Habitat Act Allocates $7 Million Annually for Duck Nesting Structures and Wetland Restoration Through 2030

The new Habitat Enhancement Now Act is a targeted piece of legislation focused on boosting North American migratory duck populations. The core of the bill is setting up two new, competitive federal grant programs run by the Secretary of the Interior, specifically designed to address low nesting success rates, which the bill identifies as the main driver behind declining duck numbers. From fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the bill earmarks a total of $7 million annually for these efforts.

The Prairie Pothole Lifeline: Building Better Nests

The first program, the Hen House Grant Program, is a highly specific effort aimed at the Prairie Pothole Region—the key breeding ground for most North American ducks. The bill defines an 'Eligible Entity' (which can be state, local, or Tribal governments, non-profits, or even individuals) that can apply for $3.5 million set aside each year for this program. The money must be used to build, place, and maintain 'hen houses,' which are defined as specific cylindrical nest structures placed on posts in wetlands. This is a very targeted approach, putting federal dollars toward a proven, low-tech solution to help ducks successfully hatch their eggs in areas where natural nesting cover is disappearing.

California’s Coastal Habitat Investment

The second program, the California Breeding Habitat Grant Program, also receives $3.5 million annually and focuses exclusively on improving breeding habitat within California. Instead of just building hen houses, this money goes toward establishing nesting cover, creating new 'brood ponds' (ponds specifically for ducklings), and providing incentives to willing landowners to undertake this work on their property. For landowners in California, this means a new source of federal funding is available to help them manage their land in a way that benefits wildlife, potentially offsetting some operational costs through conservation grants.

The Real-World Check: Who Pays and Who Decides?

While the goal of helping migratory birds is straightforward and beneficial, it’s worth noting the mechanics of the funding. The $7 million per year for these grants is drawn from the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Secretary Departmental Operations account. This means the money is being specifically carved out from the Department’s existing internal budget, which could potentially reduce flexibility or resources for other priorities within the agency. For taxpayers, it’s a dedicated, five-year spending commitment aimed at environmental conservation that relies on existing federal infrastructure rather than creating a new agency.

Another point of note is the administrative power granted to the Secretary of the Interior. The bill requires the Secretary to define the application details and determine what constitutes “strategically place[ing]” the hen houses. This grants significant administrative discretion over how the $3.5 million in the Hen House program is allocated. For the eligible non-profits and individuals looking to apply for these funds, success will depend heavily on the specific criteria the Department sets in the coming months.