North American Conservation Model
Throughout the 19th century, voices in support of nature were rising, and a pivotal supreme court case settled wildlife and fish as a public resource for all citizens. At the turn of the 20th century, wildlife populations of all stripes were in steep decline, including many game species that are now abundant today. In response, the federal government acted both in the protection of wild places for habitat and recreation, and in the passage of protective legislation.
To fund habitat conservation, the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 and the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 were passed to tax sales of hunting and angling equipment. The presence of non-profit organizations also increased. Now, the overwhelming trend is that fewer people are hunting, prompting a search for alternative funding. Additionally, spreading out the funding source could also help spread out the weight of more diverse voices in conservation conversations.