Great news for national wildlife refugees! Congress leaders have just released one Financing bill to keep the government going through March 14, 2025 (randomly National Wildlife Refuge System!). But even more exciting, this bill includes $ 500 million for disaster relief to repair national wildlife reflexes damaged by hurricanes, floods and serious storms. The final passage and signature of the financing proposal is expected at the end of the week. [Note: This bill was signed into law on December 21st, 2024, as projected.]
This funding comes at an important time. While it lacks the $ 581 million we requested, it represents a big step forward for the preservation of wildlife and social support. Without this funding, many wildlife flights were facing the risk of permanent injury, at risk both wildlife and habitats, ecosystem protection for societies and recreational opportunities for humans.
Your advocacy made this happen
This victory for refugees did not happen in a vacuum. It happened because refuge all over the country took action. Over 80 refuge groups came together to Sign a powerful letter to Congressalong with strong support from partners like Defenders of wildlife and Coalition of refugee friends and advocates (Corfa). Together we delivered a clear message: Our refugees need funding to recover and continue to protect the wildlife and community they serve. Check the fact sheet here >>
Not only did you sign letters, but many of you also submitted damage pictures and summary that painted a compelling picture of the urgent need for this financing. Our partners, Corfa and Friends groups worked tirelessly to get this in front of decision makers and your efforts paid off!
Where the funding will go
This $ 500 million will help repair damage caused by storms, hurricanes and other disasters. Refuge as Merritt IslandAt Lower SuwaneeeAt Don Edwards San Francisco BayAt GuamAt Cape RomainAnd others have all exposed to significant damage, including:
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Reconstruction of roads, bridges and facilities
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Restoring damaged habitats
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Repair of Levees and Water Control Structures
Work continues
Although this is a big win, the bill did not include $ 300 million to Nature -based solutions– Proactive investments that help refuge to protect societies from future disasters. This is a hole we are working to fill. Keep an eye on more opportunities to advocate for these and other critical investments in the refuge system early next year.
Thank you for being a master of the National Wildlife Refuges.