WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 6, 2025 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) and conservation partners in the Pacific Northwest applauded the introduction of the Northwest Wetlands Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) Act, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID). 

The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act is a bipartisan bill that would create a new grant program under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to provide critical water infrastructure and on-the-ground habitat needs for waterfowl and migratory birds in the Columbia River Basin and along the Washington and Oregon coasts. These areas are important habitats for waterfowl breeding and migratory needs, as well as for other wildlife species like salmon and steelhead. 

"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," said Sen. Wyden. "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." 

"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," said Sen. Crapo. "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."

If passed, these grants will be directly accessible to western landowners and managers, such as farmers and ranchers, who need reliable water supplies and infrastructure for their operations. They will also help develop partnerships with other eligible grant recipients, such as Tribes and nonprofit organizations like Ducks Unlimited.

Along with DU, the legislation is supported by a host of nonpartisan, regional conservation organizations, including the Idaho Wildlife Federation, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture (Pacific Birds), the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT), Oregon Agricultural Trust, Idaho Sportsmen, and more. 

"We’re thankful to Senators Wyden and Crapo for introducing the Northwest Wetlands VIP Act," said Jeff McCreary, Ducks Unlimited Director of Operations for the Western Region. "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 the Columbia River Basin."

"The Columbia River Basin holds critical habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent species," said Joe Buttafuoco, COLT Executive Director. "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 is strongly aligned with the priorities of Pacific Birds," said Glenn Lamb, Vice Chair of the Pacific Birds Board of Directors. "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. 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."

"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. As our wetland habitats face long-term threats of degradation and fragmentation, this legislation is all the more critical," said Nick Fasciano, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation. 

"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. 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," said Nellie McAdams, Executive Director of Oregon Agricultural Trust. 

"Access and opportunity for the sportsmen and women of Idaho who hunt, fish, trap and recreationally shoot, is paramount," said Benn Brocksome, founder and chairman of Idaho Sportsmen. "In a state where water is our most precious resource, Idaho farmers and landowners are working hard to provide more managed wetlands and habitat. 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." 

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.


Media Contact:
Parker Williams
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