Sponsors (2)
Provides modest, targeted annual funding to support nest structures and local conservation jobs and to boost waterfowl nesting success, but diverts limited Interior operations funds, may leave some high‑priority projects unfunded, and imposes administrative burdens on participating landowners.
Conservation organizations and state/local agencies receive reliable funding: $7 million per year through FY2030 for two programs, enabling sustained conservation planning and partnerships.
Rural and tribal landowners (and participating homeowners) can receive grants to build and maintain nest structures, creating local conservation jobs and providing direct payments to landowners.
Migratory waterfowl in targeted regions are likely to experience higher nesting success due to funded nest structures and breeding habitat restoration, improving regional populations and associated ecological benefits.
Taxpayers and other Interior priorities bear the cost: $7 million per year is drawn from DOI departmental operations funds, which may reduce funding available for other Department of the Interior programs or services.
The program's limited funding level (only $7M/year) means some high‑priority habitats and projects will likely remain unfunded, reducing the overall conservation impact and leaving gaps in coverage.
Individual landowners may face administrative burdens to apply for and comply with grant requirements, which could deter participation by smaller or resource-limited landowners.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes two DOI competitive grant programs and funds them $3.5M each per year for FY2026–FY2030 to improve waterfowl nesting and breeding habitat in the prairie pothole region and California.
Official title: Establish grant programs to sustain populations of species of migratory waterfowl through the deployment of tools and practices that complement habitat conservation, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 16, 2025 by Cindy Hyde-Smith · Last progress July 16, 2025
Creates two competitive grant programs run by the Department of the Interior to improve breeding habitat for waterfowl: a Hen House Grant Program to place and maintain cylindrical nest structures in the prairie pothole region, and a Breeding Habitat Grant Program to develop nesting cover, brood ponds, and landowner incentives in California. The bill directs $3.5 million per program each year for FY2026–FY2030 (total $7.0 million per year, $35.0 million over five years) and requires the Secretary to set up the programs within 180 days of enactment.