Senators Boozman and Padilla Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen National Wildlife Refuge Management
U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation, the National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Partnership Act. This bill aims to strengthen habitat management efforts across the National Wildlife Refuge System by granting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) explicit authority to collaborate with state, tribal, and non-governmental organizations. The proposed legislation would expand opportunities for FWS to leverage external expertise, personnel, and equipment to maintain healthy habitats and support the diverse fish, waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species dependent on these lands. Unlike lands that can remain in their natural state, refuge habitats require active management. The bill would allow FWS to enter into contracts or agreements with nonfederal partners for habitat management, similar to existing authorities for the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service.
