The North American Grasslands Conservation Act: A Lifeline for Our Grasslands and Wildlife
Introduction
The North American Grasslands Conservation Act (NAGCA) is a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at preserving and restoring one of the continent’s most vital ecosystems. This act not only promises to protect the rich biodiversity of our grasslands but also supports the livelihoods of those who depend on these lands. If enacted, NAGCA would provide a framework and funding that could significantly benefit mule deer conservation delivered through the Mule Deer Foundations’ private land program and Great Plains Initiative. Let’s dive into what this act entails, its significance for mule deer and other species, and the current status of the legislation.
What is the North American Grasslands Conservation Act?
Introduced in 2024 by U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), the NAGCA aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the conservation and restoration of grasslands across North America. The act proposes the creation of a North American Grasslands Conservation Council and regional councils to oversee and implement conservation strategies. It also includes a grant program to support voluntary conservation efforts by landowners, farmers, ranchers, and Tribal partners.
The purpose of the North American Grasslands Conservation Act is to conserve and restore grasslands in North America while supporting various stakeholders, including ranchers, farmers, Indian Tribes, sportsmen and sportswomen, and rural communities. The act leverages successful conservation plans and programs to encourage voluntary conservation and restoration, improve grassland and rangeland health, restore historical grassland areas, and mitigate drought and wildfire impacts. It supports farmer and rancher stewards, private landowners, and Tribal partners, enhances biodiversity and wildlife habitats, increases carbon sequestration, and provides recreational access for wildlife dependent recreation such as hunting and fishing. Additionally, it fosters public-private partnerships for landscape-level conservation efforts across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Provisions of the Act
The North American Grasslands Conservation Act establishes a grant program offering financial incentives for landowners to engage in conservation and restoration projects. Additionally, the act funds research and data collection on native seed crops and regenerative grazing practices, and it encourages public-private partnerships to foster collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private stakeholders.
Why is it Important for Mule Deer and Other Species?
Grasslands and Rangeland ecosystems provide essential habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, pollinators, reptiles, and birds. These ecosystems offer critical ecological services such as forage for grazing livestock, carbon sequestration, drought and flood resilience, water filtration, and storage. For mule deer, grasslands are vital for the food, shelter, and space required to meet their life needs. Additionally, grasslands support 29 breeding obligate grassland bird species, meaning they can only survive in grasslands, and numerous other species, making them crucial for overall biodiversity.
The Importance of North American Grasslands
Grasslands cover 358 million acres in the United States, with 85% privately owned. They are often referred to as the “lungs of the earth” due to their role in carbon sequestration and oxygen production. Despite their importance, grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems, facing pressures from agricultural expansion, urban development, and weather extremes. Over the last decade, millions of acres have been converted to cropland and residential and commercial development. Sagebrush-steppe associated with rangeland, another critical habitat, occupies 161 million acres across 14 Western states but is threatened by invasive species and wildfires.
Grasslands are not only vital for wildlife but also for working lands. They provide forage and hay for grazing livestock, which is essential for the agricultural economy. The conservation of these lands ensures that ranchers and farmers can continue their livelihoods while maintaining the ecological balance. Effective restoration strategies are crucial for sustaining these working lands in the face of many challenges.
“The North American Grasslands Conservation Act is a pivotal step towards ensuring the sustainability of our grasslands. By supporting this act, we are not only protecting vital habitats for mule deer and other wildlife but also bolstering the livelihoods of ranchers and farmers who depend on these lands. This legislation embodies a collaborative approach to conservation that benefits both nature and people.” — Mule Deer Foundation Private Lands Conservation Team
Current Status and Next Steps
As of now, the NAGCA has been introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture. Developed as a marker bill, this piece of legislation is introduced to gain support for conservation needs, and would be included in a larger bill, like the Farm Bill. Marker bills are not usually expected to pass on their own as standalone bills, so the next steps involve committee reviews, potential amendments, and votes in both the House and Senate to include it in larger legislation. Advocates for the act are encouraged to contact their representatives to express support and help push the legislation forward.
Conclusion
The North American Grasslands Conservation Act can significantly benefit the Mule Deer Foundation’s Private Lands Program and the Great Plains Initiative by providing essential funding and grants for voluntary grassland and sagebrush restoration projects. This financial support would enhance the Foundation’s efforts to restore and conserve critical mule deer habitats on private lands. Additionally, the Act offers incentives for landowners to engage in conservation practices such as invasive species management, grazing management, and prescribed burns, aligning with the Foundation’s conservation objectives. By promoting collaboration between federal, state, Tribal, and private entities, the Act facilitates partnerships that can help achieve broader conservation objectives across the Great Plains.
Restoring these ecosystems improves habitat quality for mule deer and other wildlife, directly supporting the Foundation’s mission. Overall, the Act provides the resources, incentives, and collaborative framework needed to support the Mule Deer Foundation’s conservation initiatives on private lands and across the Great Plains.
About the Mule Deer Foundation:
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to conserving mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat. MDF is a strong voice for hunters, wildlife management, and conservation policy issues. To join MDF and get involved in your state go to https://muledeer.org or call 1-801-973-3940.
By COLLIN SMITH (Mule Deer Foundation’s Director of Private Land Conservation):
Collin is the Mule Deer Foundation’s Director of Private Land Conservation. Collin is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with over 30 years’ experience in wildlife management, wildlife habitat development and conservation program delivery. While from Wyoming, Collin’s background in the wildlife management and conservation field however spans experience across the Southeast, Midwest, Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states where he has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies in North Carolina, Florida and Missouri, the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, and in the private sector where he managed private lands around the country.
