Bipartisan Wildlife Bill Left Out of Omnibus Funding Package

lschultz • December 22, 2022

Lansing, MI (December 22, 2022) — A bipartisan wildlife bill that supporters dub “the biggest wildlife bill in 50 years” has been left out of the omnibus spending package, leaving very few options for passing the bill this Congress.

The bill passed the House in June and has 47 cosponsors in the Senate , including 16 Republicans. 

“This is a commonsense, cost-effective approach that has broad support on both sides of the aisle,” said Amy Trotter, Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC). “Wildlife in Michigan and around the country are increasingly at risk. Bird watchers and hunters alike would benefit from this funding .”

The $1.4B Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would distribute$1.3B a year amongst the state and territorial wildlife agencies. Federally-recognized tribes would spilt $97.5 M annually to manage wildlife on their lands. It would also fund innovative programs to recover already endangered wildlife.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would have received $26.8 million annually to help at least 301 species, including the lake sturgeon, common loon and many non-game species that share critical habitat with game species like Karner blue butterflies and wild turkey. 

“The bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is the most important wildlife legislation in half a century, and we must find a way for it to pass. The historic legislation will empower states, Tribes and territories to ensure that the full diversity of fish, wildlife and plants thrive for future generations,” said Collin O’Mara , president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Inaction is the ally of extinction, and we will continue to push tirelessly to ensure that the bill does not meet the same fate facing thousands of species of wildlife and plants.”

U.S. Senators  Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters are among the Senate cosponsors. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell was an original sponsor and 10 bipartisan members of the Michigan delegation co-sponsored the House bill.

 

Recent Posts

On the Ground Junior: Fall Event Recap

By Olivia Triltsch • October 16, 2025
In 2025, the On the Ground program conducted 8 junior projects with schools involving 316 students from across the state. From tree plantings to invasive species removal, these students worked to enhance 39.3 acres of public land after contributing over 200 volunteer hours. Visit our website to learn more information about our On the Ground program and On the Ground Junior . To wrap up the 2025 field season, the On the Ground program worked with two classrooms to enhance wildlife habitat and recreational access. Junior programs like these allow teachers to get their students out of the classroom and into hands-on learning about the importance of habitat work while meeting individuals in the field.

October NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • October 9, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today, Thursday, October 9th for their October meeting. The commission reaffirmed its intent to allow for lethal year-round coyote management on public and private land via a unanimously passed resolution before passing fisheries orders, and tabling more for consideration in November. The commission passed Fisheries Orders 210.26 , and 254.25 before tabling 206.26, 219.26 , and 253.26 . Commissioner John Walters provided an amendment to the fisheries order to expand underwater spearfishing opportunities to most of the Great Lakes, allowing for some spatial closures for the protection of particularly sensitive areas. The commission took steps to make good on their promise to allow year-round coyote management, unanimously passing a resolution more clearly stating their intent and what the pending wildlife conservation order will look like. The next meeting is Thursday November 6 in Lansing.

October NRC Meeting Preview: Wildlife, Habitat, and Regulation Updates on the Agenda

By Justin Tomei • October 7, 2025
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will convene for its October meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Michigan Technological University’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton, MI. This monthly gathering brings together commissioners, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, and the public to discuss policy decisions and updates impacting the state’s natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The meeting will begin with Coffee with Commissioners from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the formal session at 9:30 a.m. Attendees can park for free in Lot 10, located east of the Rozsa Center. The meeting will open with a presentation from DNR leadership, including several notable updates and informational reports: Spring Turkey Regulations: Wildlife Division staff will present proposed changes to spring turkey hunting regulations for 2026. Wildlife Habitat Grants : Program leads will outline new habitat grant initiatives and highlight ongoing restoration efforts across the state. Moose Population Monitoring: A presentation will cover results from the most recent moose survey and discuss ecological and environmental factors limiting population growth. White-Nose Syndrome: The Wildlife Division will provide the latest data on the spread and impact of white-nose syndrome on Michigan’s bat populations. New Business The commission will consider a range of new proposals and action items, including: Oil and Gas Lease Auction: Approval for a proposed October 21, 2025, lease auction for energy development on state-managed lands. Land Transactions: Consideration of multiple land sales, acquisitions, and donations, including parcels in Tuscola, Wayne, St. Clair, and Luce counties. Wildlife Orders: Review of spring turkey regulations for the 2026 hunting season . Old Business The NRC will also revisit several regulatory items from previous meetings, including proposed amendments to a number of Fisheries Orders. This includes an amendment further expanding underwater spearfishing to larger portions of the Great Lakes. All orders and amendments for consideration can be found at the NRC agenda, HERE .
More Posts