Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act
Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act would create a regional, voluntary pilot program—the Pacific Northwest Migratory Bird Conservation pilot program—to provide competitive grants and technical assistance for habitat restoration and water management aimed at shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wetlands-dependent birds. The program covers the Oregon and Washington Coastal Zone and the Columbia River Basin and is designed to be voluntary, with a requirement that non-Federal cost sharing (matching funds) be at least 25 percent. Eligible recipients include federal/state/local governments, Tribal governments or organizations, nonprofits, conservation districts, private landowners, and other entities the Secretary deems appropriate. The Secretary may fund projects that involve water infrastructure, habitat management, and vegetation improvements, with emphasis on locations facing rapid habitat loss, population growth, or limited public access, and with a priority for long-term maintenance and measurable outcomes. The act authorizes funding ($10 million per year for FY2026–FY2030), sets administrative and reporting requirements, and includes protections for existing laws and property rights.
Key Points
- 1Establishes the Pacific Northwest Migratory Bird Conservation pilot program in coordination with Migratory Bird Joint Ventures to award competitive grants and provide technical assistance for habitat restoration.
- 2Geographic scope includes the Oregon and Washington Coastal Zone and the Columbia River Basin, targeting habitats for migratory birds during migration, staging, and wintering.
- 3Eligible entities are broad: federal/state/local agencies, Tribal governments/organizations, nonprofits, conservation districts, private landowners, and other appropriate recipients determined by the Secretary.
- 4Grants may cover up to 10% of funds for ecosystem service benefit analysis and up to 10% for voluntary conservation easements; non-Federal share must be at least 25% and must be secured no later than 2 years before applying.
- 5Eligible projects focus on water infrastructure and management to enhance habitat, and on vegetative habitat management to support wetlands-dependent birds; projects may occur on public, private, Tribal, or other land, including agricultural land.
- 6Funds must be spent within 4 years of grant receipt; unspent funds must be returned; planning costs are allowed, but regular operation and maintenance of restored habitat is not.
- 7The Secretary may contract with an external organization to manage grant administration; grants cannot be used to meet existing mitigation or compliance obligations.
- 8Compliance with all applicable federal and state laws is required; the act does not preempt state water law or private property rights.
- 9Reports to Congress required: within 180 days after enactment and then annually, detailing implementation and each funded project.
- 10Authorization of appropriations: up to $10 million per year for FY2026–2030, with a cap of 3% for program administration; funding is to supplement, not replace, other Secretary programs.