TRCP Applauds Senate Introduction of Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act
New legislation seeks to accelerate forest management and restoration, improve wildfire resilience, and enhance collaboration and innovative management strategies.
Today, the bipartisan Fix our Forests Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Sheehy (R-Mont.), Curtis (R-Utah), Padilla (D-Calif.) and Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). A similar version of the bill passed through the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year with broad bipartisan support. The legislation introduced in the Senate would direct federal agencies to develop new and innovative technologies to address forest health threats, suppress and manage fire more efficiently, and increase the pace and scale of restoration across our forests and watersheds. In addition, the bill would make communities more resilient to wildfire by establishing a Community Risk Reduction Program and improving existing grant programs while also furthering new research.
“The declining health of our National Forests and the fish and wildlife habitat that they provide is a concern for America’s hunters and anglers,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “TRCP applauds the leadership of Senators Curtis, Sheehy, Hickenlooper, and Padilla for introducing the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act in the Senate and urges Congress to advance these important forest management provisions and to accompany them with adequate resources and capacity to carry out on-the-ground work.”
In 2024 alone, wildlifes caused more than 8.9 million acres to be burned across the country. The Fix Our Forests Act seeks to provide more arrows in the quiver to help take aim at this challenge through a multitude of solutions. One such policy solution, included in the bill and led by TRCP, would formally recognize the wildfire risk reduction benefits associated with restoration of riparian and wetland habitat, the first such recognition in federal statute. Other provisions of the Fix Our Forests Act will help TRCP partners and other land managers increase forest health and resilience to benefit water resources, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and the local communities that depend on them.
“The Fix Our Forests Act streamlines collaboration between the National Wild Turkey Federation, the USDA Forest Service, and other partners, cutting red tape to accelerate urgent forest restoration and management on federal lands,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF Director of Government Affairs. “This bill ensures we can better manage and conserve vital natural resources for wildlife, hunters and anglers. We are grateful to see the Senate introduce this critical piece of legislation and await the signature from the president.”
“The health of our nation’s forests is dependent on the rivers, streams, and wetlands that sustain them. Actively conserving and restoring these critical aquatic resources is an important tool that can be used to mitigate the impacts of wildfire and drought, among other threats,” said Alicia Marrs, director of western water for the National Wildlife Federation. “We’re encouraged to see language in the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act that recognizes the wildfire benefits of aquatic restoration. We look forward to continuing to work with leaders from both sides of the aisle to elevate these common sense and cost-effective approaches to forest and water management for all Americans.”
Top photo credit: Dr. Emily Fairfax
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Conservation Partnerships Drive Public Land Access in Pennsylvania
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.
Media outlets have recently reported that some lawmakers are considering the sale of some public lands to help pay for a budget reconciliation bill.
Now is the time for you to reach out to your elected officials in Congress and urge them to oppose public land sales in federal reconciliation legislation.
“America’s public lands are invaluable in providing recreational access to millions of American hunters and anglers,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “TRCP is opposed to selling off the public’s favorite hunting and fishing spots and we urge Congress to keep public land sales out of federal reconciliation legislation.”
Click the button below to complete our easy-to-use action alert to contact your Senators and Representatives.
If you decide to call your elected officials, you can use this script to help guide your comments.
Thank you for your commitment to our public land legacy.
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.
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.
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.
TRCP’s “In the Arena” series highlights the individual voices of hunters and anglers who, as Theodore Roosevelt so famously said, strive valiantly in the worthy cause of conservation.
Leland Brown
Hometown: Portland, Oregon Occupation: North American Non-lead Partnership co-founder / Oregon Non-lead Hunting Education Program Manager / Ph.D. candidate Portland State University Conservation credentials: Brown carries a degree in environmental biology and is currently researching the terminal performance of hunting ammunition for his Ph.D. at Portland State University.
After graduating with a degree in environmental biology, Brown started working professionally conducting invasive species management projects and taught himself to hunt on his own time. Since then, Brown has hunted big game and upland birds across the West, most recently in Oregon. After realizing the unintended impacts lead left in carcasses and gut piles of shot animals has on scavenging birds of prey as well as other mammals and birds that feed on the carrion, Brown co-founded the North American Non-lead Partnership, which promotes voluntary best management practices, including the use of lead-free ammunition.
Here is his story.
TRCP: How were you introduced to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors? Who introduced you?
Brown: I was originally introduced to fishing and the outdoors growing up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. My family would go fishing in the rivers and lakes in the White Mountains, and I have hiked and camped my whole life. I had always been interested in hunting but didn’t have mentors who hunted to teach me how.
My older brother started hunting as a teenager with friends. He really introduced me to the mechanics of shooting and hunting. During university, that interest in hunting was cemented as I learned even more about hunting as a wildlife management tool, and the broader contribution to conservation. After graduating with a degree in environmental biology I started working professionally conducting invasive species management projects and taught myself to hunt on my own time. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of talented hunters over the years and am always learning from people. I love to hunt and fish, and I like being with good people almost as much as the act of hunting or fishing.
TRCP: Tell us about one of your most memorable outdoor adventures.
Brown: I’ve been incredibly lucky in my adventures. It makes it hard to choose the most memorable one. I’ve done a lot of solo hunting over the years and had some incredible experiences in the field with no one else around.
One that sticks out to me was spending four hours laying behind my rifle in an open grassland canyon watching 15 cow and spike elk bed and feed. They finally stood up when a 5-point bull came up the canyon bottom and started barking at me. I made a shot on a cow 20 minutes before dark and finished butchering her by myself around 11:30 p.m. That solo experience was awesome, but the thing that really means a lot were the friends who dropped everything to help me pack that animal out when I needed the extra hands. Recently I have found a lot of joy in sharing time in the outdoors with my wife and other friends instead of going out solo.
Brown processing a mule deer for good meals ahead.
TRCP: If you could hunt or fish anywhere, where would it be and why?
Brown:This is a classic topic of conversation. I go two directions: 1) I love going to places that I have a past connection to. Continuing to experience a place and seeing the changes that occur over seasons and years whether it’s a river or a forest is awesome. 2) I want to go to new places and experience things I’ve never done before. Realistically, where has become less important than who for me these days. I want to spend the time outdoors with people who love the areas, love the activities, and I enjoy spending the time with. Whether it’s a place I’ve been 100 times, or my first time in an area, if I’m with the right people, then it’s where I want to be.
TRCP: How does conservation help enhance your outdoor life?
Brown: Conservation and the outdoors are inextricably intertwined for me. My professional career in conservation is so closely linked to the outdoor activities I enjoy that I cannot separate the two. Conservation and knowledge about the ecosystem inform my enjoyment of the outdoors. As is common with people who enjoy the outdoors, being involved in conservation—whether working on habitat, engaging in the process of wildlife management, choosing lead-free ammunition for hunting, or just working to make sure others are aware of the challenges we face—is a way to build a larger connection to our outdoor activities. Conservation provides the foundation and context for my time outdoors, both in making sure it’s there for the future, and in making sure my activities only cause the impact I desire.
If we want to see hunting and angling continue through the next century, I strongly believe that conservation cannot be lip service. It must have active participation from hunters and anglers, and we need to tell the story to the public.
TRCP: What are the major conservation challenges where you live?
Brown: There are a lot of challenges for conservation. One of the biggest that I’ve been focused on is either apathetic or unaware members of the community. For all the conservation challenges we face, we need engaged, active participation to be successful. One of the reasons I shifted from field work to engage more in conservation information and education is that I see the need across all these current issues—habitat loss, migration disruption, changing ecosystems, lead exposure, and disease—will require engaging with not just our fellow hunters and anglers, but also members of the general public. Not only do we have to engage, but we need to do it in a way that builds partnerships between different groups who may not have historically seen themselves as potential partners. We need to shift from conflict in conservation to cooperation to really address the wide variety of issues we are facing in conservation today.
Brown takes advantage of a prime window to glass.
TRCP: Why is it important to you to be involved in conservation?
Brown: A lot of people talk about leaving things better for the next generation. For me, being actively involved in conservation is my opportunity to contribute not just to the next generation of people who want to have these incredible opportunities in the wild, but also making sure that the entire ecosystem, including people, is in better shape than when I started. It’s a small way of attempting to give back to the lands and wildlife that have sustained me and inviting others into those places. I see the need for active efforts to promote conservation, hunting, and fishing that connect to building strong, resilient ecosystems.
TRCP: Why should conservation matter to the next generation of hunters and anglers?
Brown: Conservation, hunting, and angling need to continue to be connected for our outdoor activities to remain relevant and sustainable. If we want to see hunting and angling continue through the next century, I strongly believe that conservation cannot be lip service. It must have active participation from hunters and anglers, and we need to tell the story to the public. We have a lot of people in America who are supportive of hunting and angling. Conservation is one of the ways we can connect our activities to people who have never had the experience in the field and do it in a way where they leave excited about what we contribute to the resources owned by the public and managed for their benefit. Hunting can contribute to conservation, but we need hunters (and anglers) to be conservationists for us to maintain public support.
Photo credits: Leland Brown
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.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
TRCP has partnered with Afuera Coffee Co. to further our commitment to conservation. $4 from each bag is donated to the TRCP, to help continue our efforts of safeguarding critical habitats, productive hunting grounds, and favorite fishing holes for future generations.
