Bill > HR717

This bill establishes two main programs to support wildlife movement and migration research: the Wildlife Movement and Movement Area Grant Program and the State and Tribal Migration Research Program. The grant program will provide competitive matching grants (up to 90% federal funding) to various eligible recipients, including state agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and universities, to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife, particularly big game species like deer, elk, and moose. Projects can include habitat leases, land acquisition, fence modifications, and infrastructure changes to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will administer the grants, with at least 50% of funding dedicated to big game movement areas. Simultaneously, the research program will provide direct funding to state and tribal wildlife agencies to collect and analyze data on wildlife movement areas. The bill also includes provisions for mapping wildlife corridors through the U.S. Geological Survey, enhancing interagency coordination, and extending existing conservation programs. Importantly, the bill includes safeguards to protect private property rights, agricultural practices, and existing land use permissions, ensuring that participation remains voluntary and does not impose mandatory changes on landowners or existing resource development activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/717/all-info