Washington D.C. - October 24, 2025 - Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are pleased to report the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025, sending the Act to President Trump to be signed in to law. The legislation reauthorizes a component of the Pittman-Robertson Act (PR) that makes unallocated Federal Aid Interest available to be used by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). When matched by partners, the interest from the PR fund—which itself is funded by sportsmen through excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment—more than doubles NAWCA’s annual appropriated funding.
“This is exciting news for conservation efforts across the country,” said Ron Leathers, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s chief conservation officer. “NAWCA is one of the most successful habitat programs in history, and will continue to deliver for America’s lands, waters, and people thanks to the reauthorization of this essential funding. We applaud both Congress and the Trump administration for their support of such vital initiatives.”
The bill has broad, bipartisan support in Congress, as well as from the Trump administration. It was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate, despite annual funding negotiations between Republican and Democrat leadership—and the Federal shutdown—being well into a fourth week. Although most conservation work across the government is currently paused during the ongoing lapse in appropriations, this bill provides a welcome boost to the future of wildlife habitat.
Since 1991, NAWCA has been a highly popular and successful non-regulatory conservation program that protects, restores and enhances wetlands and associated habitats on public and private lands. It has leveraged $4.7 billion in private and non-federal investments to conserve 33 million acres through over 3,000 voluntary conservation projects. These acres provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife species, while also supporting local communities through outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing — generating $1.2 trillion in economic output in 2023.
About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 585,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres.
Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4953
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org