Another win for conservation

On the heels of Congress passing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the conservation community has achieved another legislative victory with enactment of the America's Conservation Enhancement Act.

The legislation, which was signed into law by the president late last month, reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act through 2025 while increasing funding to $60 million annually from $50 million previously.

The bill also reauthorizes existing — and establishes new — programs critical to the clean-up and restoration efforts of the Chesapeake Bay. This includes a reauthorization of the Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program for five years with increased funding of up to $92 million annually by 2025. Previously, the program was funded at only $73 million in 2019 and $85 million in 2020. In addition, the bill establishes a new habitat restoration program, Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense, under the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and with authorized funding levels of up to $15 million annually. Lastly, it reauthorizes the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, a system of more than 170 sites that help connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the Chesapeake region.

Seen as a momentous win for hunters, anglers, members of the land trust community and watershed advocates, this legislation is another example of bipartisan work on Capitol Hill. The bill's passage by voice vote in the House and unanimous consent in the Senate demonstrates that our voice — your voice — continues to be heard in Washington.

So for all those who helped propel this measure across the finish line, thank you. Because of your actions, we've chalked up yet another win for conservation — one that will benefit future generations for many years to come.