Padilla, Zinke, and Sharkey Receive TRCP’s Conservation Awards

April 30, 2025

Gala event hosted by MeatEater’s Steven Rinella brought together D.C. luminaries, outdoor industry leaders, and TRCP supporters

At its 17th annual Capital Conservation Awards Dinner, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership proudly celebrated the conservation achievements of Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), and long-time advocate for big game migration corridors, Steve Sharkey. 

The gala event was hosted by Steven Rinella, founder of MeatEater, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to be presenting our 2024 awards to three leaders who, in the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, strive valiantly in the worthy cause of conservation: Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Steve Sharkey,” said Joel Pedersen, TRCP president and CEO. “Senator Padilla and Congressman Zinke have been instrumental in clinching legislative victories for habitat, access, and conservation funding that will impact hunting and fishing opportunities for years to come. Our event is also a fitting way to celebrate a hunter and passionate advocate who helped create the model for big game migration conservation across the West, Steve Sharkey.”

Senator Alex Padilla, the first Latino in the U.S. Senate, is a proven collaborator and dedicated conservation advocate. He leads the bipartisan Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act to secure permanent funding for big game migration corridors and long-term habitat protection. Padilla introduced legislation to boost funding for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, restoring river habitats for fish and wildlife. Additionally, he co-leads the “Fix our Forests Act” to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. A champion for water conservation, Padilla is committed to protecting the Colorado River and conserving habitats for wildlife and recreation. 

Congressman Ryan Zinke, a fifth-generation Montanan and former U.S. Navy SEAL, has a strong record in conservation and public lands policy throughout his career in government. Serving as U.S. Representative for Montana’s First District and previously as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Zinke championed expanding public land access, protecting wildlife migration corridors, and preventing federal land selloffs. In Congress, he co-leads the “Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act,” to establish dedicated funding for wildlife migration and the “Public Lands in Public Hands Act,” to require congressional approval for the sale and transfer of public lands. A strong advocate for Montana’s natural heritage, Zinke supports policies balancing conservation with responsible resource management. 

Steve Sharkey, a Director of the Knobloch Family Foundation, the Emily J. Knobloch Foundation, and the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, has long championed the research- and conservation-based approach to migration corridor conservation in Wyoming. His efforts laid important groundwork that helped make possible the state and national programs that prioritize the conservation of big game migration corridors and winter range across the West. Thanks to Steve’s unwavering commitment, migratory herds now benefit from greater safeguards, and millions of Americans continue to enjoy the wildlife resources they represent. 

The 17^th Annual Capital Conservation Awards Dinner was made possible with the support of the following generous sponsors:

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.

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by: Ryan Chapin

posted in: Highlights

April 18, 2025

Montana Highway Wildlife Crossings Account to be Established

House Bill 855 heads to the governor’s desk for signature

Today, House Bill 855—Establish FWP Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, passed out of the Montana Senate with a 38-12 vote. HB 855 now awaits Governor Gianforte’s signature to be signed into law.

After advancing through committees and passing the House of Representatives with enormous support, this legislation is an important step toward reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions in Montana. On top of establishing an account, this legislation will result in a new state license plate that could generate $160k annually. The account could also receive funds from other sources to increase the amount available annually.

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 legislation will establish the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, which will house funding to be used on wildlife accommodation infrastructure in Montana.

“By establishing the Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, Montana is making a commitment to increasing public safety on Montana’s roadways while conserving wildlife,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We join the Treasure State’s motorists and hunters and anglers in thanking Representative Zolnikov for her leadership on this bill and the legislature for swiftly advancing this life-saving legislation.”

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

by: Michael O'Casey

posted in: Highlights

April 11, 2025

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

by: Noah Davis

posted in: Highlights

April 3, 2025

Urge Lawmakers to Oppose Public Land Sales!

Now is the time for you to reach out to your elected officials

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.

Speak Up for Public Lands!

by: Ryan Chapin

posted in: Highlights

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.