A significant legislative initiative is underway in the United States Congress, aimed at enhancing sport fisheries and recreational boating safety. The bill, known as the **Sport Fishing Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025**, designated as H.R. 3858, seeks to reauthorize the **Dingell-Johnson Act** as it marks its 75th anniversary. This legislation is crucial for maintaining funding mechanisms that support state wildlife agencies across the country.
The **Dingell-Johnson Act** has historically provided vital funding to state organizations such as the **Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission**, enabling them to improve public access to fishing, restore habitats, and stock game fish. As noted by **Mike Shields**, president of **AFW Fishing Brands**, the excise tax on sporting goods—up to 10%—is a primary source of revenue for the **Sport Fish Restoration Fund**. This funding model is essential for sustaining fisheries management and enhancing public fishing access in states like Pennsylvania.
Shields has actively supported the bill and recently testified before Congress, highlighting the success of the Sport Fish Restoration Fund. He emphasized that H.R. 3858 has garnered **bipartisan support** and recently advanced through the **House Natural Resources Committee**. He stated, “I was blessed to be invited to testify on behalf of this bill… The bill is steadily working its way through Congress.”
The significance of this bill extends beyond Pennsylvania. **Rob Shane**, Public Affairs Manager of the **American Sportfishing Association**, remarked on the importance of the Dingell-Johnson Act, stating, “It’s clear that the Sport Fish Restoration Fund is the cornerstone of the American conservation model.” Shane explained that the trust fund relies solely on excise taxes from sportfishing equipment and a portion of the motorboat fuel sales tax. If H.R. 3858 is not authorized, state wildlife agencies could face a substantial loss of funding. For instance, the **PA Fish and Boat Commission** received over **$10 million** this year, contributing to a total distribution of **$381.8 million** across all states.
Elk Cam Brings Wildlife to Viewers
In addition to legislative developments, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has launched a new **elk cam** that offers a live view of the state’s elk population. Located in the heart of **Pennsylvania’s elk range**, which spans over **220,000 acres**, the camera provides viewers with unique insights into the behavior of not only elk but also other wildlife such as turkeys and deer.
**Jason Beale**, Game Commission Division Chief for Conservation Education and Social Science, stated, “Pennsylvania’s elk herd connects people from throughout the country, in person or online, to these iconic animals of the North American wilderness.” The livestream, available at **www.pa.gov/pgc**, features high-definition video and sound, enhancing the viewing experience. Funded by **HDOnTap** and supported by the **North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission**, the elk cam will run until the end of the bugling season, expected around mid-October.
As the elk begin their seasonal activities, including vocalization and competition among bulls, interest in the elk cam is anticipated to grow. The best viewing times are typically late in the afternoon, providing an opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
For more details, the elk cam can be accessed on the Game Commission website, where viewers can experience the beauty and excitement of Pennsylvania’s wildlife firsthand.
The progress of H.R. 3858 underscores the commitment to sustaining fish populations and habitats while enhancing public recreational opportunities. As these initiatives unfold, they reflect a broader dedication to conservation and the protection of natural resources for future generations.