WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 19, 2025) — Wildlife conservation generates substantial economic benefits, according to a report from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “Conservation Economy in America: A Snapshot of Total Fish and Wildlife-Associated Direct Investments and Economic Contributions” documents how public and nonprofit contributions combined supported over 575,000 jobs nationwide and contributed $115.8 billion in total economic activity.

“When we save wildlife, we save ourselves. This important report affirms how wildlife conservation not only helps people thrive, but also grows local economies and creates jobs in communities across the country,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “This report is a clarion call for Congress and the White House that investing dedicated funding for state, Tribal, and territorial wildlife conservation will yield immense returns for taxpayers and future generations alike.”

More key findings from the report:

• $55.3 billion in direct spending on conservation - including habitat restoration, fish and wildlife management, and expanded public access - forms the backbone of the nation’s $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
• Conservation investments add $76.6 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and $16.3 billion in tax revenues for state, local, and federal governments.
  
• The federal government was the leading source of conservation funding, accounting for approximately 48% of all spending, but its share has been declining.