TRCP Applauds Two Montana Conservation Funding Bills

May 16, 2025

House Bills 855 and 932 are wins for habitat and Montana wildlife crossing infrastructure

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership joins Montana’s motorists, hunters, anglers, and conservationists in celebrating two major wins for wildlife movement, habitat conservation, and public safety following Governor Greg Gianforte’s signing of House Bills 855 and 932. These two critical pieces of legislation will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and conserve and restore habitat across the state.

“With Governor Gianforte’s signature, Montana is committing to a strong future for big game habitat and increased public safety on our roadways,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We thank Governor Gianforte for signing these important pieces of legislation and for supporting the iconic big game animals that define our state.”

House Bill 855, sponsored by Representative Katie Zolnikov (R-Billings), establishes the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, a dedicated account to help facilitate the construction and planning of wildlife overpasses, underpasses, and fencing. The bill introduces a new specialty license plate that will generate funds and help promote the importance of wildlife movement. The account will accept dedicated wildlife crossing funding from multiple sources, such as the newly created Habitat Legacy Account in House Bill 932.

House Bill 932, sponsored by Representative Ken Walsh (R-Twin Bridges), further strengthens Montana’s conservation funding by creating the Habitat Legacy Account, which will be funded through a portion of conservation-dedicated marijuana tax revenue. This account will provide a stream of funding for habitat conservation, wildlife improvement projects, and wildlife crossings—ensuring long-term support for Montana’s big game and migratory species.

“These bills reflect the values of Montanans who care deeply about wildlife habitat, road safety, and our outdoor traditions,” said Ty Stubblefield, Executive Director of the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation. “We thank Governor Gianforte, Representatives Walsh and Zolnikov, and the Legislature for recognizing the importance of these investments.”

Montana has one of the highest rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the West, posing risks to both motorists and wildlife. Infrastructure like wildlife crossings has proven effective in other states, reducing collisions while maintaining critical migration routes for elk, deer, pronghorn, moose, and other species.

TRCP looks forward to working with state agencies and partners to implement these new programs that ensure Montana remains a leader in wildlife conservation.

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

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by: Dan Morgan

posted in: Migration

May 8, 2025

Hunters and Anglers Unite to Push for Stronger Wildlife and Infrastructure Policies in Upcoming Transportation Bill

Hunters, anglers, and conservationists present a united front to advocate for wildlife-friendly, resilient infrastructure in the next national transportation bill

As Congress begins shaping the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, the nation’s leading hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations, which represent millions of Americans, are proud to unveil a united platform: “Hunt and Fish Priorities for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill.”

The Surface Transportation bill represents an opportunity to advance several priorities for the broader sporting community ranging from enhanced public access and wildlife connectivity. The platform acknowledges these opportunities and builds upon recent bipartisan support for integrating wildlife connectivity and habitat restoration efforts into surface transportation programming to achieve common sense co-benefits including increasing motorist safety, reducing travel delays, enhancing the structural integrity of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, and creating good paying jobs.

Millions of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country depend on healthy habitat and accessible public lands and waters and the hunting and fishing community strongly support initiatives that integrate wildlife connectivity, habitat restoration, and disaster resilience into the nation’s transportation framework.

“Conservation is infrastructure, and our platform provides commonsense recommendations further integrating the two for the benefit of all Americans,” said Alex Funk, TRCP’s director of water resources. “Investing in wildlife crossings, culvert upgrades, and climate-resilient roads makes travel safer for people and animals—and it protects the places we love to hunt and fish. We’re eager to work with Congress to advance these commonsense recommendations.”

“Congress provided great leadership to hunters and fishers in the last transportation bill by addressing wildlife vehicle collisions, wildlife crossings, fish passage, sport fish restoration, boating, and other needs,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of wildlife, hunting, and fishing policy for the National Wildlife Federation. “We look forward to working with this Congress to renew and build on those achievements in the upcoming transportation bill.”

Public support is overwhelming. Recent polling shows that Americans from all backgrounds and political affiliations back investments in habitat restoration and wildlife connectivity to protect both people and wildlife.

The upcoming surface transportation bill reauthorization presents a rare opportunity to double down on smart, forward-thinking investments. The platform ensures transportation planning works with the sporting community’s values and priorities – not against them.

Read the Hunt and Fish Priorities for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill HERE

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: Noah Davis

posted in: Migration

May 1, 2025

Oregon Bill That Would Support Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Passes Senate

House Bill 2978 heads to the governor’s desk for signature

House Bill 2978—which would help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by establishing an advisory group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to guide the development of critical wildlife crossings—has passed out of the Oregon Senate with a 24-3 vote. Having already passed the House with bipartisan support from more than two dozen sponsors, HB 2978 now awaits Governor Kotek’s signature to be signed into law.

Throughout the West, wildlife accommodation infrastructure—including fencing, overpasses, and underpasses—has supported wildlife movement and migrations while making roads safer for motorists. Oregon’s wildlife-vehicle collisions pose a significant threat to public safety and big game populations alike, but crossing infrastructure effectively mitigates the risk for collisions and creates permeability providing for improved animal movement on the landscape.

“These roadway safety projects are a win-win for people and wildlife,” said Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham), who carried the bill to passage on the Senate floor. “Safe transportation options and integrity of surrounding environments are both essential to a sustainable transportation system.”

Sponsored chiefly by Representative Ken Helm (D-Beaverton and Cedar Hills), Senator Gorsek, and Representative Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County), the bill builds on Oregon’s commitment to public safety and the conservation of big game herds that must cross highways and roads to complete their daily and seasonal cycles. HB 2978 will make coordination and collaboration between ODOT and ODFW more streamlined and effective, resulting in more projects to keep motorists and big game safe. The bill passed without a fiscal earmark, and conservation groups now hope for the inclusion of funding in a larger transportation package.

“By directing a memorandum of understanding between ODOT and ODFW, Oregon legislators have demonstrated their understanding that wildlife and transportation infrastructure are indeed intertwined,” said Tristan Henry, Oregon field representative for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We join the Beaver State’s motorists, hunters, and anglers in thanking Senator Gorek and Representatives Helm and Marsh for their leadership on this bill and the General Assembly for taking this critical first step to improve the health of Oregon’s herds.”

“During my time on the Fish and Wildlife Commission, I fought to support projects that benefit both people and our natural resources. HB 2978 is about using common sense and science-based planning to make our roads safer,” said Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo), one of the bill’s sponsors. “I’m proud to keep working on solutions that respect both our communities and the wildlife we live alongside.”

While this bill will make it easier to build wildlife crossings, it does not provide the funding necessary to construct related projects.

“It is critical that we take the next step of adequately funding Oregon’s collision reduction program,” said Representative Ken Helm (D-Beaverton), one of the bill’s chief sponsors. “These projects are both popular and effective at preventing harm, while also saving money over time.”

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

Banner image courtesy Kylie Paul

by: Ryan Chapin

posted in: Migration

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: Ryan Chapin

posted in: Migration

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.