Submitted Photo North Dakota's state bird, the western meadowlark, has seen population declines. Supporters of a bill moving through Congress say it would be the biggest wildlife protection legislation since the Endangered Species Act. Photo from Adobe Stock.

North Dakota is a haven for wildlife, but climate change and development threaten certain species and their habitat. Supporters of a bill in Congress say states would see much-needed investment to protect them from extinction.

North Dakota leads all other states in the number of wildlife refuges, but some species are in trouble. The northern pintail duck has declined by roughly 70% in recent decades.

Mike Leahy, director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy for the National Wildlife Federation, said states often lean on hunters to fund wildlife preservation through fees. But he contended a federal proposal would keep funding consistent.

“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act finally gets the states, the territory and the tribes the money to do proactive, collaborative wildlife conservation to keep species off of the Endangered Species List,” Leahy asserted.

Under the plan, North Dakota would see $15 million annually. Backers argued it would allow the state to work with private landowners to restore wetlands and protect grasslands. The Senate version, co-sponsored by Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., could get a committee vote Thursday. While the plan has bipartisan support, how the federal government should pay for it has led to divisions.

Losing more species also creates concerns for states where hunting is popular, and in North Dakota, waterfowl hunting creates about $30 million in economic activity.

John Bradley, executive director of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, said it goes beyond protecting the interests of sportsmen and women.

“Both the hunter and folks that just like to hike or bird watch just like knowing that there’s healthy wildlife populations out there,” Bradley explained. “This bill does exactly that. It’s actually focused mainly on nongame species.”

According to North Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan, 115 species are in need of protections through conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, the bill would commit nearly $100 million to Tribal nations and their programs to protect endangered species. Indigenous conservation leaders stressed their work is often slowed by competitive grants and the uncertainty in securing annual funding.