Large information for nationwide wildlife refuges! Congressional leaders simply launched a funding invoice to maintain the federal government operating by March 14, 2025 (coincidentally the anniversary of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System!). However much more thrilling, this invoice contains $500 million for catastrophe reduction to restore nationwide wildlife refuges broken by hurricanes, floods, and extreme storms. The funding invoice’s closing passage and signing by President Biden is anticipated by the top of the week.
This funding comes at an vital time. Whereas it falls wanting the $581 million we requested, it represents an enormous step ahead for wildlife conservation and neighborhood assist. With out this funding, many wildlife refuges confronted the chance of everlasting harm, jeopardizing each wildlife and habitats, ecosystem protections for communities, and leisure alternatives for individuals.
Your Advocacy Made This Occur
This victory for refuges didn’t occur in a vacuum. It occurred as a result of Refuge Supporters all throughout the nation took motion. Over 80 Refuge Pals teams got here collectively to signal a strong letter to Congress, joined by robust assist from companions like Defenders of Wildlife and Coalition of Refuge Pals and Advocates (CORFA). Collectively, we delivered a transparent message: our refuges want funding to get better and proceed defending the wildlife and communities they serve. Take a look at the actual fact sheet right here >>
Not solely did you signal letters, however lots of you additionally submitted harm photographs and summaries that painted a compelling image of the pressing want for this funding. Our companions, CORFA, and Pals teams labored tirelessly to get this in entrance of decision-makers— and your efforts paid off!
The place The Funding Will Go
This $500 million will assist restore harm brought on by storms, hurricanes, and different disasters. Refuges like Merritt Island, Decrease Suwaneee, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay, Guam, Cape Romain, and others have all confronted vital harm, together with:
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Rebuilding roads, bridges, and amenities
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Restoring broken habitats
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Repairing levees and water management constructions
The Work Continues
Whereas this can be a main win, the invoice didn’t embrace $300 million for nature-based options— proactive investments that assist refuges defend communities from future disasters. This can be a hole we’ll be working to fill. Keep tuned for extra alternatives to advocate for these and different crucial investments within the Refuge System early subsequent 12 months.
Thanks for being a champion for nationwide wildlife refuges.