Crapo, Wyden Introduce Bill to Improve Wetland Habitats in the Pacific Northwest
Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve wetland habitats in the Pacific Northwest.
“Preserving critical wetland habitat is vital to protecting open landscapes for the diverse species--including numerous varieties of birds and fish--that call Idaho home,” Crapo said. “Investments in public-private partnerships in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest will help keep wild spaces wild and protect the natural wonders that Idahoans treasure.”
“Restoring our wetlands is about more than just providing habitat for birds and other wildlife living along the Pacific Northwest coast. It is about investing in the watersheds where Tribes, farmers and other local Pacific Northwest communities have maintained their way of life for generations,” Wyden said. “Our bipartisan bill will make sure Oregonians and people across the Pacific Northwest can continue to benefit from healthy landscapes that provide the clean water and habitat that make our region so special.”
The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act would establish a federal grant and assistance program empowering government agencies, tribes, nonprofits and landowners, among other entities, to work together in both restoring and enhancing habitats for wetland-dependent birds living in the Columbia River Basin and along the coast of Oregon and Washington. These projects include water infrastructure and management and enhancement of vegetative habitat, which could be implemented on public, private, Tribal and other land determined by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act is endorsed by Idaho Wildlife Federation, Idaho Sportsmen, Ducks Unlimited, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts and Oregon Agricultural Trust.
“We appreciate Senators Crapo and Wyden introducing the NW Wetlands VIP Act. Sportsmen and the wildlife we work to conserve--as well as area farmers that are such critical partners in landscape conservation--will benefit from the habitat restoration opportunities and infrastructure improvements that this legislation will provide,” said Nick Fasciano, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation. “As our wetland habitats face long-term threats of degradation and fragmentation, this legislation is all the more critical.”
“Access and opportunity for the sportsmen and women of Idaho who hunt, fish, trap and recreationally shoot, is paramount. In a state where water is our most precious resource, Idaho farmers and landowners are working hard to provide more managed wetlands and habitat,” said Benn Brocksome, Founder and Chairman of Idaho Sportsmen, Access & Opportunity. “Many landowners in Idaho, and across the West, share our conservation goals and work with sportsmen in a pragmatic and collaborative way to meet the needs of Idaho. These efforts should be supported, bolstered and recognized with the passage of this important bill.”
“This important legislation will bring much needed resources for improving water infrastructure to provide multi-benefits for agricultural lands and wetland habitats in the Northwest and Columbia River Basin,” said Jeff McCreary, Operations Director for the Western Region of Ducks Unlimited. “We are thankful to Senators Wyden and Crapo for introducing the Northwest Wetlands VIP Act.”
“The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act is strongly aligned with the priorities of Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture (Pacific Birds). The bill supports wetlands conservation on the coast of Oregon and Washington and within the Columbia River Basin; areas that are vital for millions of waterbirds and wetland-dependent species. The proposal represents a smart federal investment in durable ecosystems, strong partnerships, and natural and working landscapes,” said Glenn Lamb, Vice Chair of the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Board of Directors. “It offers an actionable way to advance Pacific Birds’ priorities and deliver real benefits for wildlife, communities and the economy of the Pacific Northwest. The NW Wetlands VIP Act emphasizes collaboration among Tribes, nonprofits, local governments and landowners--consistent with Pacific Birds’ partnership-driven approach. This bill will provide resources for the installation, maintenance and replacement of critical infrastructure, which aligns with Pacific Birds’ goal to support long-term habitat management while emphasizing multi-species benefits and multi-benefit projects, and empowering collaborative on-the-ground action.”
“The Columbia River Basin holds critical habitat for migratory birds and other wetland dependent species,” said Joe Buttafuoco, Executive Director at Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT). “COLT and our members are thrilled about the bipartisan NW Wetlands VIP Act. This bill would offer grants that land trusts, Tribes, private landowners and nonprofits can use to improve habitat, manage invasive species and restore floodplain connectivity. Thank you to Senators Wyden and Crapo for advancing this important legislation.”
“The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act would bring critical infrastructure dollars to Pacific Northwest farmers and ranchers. These water management projects not only enhance and restore wetland habitat for migratory birds, but help producers improve agricultural production on parts of their properties,” said Nellie McAdams, Executive Director of Oregon Agricultural Trust. “The Act also provides funding to support conservation easements (up to 10% of the total grant award) which protect farms and ranches for agriculture and associated habitat.”
The text of the bill is here.
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