Senator Hoeven Backs Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Wildlife Movement, Habitat Connectivity

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, which U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) is co-sponsoring, will help reconnect wildlife habitats and ensure safe migration routes for iconic species such as elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and other wildlife. The bill has bipartisan support in both houses of Congress.

“Wildlife migrations are a cornerstone of America’s natural heritage, but fragmentation and development increasingly block animals from getting where they need to go to find food, water and shelter,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act is a commonsense bill that offers collaborative, cost-effective solutions to these challenges. We commend Senator Hoeven for his leadership and urge Congress to pass this critical legislation promptly.”

“For thousands of years, North Dakota’s prairies, badlands, and buttes have hosted some of the most spectacular wildlife migrations in North America,” said John Bradley, executive director of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. “Senator Hoeven’s support for this bill will help ensure these species — and the diverse array of hunters, Tribes, and ecosystems that rely on them — continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Hoeven’s support underscores North Dakota’s ongoing commitment to wildlife connectivity. The state’s Game and Fish Department has recently implemented an extensive wildlife crossings program, yielding proven results. Advocacy groups like the North Dakota Wildlife Federation have worked with conservation organizations and private landowners to implement wildlife-friendly fencing across the state, improving grazing systems and wildlife movement. 

The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act will bolster these efforts by providing additional funding and technical assistance for states and Tribal Nations to research and implement voluntary conservation projects, including habitat improvement, fence modification, and efforts to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Read more: Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act Factsheet

By: Alex Domb