TOPEKA — Senator Jerry Moran has signed onto a bipartisan wildlife conservation bill, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, that will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to locally-led efforts to help at-risk wildlife species nationwide.

“Too many Kansas wildlife species are experiencing steep declines. This bill will allow us to restore habitat and address the problem at the scale necessary, in collaboration with volunteering landowners,” said Brad Loveless, Secretary of Kansas Wildlife and Parks. “We thank Senator Moran for cosponsoring collaborative conservation efforts that will benefit our wildlife and our way of life."

The bill would send $17.9 million to the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks which the agency will use to implement its State Wildlife Action Plan. The plan identifies 285 priority species, including the Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Neosho Madtom, Swift Fox, and Southern Plains Bumble Bee. 

Federally recognized tribal nations, including the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Kansas Kickapoo Tribe, would share $97.5 million annually to fund wildlife conservation efforts in the lands they manage.

“Saving the thousands of at-risk wildlife species will require bold, bipartisan leadership,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are so grateful to Senator Moran for leading the way on the historic Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This bill will have an immediate impact – saving species, creating jobs and protecting our way of life in Kansas and all across the country.”

A similar bill passed the House on a bipartisan vote last session, with support from Representative Sharice Davids. Senator Moran also cosponsored a Senate version last session. It passed out of committee but never received a floor vote, despite having 47 bipartisan cosponsors.

“The Kansas Wildlife Federation is excited for Senator Moran to engage in this bipartisan process. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do something great for wildlife and we thank our legislator for being part of the important work on behalf of all Kansans,” said Jeff Seim, board president of the Kansas Wildlife Federation.