One of the central features of the bill is the establishment of the Wildlife Movement and Movement Area Grant Program. This program is designed to provide funding for projects that enhance wildlife movement areas. These range from habitat leases and fence modifications to reducing human-wildlife vehicle collisions and modifying roads and infrastructure. The bill defines “big game” as large native mammals like deer, elk, pronghorn, wild sheep, and moose, which state and Tribal agencies regulate.
The effort is built on an inclusive framework, with eligible recipients including State and Tribal wildlife agencies, transportation departments, nonprofits, educational institutions, federal agencies, and county governments. The goal is to foster voluntary collaborations and coordinated actions among these entities. A significant aspect is the collaboration with private landowners to improve and conserve habitats.
Additionally, the bill establishes the State and Tribal Migration Research Program. This initiative will provide funds directly to State wildlife agencies and Indian Tribes, helping to collect and analyze data on animal movement areas. The funds will be managed through the Science Applications program of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), aiming to produce scientific reports that can guide further conservation efforts.
A standout provision in the bill is the cooperative agreement that the Secretary of the Interior must enter into with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to administer the grant program. The foundation will be responsible for issuing competitive matching grants, prioritizing proposals backed by State or Tribal agencies.
The financial structure of the program mandates that federal funding cannot exceed 90% of a project’s total cost, with the remaining 10% to be covered by non-federal resources, either in cash or in-kind. Exceptions for this requirement can be made to benefit Indian Tribes or areas of persistent poverty.
Funding the initiative is a key point, with the bill authorizing necessary appropriations for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2030. Notably, at least 50% of these funds will be allocated to projects directly conserving big game movement areas. This focus helps ensure that significant resources are directed to areas with high conservation impact.
In addition to grant funding, the bill modifies existing legislation to extend the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program through fiscal years 2025 to 2030, allowing it to support voluntary migration corridor and seasonal habitat conservation on private and Tribal lands.
Mapping efforts form another core component of the bill. The US Geological Survey (USGS) is tasked with continuing its Corridor Mapping Team, collaborating with State agencies and Tribes to map movement areas using GPS and other scientific data. These maps are crucial for understanding and guiding conservation efforts.
The interagency coordination element is underscored by the creation of a new high-level position within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. This Senior Executive Service employee will coordinate the actions required by the bill, ensuring seamless collaboration among State, Tribal, and federal agencies.
The bill also includes several safeguards aimed at protecting the rights of landowners and ensuring the voluntary nature of the conservation efforts. Importantly, it specifies that none of the funding will enforce changes in agricultural or livestock production, forestry practices, or interfere with existing rights related to energy development, mining, or water use.
Ultimately, the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act takes a comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation by leveraging partnerships and scientific research, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that financial mechanisms are in place to support sustained efforts. If passed, it will represent a significant step forward in the preservation and connectivity of wildlife habitats, promoting healthier ecosystems and benefiting not just wildlife but also future generations of Americans. The bill next moves to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration before potentially advancing through the legislative process.
