TRCP Applauds $50 million Investment for New Mexico Wildlife Crossings
House Bill 2 is a major win for public safety and wildlife
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership joins New Mexico’s hunters, conservationists, and motorists in celebrating a major win for wildlife connectivity and public safety following Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signing of House Bill 2 earlier this year.
“With Governor Grisham’s signature, a historic allocation of state dollars has been made to protect motorists and wildlife in the state of New Mexico,” said Marcel Gaztambide, Southwest field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This investment in the development of wildlife crossings sets a new standard for making roadways safer and ensuring the long-term health of New Mexico’s big-game herds and their ability to make seasonal migrations.”
The $50 million investment into the New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Fund included in HB 2, the 2025 General Appropriations Act, is the single largest appropriation dedicated to terrestrial wildlife crossings in the history of our country. The bill passed with bipartisan support and was spearheaded by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, Representative Nathan Small, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth, Speaker Javier Martinez, Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil, and Senator George K. Muñóz.
This new funding will be utilized to implement the state’s Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, which identifies priority locations for infrastructure development to mitigate wildlife-vehicle conflict where the need is greatest.
One such priority is a project identified by the New Mexico Department of Transportation over U.S. 550 north of Cuba where wintertime collisions with elk and deer are so numerous that a section of the highway has earned the moniker, “The Valley of Death.” Including those on U.S. 550, there are around 1,200 wildlife-vehicle collisions reported in New Mexico every year, costing about $20 million in vehicle damage, emergency response, and healthcare expenses. And that doesn’t include the incalculable damage to wildlife populations and hunter opportunity.
Fortunately, a feasibility study for the U.S. 550 project was completed in 2023, and with new funding from HB 2, NMDOT will be able to finalize engineering and design in 2025 and begin construction in 2026.
Hunters rely on healthy wildlife populations, and healthy wildlife populations rely on intact habitats. TRCP applauds the efforts of New Mexico’s legislators and Governor Grisham, and we look forward to working with state agencies to enhance public safety and conserve wildlife.
Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to wildlife migration conservation HERE.
One of the core functions of VPA-HIP is its ability to support private landowners in implementing habitat restoration projects
The thrill of a crisp morning hunt or casting a line in a quiet stream often depends on something many don’t think about: access. For hunters and anglers across the country, that access increasingly comes from private lands— 70 percent of this nation’s lands, exclusive of Alaska, are in private ownership. As a result, a majority of this country’s hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities are on private land. It also means that a majority of this nation’s wildlife habitat improvement and enhancement projects sit in the hands of farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners. That’s where the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) comes in.
What Is VPA-HIP?
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, once commonly known as “open fields,” is the only federal program dedicated to creating public access on private lands.
Championed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership’s founder, Jim Range, VPA-HIP helps states and Tribes create innovative ways of incentivizing private landowners to open their lands to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation. It is the only federal tool aimed at increasing recreational access on private lands, yet it is not nearly the most well-known of Farm Bill conservation programs.
But it doesn’t stop at access, VPA-HIP also incentivizes landowners to restore and enhance habitat, making it a win-win for wildlife and the people who enjoy it.
While access is the headline, one of the core functions of VPA-HIP is its ability to support private landowners in implementing habitat restoration projects.
VPA-HIP encourages habitat restoration and stewardship on enrolled lands, helping private landowners improve conditions for wildlife while offering recreational opportunities to the public.
Let’s look at some examples of how VPA-HIP creates or enhances wildlife habitat:
Landowners enrolled in the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) report that assistance with habitat improvement is their number one reason for signing up. IRAP creates hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, upland bird, and waterfowl hunters on private lands in Illinois. In exchange, enrolled landowners receive a free habitat management plan, custom built for their property by Illinois Department of Natural Resources biologists. Landowners who implement these plans receive bonus payments for habitat improvements, incentivizing better habitat for both game and non-game species.
After flood damage along the Rio Grande River, the Santa Clara Pueblo used VPA-HIP funding to construct off channel ponds and make habitat improvements for fishing opportunities, restoring and improving public fishing access in Santa Clara Canyon.
On top of incentivizing access, the Wisconsin VPA-HIP provides financial assistance to landowners who create or enhance habitat through practices like prescribed burning, planting native grasses and forbs, or removing invasive species like honeysuckle, buckthorn, and multiflora rose.
Arkansas is a top destination for waterfowl hunters, and rice fields are a crucial food source for wintering waterfowl. Through the Arkansas Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement (WRICE), farmers receive payments to leave rice stubble intact, rather than tilling fields in the fall, and flood these same fields during the migration. This creates incredible waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunities.
Through the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP), Iowa DNR biologists work with landowners to create a habitat management plan for their property and provide incentive payments when those habitat improvements are completed. In exchange, landowners allow public hunting access.
Hunters and Anglers Reap the Rewards
Whether you’re glassing for elk or calling in spring gobblers, healthy habitat is essential. Through VPA-HIP:
More land becomes accessible for hunting and fishing.
Game populations improve as habitat quality increases.
Outdoor traditions are preserved for future generations.
The Bottom Line
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program is more than an access program—it’s a key piece of modern conservation. By bringing together landowners, hunters, anglers, and conservationists, VPA-HIP helps restore critical habitats and expand outdoor opportunities across the country.
With renewed investment and continued bipartisan support, this program is poised to make an even bigger impact on the landscapes, wildlife, and sporting traditions we all care about.
Want to support programs like VPA-HIP? Urge your lawmakers to support this critical program in the next Farm Bill so that more landowners can create access, open landlocked public lands, and enhance wildlife habitat. Click HERE to take action today.
Hispanic Leaders Bring the Southwest to Washington, D.C.
The TRCP organized a spring advocacy trip to demonstrate the power of unity, outdoor traditions, and a bipartisan approach to conservation.
This spring, the heart of the Southwest made its way to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., as Hispanic leaders united to speak up for the lands and waters that shape their culture, outdoor traditions, and futures. As part of HECHO’s (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors) 2025 spring advocacy trip, members of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) brought their voices and stories directly to lawmakers, urging protection and conservation of public lands.
From the vibrant canyons of Arizona to the sacred rivers of New Mexico, the Southwest is home to some of the nation’s most treasured public lands. For the Hispanic leaders who made the journey to D.C., these lands are more than scenic beauty—they’re economic drivers and places of personal and communal connection. Hunting and fishing on these lands not only sustains time-honored traditions but also supports local economies and fosters the next generation of conservation and stewardship.
The advocacy trip amplified these outdoor traditions, with participants ranging from business owners and elected officials to conservationists and community advocates. Their unified message? Public lands must remain public, accessible, and protected.
In conversations with members of Congress and key decision-makers, the HCLC emphasized the importance of protecting areas like the Grand Canyon watershed, addressing forest health and catastrophic wildfire, funding for proactive management of federal lands, and protecting critical water resources in the region. In addition, both TRCP and HCLC members also touched on the importance of maintaining robust federal funding to address ongoing drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin, including investments in fish and wildlife habitat restoration efforts that build resilience to shrinking water supplies.
The TRCP and HCLC highlighted support for the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act and the need to increase the pace and scale of active forest management approaches that also benefit fish and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. These issues are not partisan—they are universal, touching on clean water, natural disaster mitigation, recreation, cultural preservation, and economic sustainability.
One recurring theme throughout the trip was the need for balance—between use and conservation, between progress and preservation. As one participant shared, “I’m not against using our public lands… but we have to monitor that to where we don’t deplete our resources.” The goal isn’t to halt development, but to ensure it doesn’t come at the cost of future generations.
From forest management and fire prevention to watershed protection and outdoor recreation, the issues discussed were grounded in the everyday realities of communities that rely on these lands.
Perhaps the most powerful element of the trip was the unity among the participants. Despite different roles, regions, and backgrounds, the group stood together with a shared sense of purpose and pride. As one leader expressed, “We need to stand up proud as Hispanos… This is part of us. It’s querencia, a deep love and connection to the land.”
The HECHO 2025 spring advocacy trip was a testament to the power of representation and grass tops leadership. These leaders shared their personal stories, cultural ties, and community priorities directly with policymakers—demonstrating the power of unity, outdoor traditions, and bipartisan approach to conservation.
Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to habitat and clean water 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.
Tracking the Budget Bill: What Hunters and Anglers Need to Know
An overview of the budget reconciliation bill and its implications for public lands, access, and conservation.
On Wednesday night, the House passed—by a 215-214 vote—the budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that would advance President Trump’s fiscal and domestic policy agenda. For months, Congressional Republicans have been developing the package to implement the party’s agenda, with an emphasis on cutting government spending and generating additional revenue to reauthorize and extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, along with defense and immigration related spending. Now heading to the Senate, the bill is titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
As hunters, anglers, and conservationists cheer the decision by lawmakers to remove an amendment to the House budget reconciliation bill that would have sold off some public lands in Nevada and Utah, it’s important to note that this massive reconciliation bill also contains several other provisions added by the House Committee on Natural Resources that could impact fish and wildlife habitat and public access.
Here’s what you need to know about what stayed in, and what fell out of the Natural Resources portion of the House reconciliation bill:
An amendment successfully added to the bill during the HNRC markup would have authorized the sale of about 500,000 acres of federal public land across Nevada and Utah. Proponents of the amendment argue that the measure was needed to generate revenue and facilitate housing and local infrastructure development. By pursuing this through budget reconciliation, these lands would have been sold without a transparent public process and funds generated would not have been reinvested in conservation and access.
Hunters and anglers spoke up and made it clear to members of Congress that reconciliation is not the proper place for land sale discussions. Several House Republicans, including Montana Representatives Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing and Idaho Representative Mike Simpson, vocally opposed language that would sell or swap large scale swaths of public lands.
Prior to moving to a floor vote, House leadership and HNRC leadership removed the amendment from the bill, lifting any sale of public land from the House bill. The move is a major win for the hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation community, and TRPC will stay vigilant to get in front of any potential land sale provisions that could emerge from the Senate. Meanwhile, we will continue to work with members of Congress to develop long-term solutions to land management challenges faced in Western communities
Removed: Forced Development of the Ambler Industrial Road in Alaska’s Brooks Range
In addition to removing provisions that would sell public land, House leadership removed the section of the bill that would have forced development of the proposed Ambler Industrial Road in Alaska’s Brooks Range.
The Ambler Road would cut directly across hundreds of miles of our nation’s most wild and remote hunting and fishing grounds. The fish and wildlife resources in this vast region – including one of the largest remaining caribou herds in North America and world-renowned sheefish fisheries – support 66 rural communities as well as a collective of guides, outfitters, transporters, air taxi services, and other small businesses. The proposed 211-mile Ambler Industrial Road would require nearly 3,000 stream crossings and span 11 major rivers, threatening fisheries, subsistence resources, and the region’s outdoor economy.
By pursuing the Ambler Road permit through budget reconciliation, this impactful decision could have advanced without a transparent public process. In every opportunity for public comment on the proposed Ambler Industrial Road, the hunting and fishing community has stood up and spoken out against this project that risks the wild and remote qualities of the Brooks Range. The TRCP is a member of the Hunters & Anglers for the Brooks Range, a coalition of 65 groups and brands including impacted local businesses and 19,400 individuals engaged in maintaining a wild Brooks Range. We are encouraged by the removal of this provision from the House-passed bill and will remain engaged to prevent and oppose any efforts to insert similar language in the Senate reconciliation package.
Still in play: Boundary Waters Mining Leases
A provision of the Committee-approved bill would reinstate leases for Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of the Chilean corporation, Antofagasta PLC, to conduct copper-nickel sulfide mining activities directly upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Superior National Forest, threatening fish, wildlife, and water quality in the country’s most visited wilderness area.
Each year, thousands of hunters and anglers visit the Boundary Waters, which contains over 2,000 pristine, interconnected lakes and supports large populations of loons, moose, walleye, trout, deer, ruffed grouse, fishers, beavers, sturgeon, and more. However, these species, this ecosystem, and the local economy are put at risk by sulfide mining drainage that increases acidity and leaches toxic metals in the watershed, endangering water quality and aquatic life.
This provision was retained in the House-passed H.R. 1. TRCP will work to see that it is removed from the final bill, most likely in the Senate where it could be removed by the Senate parliamentarian under the Byrd Rule.
Removed: Roll Back of BLM Resource Management Plans
House leadership also removed policy language that would have prohibited the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from implementing, administering, or enforcing the following public land Resource Management Plans (RMPs):
Rock Springs Field Office, Wyoming
Buffalo Field Office, Wyoming
Miles City Field Office, Montana
North Dakota
Colorado River Valley Field Office and Grand Junction Field Office, Colorado
These plans are the product of extensive public engagement, and in some cases, state and locally driven negotiations among the variety of interests that are supported by multiple-use BLM lands. They also in some cases are updating management plans that are decades old.
The TRCP is encouraged by the removal of this proposal and further emphasizes that the Bureau of Land Management has many administrative tools available to improve implementation of completed land use plans and has the discretion to surgically amend or revise those plans, which is preferrable to sweeping legislative action.
What’s Next?
Now heading to the Senate, the bill is titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The Senate may opt to draft their own competing reconciliation bill. If so, the two products would eventually need to be combined via conference or be passed again through both chambers. The TRCP is closely monitoring this bill and will ensure that hunters and anglers have a seat at the table to speak for conservation and access. We remain committed to helping hunters and anglers understand and engage in the process to maintain fish and wildlife habitat, and public access.
What Can You Do?
In the face of gridlock, conservation is, and should be, a shared priority regardless of party affiliation or ideology. TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on budget reconciliation as well as 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.
Hunters and anglers have always been the unsung heroes of conservation in America, quietly paying it forward every time we buy a license, a box of ammo, or a tank of boat fuel. We know you’re not satisfied with simply going hunting or fishing and then going home—so go the extra distance. You can take action on the conservation issues that matter right now.Click here to get started.
TRCP Applauds Two Montana Conservation Funding Bills
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.
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.
