TRCP Announces New Conservation Staff Member in Pennsylvania

October 10, 2025

PA field representative will focus on key state conservation issues as well as national wildlife health concerns, including Chronic Wasting Disease

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announced today the addition of Jim Kauffman, who will serve as the organization’s Pennsylvania field representative and wildlife health coordinator. This position will ensure that hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities are maintained for all Pennsylvanians through sound conservation policy and scientific management strategies while helping TRCP achieve its mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.

In this role, Kauffman will serve as the organization’s state representative for conservation, access, and habitat policies affecting hunters and anglers, as well as work to address water quality concerns that affect Pennsylvania’s trout streams, wetlands, and downstream waters including the Chesapeake Bay. He also will coordinate the organization’s strategy to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) nationwide and support partners in educating hunters about other relevant wildlife diseases and pest threats.

“Despite growing up in suburban Pennsylvania, I was fortunate to have access to two cabins on public land that allowed my family to maintain our rural roots and passion for the outdoors,” said Jim Kauffman, Pennsylvania field representative and wildlife health coordinator for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Those places have inspired in me a life dedicated to wildlife conservation, fair access to public lands, and the ethical pursuit of game.”

A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Kauffman holds a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State and a master’s in biology from East Stroudsburg University. His career initially focused on the research and management of wildlife species including river otters, bobcats, fishers, and ring-necked pheasants. He has also worked extensively with private landowners to deliver habitat-incentive programs, provide forestry guidance, and promote public hunting access.

Learn more here about how TRCP works in Pennsylvania.

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by: Noah Davis

posted in: Press Releases

September 18, 2025

Hunters and Anglers Cheer House Introduction of MAP Roads Act

Bill would direct Department of Transportation to establish grant program to fund the digitization of county public roads

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership joins hunters, anglers, and all who drive rural, county roads in cheering House introduction of the Modernizing Access to Public Roads Act.

The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Representative Blake Moore (R-Utah) and cosponsored by Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Representative Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), and Representative Susie Lee (D-Nev.).

“The lack of publicly accessible and accurate county road map information is a key barrier for hunters and anglers trying to access public lands,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The bipartisan MAP Roads Act will provide funding to address these mapping shortfalls and improve public access, resulting in reduced confusion for hunters and anglers trying to navigate rural road systems across America.”

The MAP Roads Act builds on the success of the MAPLand Act, MAPWaters Act, and MAPOceans Act by establishing a $20 million, 5-year pilot grant program through the U.S. Department of Transportation to:

⦁ Fund county road digitization by converting paper or outdated formats into standardized geospatial datasets.

⦁ Create publicly accessible statewide road data repositories that distinguish public and private roads, are compatible with third-party mapping platforms, and are updated annually.

⦁ Provide funds to support local capacity toward county subgrants, personnel training, or hiring contractors for data conversion.

The clarity and accessibility to this information for both the public and local municipalities would improve rural commerce, public safety, navigation, and access to public lands so more Americans can confidently access and enjoy their public roadways and the adventures beyond. The MAP Roads Act would not create any new road authority, or alter any legal status, ownership, or jurisdiction of roads.

“We appreciate Congressman Moore’s introduction of the Modernizing Access to Public Roads Act,” said Judy Camuso, commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “This legislation affords the opportunity for states and local governments to utilize technology to improve road access data that will ultimately help improve public access for our hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationalists.”

“Too often, outdoor recreationists are left guessing whether a rural road is public or private because county road records have not kept pace with modern navigation technology,” said Laura Orvidas, CEO of onX. “This uncertainty can restrict recreational access to public places and can cause conflicts between private landowners and the public. The MAP Roads Act will accelerate the modernization of these records, giving people the confidence to know where they can travel to reach public land. Not only will it expand recreational access, but it will also streamline county operations, all while preserving local authority over road networks.”

“In an era where mobile apps and GPS are essential for navigating vast public lands to reach remote hunting grounds, accurate and up-to-date county road data is critical,” said Kurt Dyroff, Co-CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “The MAP Roads Act will reduce inadvertent trespass risks, enhance safety during hunts, and open safer, more reliable access to our nation’s public hunting opportunities.”

“Accurate and readily available maps are essential for ensuring access to our nation’s public lands and waters,” said Kaden McArthur, Congressional Affairs Director for Trout Unlimited. “We thank Representative Blake Moore for his leadership on the MAP Roads Act which would make it easier to find reliable routes to rivers and streams by bringing outdated road maps into the digital age. This legislation would allow anglers to spend more time on the water and less time worrying about how to get there.”

Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to public access HERE.

by: Ryan Lockwood

posted in: Press Releases

September 12, 2025

MAPOceans Act Passes Senate

New legislation would modernize accessibility to saltwater recreational fishing regulations and marine waters navigation information

Saltwater anglers, hunters, and marine recreationists joined the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership in cheering Senate passage of the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act this week by unanimous consent. The MAPOceans Act will direct the standardization, consolidation, and digitization of boating and recreational fishing information for federally managed marine waters and federal fisheries administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The bipartisan legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Angus King (I-Maine).

“TRCP joins America’s sportsmen and sportswomen in thanking Senators Cruz and King for bringing forth this bipartisan, access-oriented legislation, and greatly appreciates the broader Senate support for its passage,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The MAPOceans Act will help simplify fishing and boating experiences to enhance recreation opportunities, while expanding access by making the necessary information for safe, legal saltwater fishing more readily available through digital technology.”

The MAPOceans Act builds on the success of the MAPLand Act, passed in 2022, and the MAPWaters Act, which passed out of the House of Representatives in January 2025, by directing NOAA to digitize navigation and recreational use rules for marine waters and federal fisheries, and to make those resources readily available to the public. The hundreds of thousands of offshore ocean miles and numerous saltwater fish species regulated by NOAA present enormous recreational opportunities where restrictions are difficult to access and constantly changing. MAPOceans directs the federal agency to compile those rules in digital form so they can be integrated into GPS units and smartphone applications that are popular with boaters and anglers, making that information available to the public in real time.

“The MAPOceans Act consolidates and makes existing spatial information more accessible, empowering anglers to better understand and safely enjoy our marine waters,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “We thank the Senate for passing this bipartisan bill and look forward to its continued progress.”

“We applaud Senator Cruz and Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Senator King for their leadership in passing the MAPOceans Act out of the Senate,” said Chris Horton, senior director of fisheries policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “This much needed, bipartisan legislation will finally remove the uncertainty about where we can fish and with what gear that can often create barriers for angler participation on our coastal waters.”

“At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we recognize the immense value our coastal regions provide—not only as vital ecosystems but also as hubs for recreation that drive local economies and support marine retailers,” said Matt Gruhn, president of the MRAA. “The MAPOceans Act represents a crucial step forward in providing standardized, accessible data about our nation’s waterways. By digitizing key information like fishing regulations and restrictions, this legislation will enhance safety and enjoyment for recreational boaters and anglers, while also supporting conservation efforts. We’re grateful to Senators King and Cruz for their leadership in championing this important initiative and their hard work to get it passed out of the Senate.”

“Expanding access to the information anglers and boaters need to safely get out on the water will help fuel America’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association. “The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable appreciates Senators Cruz and King for championing the MAPOceans Act and for finding innovate ways to allow more Americans to enjoy the outdoors.”

Learn more about TRCP’s work to improve your access to public lands and waters HERE.

Photo Credit: David Mangum

by: Dan Morgan

posted in: Press Releases

September 8, 2025

TRCP Expands Government Affairs Team with Promotion and New Hire

Nakayama promoted to Senior Manager; Haynes joins as Advisor to strengthen conservation advocacy

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), the largest conservation coalition in the United States, is pleased to announce the promotion of Ian Nakayama to Senior Manager, Government Affairs, and the hiring of Grayson Haynes as Government Affairs Advisor. Together, their experience will strengthen TRCP’s ability to advance bipartisan conservation policy on behalf of hunters and anglers nationwide.

Nakayama joined TRCP in 2021 and has played an instrumental role in advancing legislative and administrative priorities for TRCP and across the conservation community. As Senior Manager, Government Affairs, he will continue to contribute to TRCP’s federal policy strategy and expand engagement with lawmakers on issues ranging from public land access and habitat conservation to water resources and fish and wildlife management. Nakayama previously worked in legislative offices, including Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton’s office, and for Delegate Paul Krizek in the Virginia General Assembly, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia.

“We are proud to recognize Ian with this well-deserved promotion,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the TRCP. “His deep expertise and strong track record on Capitol Hill have made him a trusted resource for policymakers and TRCP partners alike.”

The TRCP also welcomes Grayson Haynes as Government Affairs Advisor. Haynes brings experience working across both Congress and the conservation nonprofit sector. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant for the House Agriculture Committee during the 118th Congress. Most recently, he worked with the National Audubon Society’s Working Lands team, where he partnered with ranchers, landowners, and producers to advocate for Farm Bill conservation programs.

A Virginia native from a military family, Haynes grew up fishing and exploring the coastlines with his grandfather. He is an avid hunter of waterfowl, deer, and turkey on Chesapeake Bay public lands.

“Grayson’s firsthand knowledge of agriculture policy, combined with his personal connection to hunting and fishing, will be a tremendous asset to TRCP’s advocacy work,” said Pedersen. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

With these additions, TRCP’s government affairs team is well positioned to secure lasting, bipartisan policy outcomes that aim to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.

Learn more about TRCP’s leadership 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: Madeleine West

posted in: Press Releases

September 4, 2025

BLM Advances Greater Sage Grouse Land Use Planning

TRCP supports final plans that are durable and consistent

The BLM has opened a public comment period on updated management actions to the Proposed Greater Sage Grouse RMP Amendments for BLM-managed lands in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. This announcement is a step toward revising land use plans across the 10-state range of the greater sage grouse in response to a court ruling that identified legal deficiencies in previous plans finalized in 2020.

In November 2024, the BLM issued proposed final plan amendments across the 10-state range of the greater sage grouse and signed Records of Decision in January 2025 for plan amendments in Colorado and Oregon. Since that time, the agency has continued to work with the remaining states to resolve administrative protests and consistency reviews submitted by several Governors.

“For more than a decade, state agencies have worked in unprecedented collaboration with the BLM to amend land management plans to conserve over 67 million acres of sagebrush habitat,” said Madeleine West, vice president of Western conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The BLM’s action this week indicates they are committed to completing plan amendments in the remaining Western states. Finalizing these outstanding plan amendments could end a cycle of BLM planning that first began in 2012, allowing federal and state agency staff and resources to refocus on important species and land management work to benefit the sagebrush ecosystem and Western communities.”

The TRCP has been on the front lines in support of sage grouse conservation for over a decade. The decline of this iconic game bird of the American West indicates that sagebrush habitat is in trouble, and that matters for sportsmen and women because the sagebrush ecosystem is home to more than 350 different species of plants and animals, including pronghorn and mule deer. A 2022 U.S. Geological Survey report revealed that half of the original sagebrush ecosystem has been lost at a rate of approximately 1.3 million acres each year over the last two decades. 

“We support the BLM’s efforts to collaborate with states to finalize the remaining land use plans in a manner that creates durable and consistent management across the range of the species,” continued West.

The BLM is accepting public comments on proposed updated management actions until October 3, 2025. Documents are available on the agency’s eplanning website.