Latest News Issues Programs About Us Ways to Give Donate Federation Supporters Help Secure Passage of Two Conservation Bills November 23, 2020/in Achievements, Conservation Policy, News / The Great American Outdoors Act and America’s Conservation Enhancement Act will make certain future generations can access our nation’s outdoor treasures. Photo credit: Quinn Strother This year two landmark conservation bills were passed—the Great American Outdoors Act and America’s Conservation Enhancement Act. The Great American Outdoors Act marks the biggest win for the great outdoors and public lands in decades and became law in August. It provides five years of funding, up to a total of $9.5 billion, to address a sizable portion of the national parks’ maintenance backlog. This includes deferred habitat restoration, trail and other amenity maintenance, and historic site preservation. The Act also provides full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. At $900 million every year, this will expand recreation opportunities, conserve wildlife, and create jobs. “Tennesseans fought hard for this win,” said Michael Butler, chief executive officer of Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “Senator Alexander led this bill and with his retirement, Tennesseans will have to speak out even more if we want to see victories like this again in the future.” Not only did Tennesseans get the Great American Outdoors Act across the finish line, they helped secure another win for our fish, wildlife, and wild places when congress passed America’s Conservation Enhancement Act. Also known as the ACE Act, the bipartisan bill contains many longstanding conservation priorities for Tennessee and the nation. It includes funding to fight invasive species, manage chronic wasting disease, and support the work of the National Fish Habitat Partnerships. In addition, the ACE Act will reauthorize the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which increase bird populations and wetland habitat, while also supporting local economies and outdoor recreation. “The Federation is incredibly grateful to our engaged supporters who helped secure these wins for our wildlife, waters, and wild places. The passage of these historical conservation bills just goes to show how we can make a meaningful impact when we all speak up for the great outdoors,” said Michael. Share this entry Get the latest conservation news and actions to take! ? Take future action with a single click. Log in or Sign up for FastAction First Name (Optional) Last Name (Optional) ZIP Code (Optional) Email Remember me so that I can use FastAction next time. Filter by Topic Achievements Anglers Asian Carp Chronic Wasting Disease Conservation Policy Deer Fish Habitat Conservation Hunters Hunters for the Hungry Hunting and Fishing Academy Lands News Nongame Wildlife Public Lands Transfer Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Share Our Rivers Tennessee SCTP Turkey Waterfowl Waters Wildlife Watchers First Name (Optional) Last Name (Optional) ZIP Code (Optional) Enter your email address 300 Orlando Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37209 (615) 353-1133 © 2021 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Donate for Wildlife Take Action Volunteer for Wildlife Create a Wildlife Habitat Fundraise for Wildlife Programs Media Resources Latest News Contact Privacy We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cookie settings ACCEPT