Conservation programs receive major boost in spending bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. March 11, 2022 The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to fund the federal government through September. Funding for several critical conservation programs was included in the legislation, with increased funding for one of DUs highest priority programs, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

The legislation also provides funding for several programs that allow farmers, ranchers and private landowners to conserve, protect and be the best possible stewards of their land.

When legislators are debating funding for the federal government, its reassuring to know conservation has a seat at the table. said DU CEO Adam Putnam. DUs volunteers, members and staff work tirelessly to ensure legislators understand the importance of our priority conservation programs, such as NAWCA, and the funding included in this legislation is a significant pay-off for that hard work. This Congress clearly values the work of DU and our conservation partners, and were eager to help transition these dollars onto the landscape for the betterment of waterfowl habitat, farmers and ranchers, local communities and our environment.

Notable conservation programs to receive funding:

• North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) $48.5 million
• Partners for Fish and Wildlife $57.7 million
• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) $348 million
• Delaware River Basin Restoration Program $10.5 million
• Chesapeake Bay Program $88 million
• Chesapeake WILD Program $4 million
• North American Waterfowl Management Plan/Joint Venture Programs $15.56 million
• National Wildlife Refuge System $519 million
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) $300 million
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) $450 million
• Conservation Technical Assistance $760 million
• State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Programs $72.6 million