State Wildlife Action Plans guide states in setting their conservation priorities for the next 10 years. In 2025, the vast majority of states will be revising their plans, and part of this process involves seeking public input. This presents an important opportunity to advocate for protecting animals not just for human benefit or hunting interests, but for their own sake.

Public involvement is one of the eight required components of creating a State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). These plans designate critical habitats, identify specific threats to animal species, and outline strategies to mitigate those threats. It is crucial to ensure that these plans do not disproportionately focus on large game species but instead take a comprehensive approach that includes all animals in need of protection.

So, how can you get involved with your state’s SWAP? First, find out if your state is reviewing its plan this year by checking this list. If your state has an open public comment period, submit your input. If not, email your state’s wildlife commissioner or relevant officials to ask how you can participate. Refer to the document and your state’s specific webpage to determine the appropriate contact.

When submitting a comment, consider the species most in need in your area. You can start by reviewing your state’s threatened and endangered species list. Some general recommendations you can make for a SWAP include:

• Incorporating more amphibians and reptiles, as amphibians are among the most at-risk animals for extinction.
• Protecting pollinators, whose populations are declining at alarming rates.
• Reducing trapping and implementing stronger regulations to protect fur-bearing animals.
• Expanding education on coexistence and improving conflict management strategies for predator species.
• Prioritizing habitat connectivity to ensure safe migration and movement for animals.
• Emphasizing the use of unbiased scientific research to inform decision-making.
• Creating long-term plans that take the effects of the ongoing climate crisis into consideration

You can learn even more about SWAPs and how to get involved by visiting Wildlife For All.

Want to take it a step further? Engagement doesn’t have to stop at submitting comments. You can also advocate for your state legislature to allocate adequate funding to implement the strategies outlined in the SWAP. Without proper funding, even the best plans remain just words on paper. It is also essential to push for transparency, accountability, and ongoing public involvement at all stages of the process.

This is a unique opportunity to speak up for wild animals of all kinds. Let’s ensure that the plans being drafted serve North America’s wild animals well for the next decade.

In the meantime, you can find out more about what we’re doing and how to help by visiting our Wild Animals campaign.