Habitat Enhancement Now Act

This bill creates two grant programs to help boost duck nesting and survival. It focuses on simple tools, like “hen houses” (nesting structures on posts in wetland “prairie potholes”), and on improving breeding habitat. Lawmakers say duck numbers are hurt by the loss of good nesting areas and low nest success, and that nesting structures are a proven, cost‑effective way to help. It also encourages habitat work in California, including incentives for willing landowners to add nesting cover and small ponds for ducklings.

Key points

• Who is affected: Groups eligible for grants, private landowners in California, and communities in the prairie pothole region where many North American ducks nest.
• What changes: The Interior Department must set up two competitive grant programs—one to place, build, and maintain hen houses in the prairie pothole region, and one to support breeding habitat work in California (nesting cover, brood ponds, and landowner incentives).
• When: The programs must be created within 180 days of the law taking effect, with funding set for fiscal years 2026–2030. Each program would receive $3.5 million per year during that period.