Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act Passed by the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Oct. 24, 2025 – Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act, which extends and reauthorizes the interest earned on funds held in the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund (Pittman-Robertson) to continue to be available for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

“The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is an essential pillar of American conservation efforts,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “Duck hunters are among the most passionate conservationists on the planet, and their investments sustain wetlands, wildlife, and the future of waterfowl. Thank you to our friends in Congress for ensuring that hunters’ investments continue to support the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, where they can go right where they belong – onto the landscape to restore habitat that benefits waterfowl, other wildlife, and our communities.”

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, imposes an 11% excise tax on ammunition, firearms, and archery equipment. Funds generated from this tax are then distributed to state game and fish agencies for conservation and restoration projects for wildlife and their habitats, hunter education, and other wildlife-related recreation.

NAWCA is an incredibly successful, non-regulatory, incentive-based voluntary wildlife conservation program that stimulates public-private partnerships to protect, restore, and manage wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. For more information on NAWCA, visit our dedicated NAWCA webpage here.

The bipartisan Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jeff Hurd (CO) and Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD).

“I’m proud this legislation passed the Senate and is heading to the President’s desk. This bill supports hunters, improves wetland health, and ensures future generations can enjoy the outdoors. It expands hunting opportunities and delivers real benefits for conservation efforts across the country,” said Rep. Hurd. “I’m honored to get this win for our hunters, wildlife, and America’s outdoor heritage.”

“The Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 is a critical continuation of funding from hunting sales to wildlife restoration efforts. In Maryland alone, this program has conserved over 58,000 acres of wildlife habitat through over $16 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funding. I’m grateful my colleagues in the Senate have moved forward this crucial piece of legislation so we can ensure generations of sustainable sportsmanship opportunities to come,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.

The legislation will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to follow DU’s Twitter feed – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.