Sponsors (5)
The bill directs targeted, multi-year funding to expand conservation payments and some public access on working lands, improving predictability and benefits for participating landowners and communities, but it diverts $150 million in CCC funds and includes a small public‑access set‑aside that may not address other conservation needs or produce broad access.
Farmers and landowners will receive $150 million (FY2025–2029) to enroll in voluntary public access and habitat incentive programs, increasing payments for conservation on working lands.
USDA, State governments, tribes, and conservation partners gain predictable multi-year funding (FY2025–2029), improving program planning and continuity for conservation initiatives.
Rural communities and residents of tribal lands may get increased public access to wetlands—supporting more recreation and hunting opportunities—through a $3 million set-aside to encourage access agreements with States and tribes.
Taxpayers fund $150 million via the Commodity Credit Corporation, which could reduce funding available for other USDA programs or create opportunity costs in CCC spending priorities.
Focusing these funds on voluntary public access and habitat incentives may shift priority away from other conservation or agricultural assistance needs, disadvantaging other applicants.
The $3 million set-aside for encouraging public access agreements is relatively small and may be insufficient to secure broad or lasting public access, limiting the expected recreational benefits for rural communities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced February 25, 2025 by Steve Daines · Last progress February 25, 2025
Requires the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to provide $150 million in mandatory funding for a voluntary public access and habitat incentive program for fiscal years 2025–2029. Within that funding, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use $3 million during FY2025–2029, to the maximum extent practicable, to encourage public access on lands under wetland reserve easements through agreements with State and tribal governments.