October 27, 2025
The Association of Fish and Agencies (Association) applauds Congress for passing the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 (H.R. 2316), ensuring that critical funding will continue to support wetlands conservation and habitat projects in North America. On October 23, the Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent, following passage by the House earlier this year via voice vote.
“We are deeply grateful to the leadership of both chambers and Chairs Capito (R-WV) and Westerman (R-AR-4), Ranking Members Whitehouse (D-RI) and Huffman (D-CA-2), and the bill’s original sponsors, Reps. Hurd (R-CO-3) and Elfreth (D-MD-3) for ensuring expedient passage of this legislation,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “This bipartisan victory reinforces our longstanding commitment to wetlands conservation, ensuring that future generations of Americans can enjoy the wildlife and outdoor traditions that define our heritage.”
The Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act reauthorizes the use of unallocated Federal Aid Interest from the Wildlife Restoration Fund to implement the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Since 1991, NAWCA has benefited more than 31 million acres from 3,200 projects in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, contributing to the long-term recovery of many wetland-dependent birds.
“With passage of this legislation, Congress is enabling states and their partners to continue making NAWCA one of the nation’s most successful conservation programs,” said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association. “Voluntary partnerships driven by enthusiastic landowners and on-the-ground managers set the standard for effective conservation, and we thank our many partners for their support.”
These efforts have leveraged $4.7 billion in non-federal contributions and delivered measurable benefits to waterfowl, other wildlife, and communities through flood mitigation, water purification, carbon storage, and enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities. With Senate passage, H.R. 2316 will now be sent to the President’s desk for signature and enactment.
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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.