Habitat Enhancement Now Act

This bill sets up two grant programs to help duck and other waterfowl populations by boosting nesting success, alongside ongoing habitat work. One program funds “hen houses” (simple nest structures on posts) in the Prairie Pothole Region, a key breeding area for many North American ducks. The other program supports breeding habitat projects in California, like planting nesting cover, creating brood ponds, and paying willing landowners to do these activities on their land. Both programs are competitive, and applicants submit proposals to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The goal is to raise nest success with proven, low-cost tools and modest investments. The department must launch these programs within 180 days of the law taking effect.

Funding is set for fiscal years 2026–2030: $3.5 million each year for the hen house program and $3.5 million each year for the California breeding habitat program. The bill explains why this matters: duck numbers are threatened by habitat loss and poor nest success, and studies show nesting structures are an efficient way to help.

• Key points
  • Who is affected: Waterfowl in the Prairie Pothole Region and in California; landowners and groups that can apply for grants.
  • What changes: New grants for hen houses and for habitat work like nesting cover and brood ponds; incentives for willing California landowners.
  • When: Programs must start within 180 days of enactment; funding runs 2026–2030.