Glacier Country News

Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT) and Democrat Congressman Don Beyer (VA) introduced the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act today. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the companion bill in the Senate. The announcement was made at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters in Missoula, MT, with representatives from various conservation organizations present.

In 2018, Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3362, committing federal and state agencies to collaborate on big game migration corridors and critical wintering habitat. This new legislation aims to build on that order by codifying Zinke’s Wildlife Movement and Migration Corridor Grant Program. The grant will fund conservation work supporting big game wildlife migration corridors and habitat connectivity.

The bill defines big game species as native large mammals such as deer, elk, pronghorn, wild sheep, and moose. These species rely on migration corridors for their habitats, which often cross public and private lands with obstacles like fencing and highways that can impede movement.

The proposed legislation includes:

1. Creation of the Wildlife Movement and Migration Corridor Grant Program.

2. Establishment of the State and Tribal Migration Research Program.

3. Inclusion of migration corridors in financial assistance under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

4. Directing US Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units to map big game corridors.

Congressman Zinke emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Wildlife follow paths bred into them over generations without understanding land distinctions... Collaboration is crucial when managing migratory species.”

Rep. Don Beyer highlighted biodiversity concerns: “With one in five migratory species facing extinction threats... Our act would provide necessary grants to enhance wildlife connectivity.”

Senator Padilla underscored bipartisan efforts: “Protecting wildlife corridors is a crucial bipartisan priority... I am glad to work across the aisle to conserve habitat connectivity.”

Support for this legislation comes from numerous organizations including Boone & Crockett Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Wild Sheep Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), Mule Deer Foundation among others.

Tony Schoonen of Boone & Crockett Club stated: “This bill extends successful habitat improvement under SO 3362.” Kyle Weaver of RMEF added: “Passage will show Congress prioritizes big game migration.” Gray N. Thornton of Wild Sheep Foundation remarked: “It’s a great example of bipartisan leadership.” Becky Humphries of TRCP commented: “This bill supports collaborative conservation projects.”

Steven R. Belinda from Mule Deer Foundation praised Zinke's ongoing commitment: "From his executive action issuing SO3362 through today's introduction... Commander Zinke has proven conservation is vital."

The legislation is supported by a wide range of environmental groups including National Audubon Society, National Parks Conservation Association, The Nature Conservancy among others.