Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 717

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-04-03T08:05:45Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act of 2025 aims to provide financial and technical support to improve habitat connectivity for migratory big game (such as deer, elk, and moose) and other wildlife. It focuses on identifying and conserving "movement areas" (paths or habitats wildlife use for seasonal travel or colonization) through voluntary, science-based efforts. The act builds on existing federal initiatives, including a 2018 order on big-game winter ranges, a wildlife crossings pilot program under transportation law, and a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative on migratory big game.

Key Provisions

• Wildlife Movement and Movement Area Grant Program (Section 4): Establishes a non-regulatory grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (a nonprofit established by federal law). Grants fund projects to enhance habitat in movement areas, such as securing land leases, modifying fences, acquiring non-federal land, creating conservation easements (voluntary legal agreements to protect land), improving water flow, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, and altering roads or infrastructure. Eligible applicants include state wildlife agencies, tribes, nonprofits, universities, associations, federal agencies, and counties. Proposals require support from state or tribal wildlife agencies. Federal funding covers up to 90% of costs (with a 10% non-federal match, which can be cash or in-kind contributions like donated labor); waivers are allowed for tribes, disadvantaged communities, or poverty areas. At least 50% of funds must target big game. Authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026–2031; the Foundation submits biennial reports to Congress and agencies.

• State and Tribal Migration Research Program (Section 5): Provides direct funding to state fish and wildlife agencies and tribes for collecting and analyzing data on movement areas (e.g., their locations, features, and management needs). Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's science program. Authorizes funding for 2026–2031.

• Amendments to Existing Programs (Section 6): Updates the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act to allow its funds to provide technical assistance to other federal agencies for voluntary conservation of migration corridors and seasonal habitats on private or tribal lands. Reauthorizes the program through 2031.

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mapping and Research Support (Sections 7–8): Directs USGS to maintain a team for technical assistance in mapping movement areas using GPS data or other scientific sources, prioritizing needs from states and tribes. Builds on ongoing efforts while protecting sensitive data (e.g., to safeguard property rights, privacy, and prevent poaching). Requires annual public reports on mapped corridors and habitats, integration with state programs, and biennial congressional reports on project outcomes. Amends USGS funding law to authorize appropriations for 2026–2031, with at least 50% for connectivity projects.

• Coordination Mechanisms (Section 9): Appoints a senior federal coordinator in the Department of the Interior with expertise in big game movement to advise states, tribes, agencies, and the Foundation, and track activities. Requires regular interagency meetings among Interior, Agriculture, and Transportation departments to align funding and streamline partnerships with states, tribes, and nonprofits. Authorizes funding for 2026–2031.

• Limitations and Protections (Section 10): Prohibits use of funds for mandatory changes to farming, livestock, forestry, energy development, mining, or water rights. Includes a "savings clause" ensuring the act does not:
• Alter state or tribal authority over wildlife management (including on federal lands).
• Affect tribal treaties or property/privacy rights.
• Limit public access for hunting, fishing, shooting, or recreation.
• Impact military training.
• Create new federal land designations or migration routes.
• Change other federal conservation laws.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to include technical support for migration conservation on private and tribal lands, shifting from general habitat work to targeted wildlife movement efforts.
• Reauthorizes and refocuses USGS funding (under a 1960 law) to prioritize at least 50% of resources on big game and wildlife connectivity projects.
• Introduces new grant and research programs tied to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with specific matching requirements and waivers not previously detailed in similar initiatives.
• Mandates a dedicated federal coordinator and interagency meetings, formalizing collaboration across departments without altering their core authorities.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases funding and coordination for the Departments of the Interior (e.g., Fish and Wildlife Service, USGS), Agriculture (e.g., Forest Service), and Transportation, potentially streamlining wildlife-friendly infrastructure projects like safer roads. Enhances USGS's role in data mapping while emphasizing data protection.
• Citizens: Supports voluntary habitat improvements that could reduce wildlife-vehicle accidents, benefiting drivers and rural communities. Preserves recreational access (e.g., hunting, fishing) and protects private landowners from involuntary restrictions, potentially aiding farmers and ranchers through collaborative conservation.
• International Relations: No direct impacts; the act is domestic-focused on U.S. wildlife and lands, with no provisions affecting borders or foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State and Tribal Wildlife Agencies: Receive direct funding for research, grants, and mapping support; must endorse grant proposals.
• Federal Agencies: Interior, Agriculture, and Transportation departments gain resources for coordination and technical assistance.
• Nonprofits and Associations: Eligible for grants; the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation administers the main program.
• Landowners and Private Sector: Benefit from voluntary partnerships for easements or modifications without mandatory changes to land use.
• Communities and Institutions: Tribes, disadvantaged or low-income areas, universities, and counties can access waived matching funds or research support.
• Recreational Users: Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts retain access rights, with indirect benefits from healthier wildlife populations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces voluntary, non-regulatory approaches to conservation, aligning with federal organic acts (core laws governing public lands) and avoiding takings of private property under the Fifth Amendment (by prohibiting non-voluntary changes). The savings clause preserves state sovereignty over wildlife (a traditional state power under the Tenth Amendment) and tribal self-determination under federal Indian law.
• Constitutional: No expansions of federal authority that could infringe on property rights or state/tribal jurisdiction; explicitly avoids new land designations, which might otherwise trigger Endangered Species Act reviews or public input requirements.
• Political: Promotes bipartisan collaboration (introduced by representatives from both parties) on Western wildlife issues, emphasizing partnerships over mandates. Could influence future infrastructure funding (e.g., via transportation ties) but includes safeguards against regulatory overreach, appealing to rural and conservation interests.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-01-23: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-23: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (17 pages)