Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act of 2025

This bill funds voluntary projects that help wildlife move safely across the landscape, especially big game like deer, elk, pronghorn, wild sheep, and moose. It supports on-the-ground work such as changing or removing fences, buying conservation easements or non-Federal land, improving water flow, and updating roads to cut animal-vehicle crashes. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation would run competitive grants. The federal share can cover up to 90% of costs, with a local match that can be waived for projects that benefit Tribes or disadvantaged areas. At least half of the grant funding each year must support big game movement areas. These efforts align with existing wildlife crossing and habitat programs and are non-regulatory and voluntary .

States and Tribal nations would also get direct funds to collect and analyze data on where animals move, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Science Applications program. The U.S. Geological Survey would support a corridor mapping team, build on existing mapping work, protect sensitive information to guard private property and precise locations, and publish regular reports. The bill also updates and reauthorizes a program that helps agencies support voluntary conservation on private and Tribal lands. A senior official at Interior would coordinate efforts across agencies and partners. The bill does not force changes to farming, ranching, or forestry; does not change State or Tribal control of wildlife; does not limit public access for hunting, fishing, or shooting; and does not create new federal land designations .

Key points

• Who is affected: State fish and wildlife agencies, Indian Tribes, landowners, transportation departments, and USGS teams working in wildlife movement areas .
• What changes: New grants for habitat and road improvements; direct research funds to States and Tribes; USGS mapping and data protections; coordination across agencies; expanded help for voluntary conservation on private and Tribal lands; strong safeguards for property rights and outdoor access .
• When: The grant and research programs must be set up within 180 days of enactment, with funding authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. Regular reports will track progress .