Hurd, Elfreth Lead Bipartisan Efforts to Conserve Wetlands

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03) and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03) introduce the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act, which will allow states the ability to conserve our wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl.

"I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth," said Congressman Hurd. "This bill will expand access to hunting and increase resources for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Hunters and conservationists support it because they see firsthand how it benefits wildlife habitats."

"The Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 is a critical continuation of funding from hunting sales to wildlife restoration efforts. In Maryland alone, this program has conserved over 58,000 acres of wildlife habitat through over $16 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funding. This legislation allows the hunting community to contribute back to the conservation of their habitats to ensure generations of sustainable sportsmanship opportunities to come," said Congresswoman Elfreth.

"The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is one of the foundational pillars of conservation in North America," said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. "Duck hunters willingly support it because they understand the impact it has on preserving important habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. No program is more effective at delivering those results than NAWCA, which has made a measurable impact on wildlife populations across North America. We appreciate Reps. Hurd and Elfreth for introducing this legislation and ensuring it remains a priority."

"We sincerely appreciate Congressman Hurd's introduction of the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act which will significantly increase funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)," said Delta Waterfowl Chief Policy Officer John Devney. "NAWCA represents an important vehicle for investing in conservation from wetland and grassland easements on the prairie breeding grounds to enhancing habitat on public lands like National Wildlife Refuges and Wildlife Management Areas in the wintering grounds that are so important for duck hunters and ducks alike."

In addition, this legislation reauthorizes section 3(b)(2)(C) of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, which will extend the date of interest on obligations held in Pittman-Roberts for it to become available for apportionment until the beginning of 2033.

Read the full text here.

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