Update: The Senate version was formally introduced in August.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act – backed by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in the Senate and Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) and Don Beyer (D-Va.) in the House – will help address the threat habitat loss and fragmentation poses to big game and other species. The bipartisan legislation will provide funding and technical assistance for states and Tribal Nations to research and implement voluntary conservation projects, including habitat improvement, fence modification, and efforts to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. 

“Wildlife needs connected habitats to move freely. Wildlife migrations are one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles, but they are easily disrupted by and lost to fragmented landscapes,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of hunting and fishing policy. “We’re so pleased that Senator Padilla and Representatives Zinke and Beyer have stepped up with this bill that will provide states, Tribes and others on the ground with the resources they need to identify and maintain the movement areas used by species like elk, mule deer and pronghorn. This bill illustrates once again that wildlife conservation is an area where both sides of the aisle can find common ground.”

“California cannot conserve and protect our state’s incredible biodiversity without investing in wildlife connectivity,” said Howard Penn, executive director of the Planning and Conservation League. “Senator Padilla’s Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act will help ensure states and Tribal Nations have the resources they need to implement these important projects. We thank the Senator for supporting common-sense solutions to the challenges facing fish and wildlife in the 21st century.”

Read more: Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act factsheet