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119-hr-3329119th CongressWALLET

Wildlife Corridors and USDA Conservation Programs Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a new federal framework to identify, map, and conserve _American wildlife corridors_, linking habitat connectivity to USDA conservation programs to help wildlife move and adapt. The Secretary of Agriculture would lead the effort with the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to set criteria and support corridor conservation across public and private lands.

Show full summary
  • Producers and private landowners: The bill would let the Secretary provide technical assistance, outreach, and priority enrollment in USDA conservation programs. It would allow modification or termination of conservation contracts with landowner agreement to enroll land in easements or the Healthy Forests Reserve Program.
  • Conservation planners and land managers: The bill would require identification and mapping of habitat connectivity areas within 1 year, establishment of design criteria within 1 year, and designation of corridors within 3 years after criteria are set. It would also fund development of technical standards and best practices for long-term corridor conservation.
  • Federal, State, Tribal, and local partners: The bill would authorize cooperative agreements with governments, NGOs, and universities and amend USDA provisions so corridor designations count as a recognized wildlife resource concern.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More USDA help for corridor landowners

USDA would develop standards, training, and outreach to help landowners and producers conserve corridors. It could give priority to enroll or re-enroll in USDA conservation programs. It could change or end a conservation contract only if the producer agrees and the land joins the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program or the Healthy Forests Reserve Program. Corridor status would count as a wildlife resource concern, which could ease compliance. Records for this Act would get the same privacy protections as other USDA conservation programs.

National maps and rules for wildlife corridors

USDA would, with wildlife and science agencies, identify habitat connectivity areas within 1 year. It would map them and set rules within 1 year for what qualifies. Within 3 years after the rules, qualifying areas would be named American wildlife corridors. The Secretary would report to Congress within 1 year after each identification and update over time. The bill would define key terms so the program is clear.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 5/13/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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