Conservation Partnerships Drive Public Land Access in Pennsylvania

April 10, 2025

TRCP partner Ducks Unlimited works with PA agency to use state, federal, and private funds to protect important wetlands, waterfowl habitat

Ducks Unlimited (DU) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission have partnered to protect and restore 126 acres of vital emergent and forested wetland habitat next to the commission’s State Game Lands 151, which spans across Mercer and Lawrence Counties in the northwestern corner of the state.

Known as Celery Swamp, the land was acquired from a private seller and added to SGL 151 thanks to funding from Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and Waterfowl USA. The project is part of a larger initiative focused on protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetland habitats on Pennsylvania public lands. DU, the Game Commission, DCNR, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, French Creek Valley Conservancy, and many other partners have been collaborating on conservation projects in this region of the state for decades.

The project area provides major stopovers for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Credit: Joe Genzel/Ducks Unlimited

The 1,438-acre property is located in the Ohio River watershed, 30 miles from Pymatuning Reservoir and 60 miles from Lake Erie – both major stopovers for millions of waterfowl and other migratory birds. SGL 151 is crucial to preserving species of special concern (eastern massasauga snake, American black duck, and American bittern), supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding local communities. By securing and restoring this wetland habitat, DU and the state are reinforcing their commitment to conservation, ensuring long-term ecological benefits for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

“The results of this restoration effort will support an array of wetland-dependent species and be open to waterfowl hunting and bird watching.“

“Protecting this habitat is essential for sustaining waterfowl populations and conserving Pennsylvania’s diverse wildlife,” said DU Biologist Lisa Clark. “This partnership underscores the importance of collaborative conservation efforts between state and federal agencies and non-government organizations. And this project could not have been completed without generous contributions from the Hohmann Family, EQT Foundation, S. Kent Rockwell Foundation, and the Kuehner Family.”

A $1 million habitat improvement project is currently underway and scheduled to be completed this year. Credit: Ducks Unlimited

Celery Swamp is one of many wetland projects in Pennsylvania that have been made possible thanks to strong partnerships and a diversified funding platform that supports habitat conservation and restoration on public lands. State funding was used during the initial phases of this project and unlocked North American Wetlands Act funding to complete construction. To date, DU has collaborated with various partners to conserve over 32,200 acres of critical habitat throughout Pennsylvania.

Wetland loss is common across much of the U.S., and Pennsylvania is no exception. The state has already lost 56 percent (226,197 acres) of its historical wetlands. Many of these habitats were drained for agriculture, infrastructure (e.g., highways and dams), peat mining, and human development, such as homes and businesses.

Drone footage taken in 2018 overlooking the aquaculture ponds prior to construction. Credit: Ducks Unlimited

Celery Swamp was converted for aquaculture use as a fish farm in the 1970s. The wetlands were diked, deepened, and managed through an interconnected series of drainage pipes and a network of ditches. From the ‘70s until the ’90s, the impoundments were managed as open-water ponds for baitfish. When the baitfish production ceased, however, the impoundments were abandoned.

Over the years, extended high water levels within the impoundments created stagnant pools of open water. These pools were unsuitable for traditional emergent vegetation to grow. Instead, the impoundments were colonized by floating emergent and submergent aquatic plants. Stands of spatterdock and other nuisance plant species now overrun some of the impoundments, creating unhealthy monotypic stands and consequently reducing the biodiversity of the wetlands.

The wetlands support wood ducks, mallards, herons, and other wildlife. Credit: Joe Genzel/Ducks Unlimited

However, despite their partial degradation, the wetlands still support a wide variety of breeding, migratory, and wintering birds, including wood ducks, mallards, swamp sparrows, black-crowned night herons, and lesser yellowlegs. The property also contains a nine-acre flooded forest and scrub-shrub impoundment that provides additional habitat diversity to support wetland-dependent wildlife, such as dabbling ducks, turtles, and beavers.

Good waterfowl hunting requires wetland habitat restoration and conservation. Credit: Joe Genzel/Ducks Unlimited

DU and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are now working together to restore Celery Swamp back to its native wetland habitat. This $1 million construction project is currently underway and scheduled to be completed this year. After construction, the commission will manage and maintain the site. Habitat managers will regain the ability to manipulate water levels and create conditions to promote habitat resources for waterfowl and other wildlife. The results of this restoration effort will support an array of wetland-dependent species and be open to outdoor recreational use, such as waterfowl hunting and bird watching.

“The restoration outcomes will benefit visitors and the people that call the region home by improving water quality, reducing flooding, and improving public lands for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy,” Clark said.

Banner image credit: Ducks Unlimited

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by: Ryan Chapin

posted in: Conservation Funding

April 2, 2025

Big Game & Wildlife Crossings Bill Advances in Montana Legislature

House Bill 855 would establish an account for wildlife crossing infrastructure

Today, House Bill 855—Establish FWP Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, passed out of the Montana House of Representatives with an 89-6 vote and will now move to the Senate.

This bill marks an important step toward reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions in the state. Throughout the West, wildlife accommodation infrastructure—including fencing, overpasses, and underpasses—has supported wildlife movement across highways while making our roads safer for motorists. Montana’s high rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions poses a significant threat to public safety and the conservation of big game.

Sponsored by Representative Katie Zolnikov (R-Billings), this bill would establish the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, which would house funding to be used on wildlife accommodation infrastructure in Montana.

“House Bill 855 represents a vital step in increasing public safety on Montana’s roadways while supporting wildlife movement,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We appreciate the strong support in the House and encourage the Senate to pass this important legislation that is a win-win for Montanans and the big game we value.”

Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to wildlife migration conservation HERE.

by: Alex Aguirre

posted in: Conservation Funding

March 27, 2025

Wyoming 2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up

Big wins for public land and conservation were the theme of 2025

Wyoming’s 2025 legislative session ended in early March, and thanks to hunters and anglers like you, we can count several wins for wildlife and the future of our great state!

Wyomingites Stop Anti-Public Lands Legislation!

Senate Resolution 2 – Resolution demanding equal footing ordered the transfer of federal land to the state, which could have compromised wildlife habitat management and public hunting and fishing access in Wyoming. Transferring federal public lands to state ownership would put the land at risk of development, fragmentation, or sale to private interests. SJ2 died on third reading in the Senate.

House Bill 118 – Limitations on net land gain for the federal government would have prohibited net increases of federal land in Wyoming, including voluntary sales by private landowners like the Marton Ranch and historic sales between state and federal agencies like the recent Kelly Parcel sale. The $100 million sale of the Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park conserved 640 acres of valuable wildlife habitat nestled between the park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The TRCP supported this monumental deal because it safeguarded crucial migration corridors, retained elk and bison hunting, and generated a windfall of revenue for Wyoming’s public education system. Without this sale, the land could have been auctioned to developers—a fate avoided thanks to overwhelming public support and private donations. Read more about the Kelly Parcel in this recent blog.

Finally, House Bill 118 would have impeded the State’s ability to pursue future land exchanges that could be a net benefit to the State of Wyoming and sportspeople. This bill passed the House of Representatives but did not meet the deadline to be introduced in the Senate.

Senate File 105 – Preserving state territorial sovereignty would have prohibited the sale of private land to the federal government without legislative approval, hindering opportunities to improve access to public lands, and a clear violation of private property rights.

Due to an uproar of public opposition, all three of these anti-public land bills failed to pass during this legislative session. It’s clear Wyomingites place great value on the places we hunt and fish and are willing to speak up for these places so future generations can enjoy.

Learn more about our efforts to ensure public land access here.

Alex Aguirre, TRCP’s Wyoming Community Partnerships Coordinator, speaks during the Camo at the Capital event.

Large Projects Funding Passed!

This annual legislation authorizes the Wildlife Trust to allocate matching funds to leverage important conservation projects across the state. This year’s projects include $6.1 million towards highway crossing structures along highway 189 near Kemmerer to ensure the safety of motorists and migrating wildlife and $550,000 to restore four miles of the North Fork of the Shoshone River to improve spawning conditions for trout and adjacent wetland habitat for wildlife.

Wildlife License Plates Easier to Acquire Thanks to SF0149

The Wildlife Conservation License Plate, launched in 2019, has raised nearly $1 million with an additional $1.8 million of donations for wildlife crossing projects in Wyoming. With more than 8,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions occurring in our state annually, this funding aims to reduce these occurrences by building infrastructure to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife. SF0149 will make purchasing these plates easier by allowing the transaction to happen at the county treasurer’s office instead of solely through the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Buy your plate here!

Camo at the Capitol

On February 13, we joined other sporting partners and over 70 sportsmen and sportswomen for Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s annual Camo at the Capitol.

The day included advocacy training, a tour of the capitol, a press conference, and concluded with a wild game reception attended by Governor Gordon and many other lawmakers. We want to thank all those who attended and our partner organizations in conservation for making the event a success. We hope to see YOU there next year!

Thanks for Entering the Arena of Conservation

While this session delivered wins for large conservation projects funding and a streamlined process for funding highway crossings infrastructure, we were also faced with multiple threats to our public land legacy. We thank our dedicated supporters for entering the arena of conservation and advocating for our issues. Wyoming is one small town and every voice matters. Thank you for using yours.

The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

by: Dan Morgan

posted in: Conservation Funding

March 26, 2025

Wildlife for the 21st Century: A Policy Briefing to Safeguard Our Outdoor Heritage

On March 25, 2025, TRCP joined conservation leaders and policymakers for a crucial briefing on the most pressing challenges in wildlife conservation and outdoor access

Every four years, the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), a coalition of 52 leading hunting and wildlife conservation organizations, releases Wildlife for the 21st Century (W-21)—a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at ensuring a thriving future for America’s wildlife and outdoor traditions. These recommendations serve as a guiding framework for policymakers, addressing the most pressing challenges in wildlife conservation and outdoor access while offering actionable solutions.

A Blueprint for the Future of Conservation

The latest edition, Wildlife for the 21st Century, Volume VII, represents over a year of dedicated work by AWCP partners. It identifies strategic opportunities to enhance wildlife conservation, sustain public access to natural spaces, and protect America’s cherished outdoor traditions. The document is designed to help policymakers make informed decisions that will shape the conservation landscape for the next four years. You can access Wildlife for the 21st Century, Volume VII HERE

A Critical Briefing on Capitol Hill

On March 25, 2025, TRCP joined key conservation leaders and policymakers in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center for a crucial briefing on W-21. Hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and sponsored by leading conservation organizations—including the Boone and Crockett Club, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants/Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Wildlife Mississippi—the event provided a platform to discuss and advocate for the commonsense recommendations outlined in W-21.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for hosting this important event and to all the sponsoring organizations and attendees for their unwavering commitment to conservation,” said Joel Webster, chief conservation officer at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and vice chair of AWCP. “By working together, we can ensure that America’s lands, waters, and wildlife continue to thrive for the benefit of hunters, anglers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.”

The briefing featured insights from some of the foremost voices in conservation policy and highlighted critical policy priorities, focusing on how sportsmen and women, conservationists, and policymakers can work together to ensure healthy wildlife populations, protect vital habitats, and promote responsible land and water stewardship across the nation.

The Wildlife for the 21st Century policy recommendations serve as a vital tool for shaping the future of wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation in the United States. As we move forward, it is essential that decision-makers embrace these strategies to safeguard our nation’s rich outdoor heritage for generations to come.

You can find a copy of Wildlife for the 21st Century, Volume 7 HERE.

Top photo by USDA

by: Jamelle Ellis

posted in: Conservation Funding

March 6, 2025

The Science of Chronic Wasting Disease: Why Every Hunter Should Care

Addressing the silent threat to deer, elk, moose and our hunting traditions

Photo Credit: Jay Beyer | www.jaybeyer.com

Imagine sitting in your favorite deer stand at dawn, the crisp autumn air filling your lungs. You scan the tree line, waiting for a familiar sight – the graceful movement of a whitetail buck stepping into view. But what if that buck was sick? What if it showed no fear, moved erratically, or looked alarmingly thin? This is the reality of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), an often invisible but devastating threat to deer populations and the future of hunting.

What Is CWD and Why Should Hunters Care?

CWD is an always-fatal disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. It attacks the brain and nervous system, causing drastic weight loss, strange behavior, and eventual death. CWD is caused by prions – misfolded proteins that spread like a domino effect, corrupting healthy proteins. Unlike other diseases, there’s no vaccine, no cure, and no easy way to stop it. As it spreads across North America, CWD threatens not just wildlife but the hunting traditions that have been passed down for generations.

How CWD Spreads

CWD spreads in multiple ways:

Direct Transmission (Horizontal Spread) – When an infected animal comes into close contact with a healthy one, it can pass the disease through saliva, urine, feces, and even antler velvet.

Environmental Contamination (Indirect Spread) – Prions can linger in soil, water, and plants for years, infecting animals that come into contact with these contaminated areas.

Mother-to-Offspring Transmission (Vertical Spread) – There is growing evidence that infected mothers may pass CWD to their offspring, though this pathway is less common.¹

Unfortunately, human activities can worsen the problem. Moving live deer or improperly disposing of carcasses can introduce CWD into new areas, making its spread even harder to control. Where CWD has already been established, activities that artificially concentrate animals, like feeding, baiting, or mineral supplementation, can increase spread.

The Impact on Hunting and Conservation

For hunters, CWD isn’t just a wildlife disease, it’s a direct threat to our sporting traditions. Deer hunting generates billions of dollars annually for local and regional economies.² If deer populations decline, hunting opportunities shrink, and funding for conservation efforts could take a major hit.

What TRCP is Doing

The TRCP is working to slow the spread of CWD alongside the wild deer and elk hunting communities, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Fish and Wildlife Health Committee, the American Wildlife Conservation Partners CWD Work Group, and the National Deer Association’s CWD Coalition. Here’s how:

Advocacy for Funding and Research – The TRCP and our partners are working to ensure hunters have the tools they need to help protect wild deer and deer hunting, both through individual actions and through federal policy.
Education – The TRCP and our partners work together to provide hunters with science-based information on disease prevention, transmission risks, and management strategies.
Research and Surveillance Collaboration – The TRCP partners with agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state wildlife departments to improve disease detection and inform policy decisions.³

What Can Hunters Do Right Now

Hunters play a crucial role in managing CWD. Here’s how you can help:

Get harvested deer tested for CWD to help track and manage the disease.
Follow carcass transport and disposal regulations to prevent the spread of infected material.
Make informed choices about activities that artificially concentrate wild deer, like feeding, baiting, and mineral supplementation.
Stay informed and advocate for science-based CWD management to ensure policies protect both wildlife and the future of hunting.

The Road Ahead

CWD is a serious challenge, but hunters have always been the backbone of conservation in North America. By taking responsible action, supporting research, and advocating for sound policies, we can help slow the spread of this disease and preserve our hunting traditions for generations to come. The fight against CWD isn’t just about protecting deer – it’s about protecting the future of hunting itself.

You can learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease HERE

Citations

Haley, N. J., & Hoover, E. A. (2015). Chronic wasting disease of cervids: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 3(1), 305-325. arav3Haley 305..325
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
Thompson, N. E., Huang, M. H., Christensen, S. A., & Demarais, S. (2023). Wildlife agency responses to chronic wasting disease in free‐ranging cervids. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 47(2), e1435. Wildlife agency responses to chronic wasting disease in free‐ranging cervids.