On April 4, legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?s (FWS) Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program was introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), and co-sponsored by Senators James Inhofe (R-OK), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Boozman (R-AR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Corey Booker (D-NJ). The Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver (WILD) Act, S. 826, also increases the annual funding authorization from $75 million to $100 million. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (also known as the Partners Program) was established 30 years ago and provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners to improve their property for migratory birds and endangered or at-risk wildlife species. The program is voluntary and has been successful at building positive relationships with landowners while also improving important wildlife habitat. The legislation was voted out of the Environment and Public Works Committee on April 5 and could be considered by the full Senate when Congress reconvenes after the two-week Easter recess.

?Partners for Conservation has long recognized the value of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program,? said Pat O?Toole, Partners for Conservation board member and Wyoming rancher. ?Landowners know that partnerships can best provide for lasting species conservation across our Nation.?