, and surveys research for eligible species and their habitats.