Wyden Introduces Legislation to Restore America's Grasslands

Press Release

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led colleagues in the introduction of legislation to prevent further loss of native grasslands and sagebrush shrub-steppe systems, strengthen grassland and rangeland health and management, improve biodiversity and habitat, provide increased recreation and hunting opportunities, and address the climate crisis by mitigating the threats of wildfire and drought and increasing carbon sequestration.

Grassland ecosystems are among the most vulnerable in the world, and over the last decade alone, millions of acres of grasslands have been lost to wildfire, commercial development, and continue to face fragmentation, invasive species, and degradation. The agriculture community and Tribes are deeply connected to the landscape and often on the front lines protecting these lands from devastating wildfires and drought and subsequent encroachment from fire-prone invasive species. In addition to agriculture, hunting and recreation are important cultural and economic benefits of intact and healthy grasslands.

With 85 percent of grasslands privately owned, the North American Grasslands Conservation Act takes bold action to empower land stewards to conserve and restore grasslands in North America by establishing a voluntary, incentive-based grant program and support the rural economies and wildlife species that depend on them -- all while helping to address the climate crisis. It also establishes the first-ever North American Grassland Conservation Strategy.

"Grasslands are an essential American landscape, supporting the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers and Tribes like those in my home state of Oregon. They're home to iconic -- yet threatened -- wildlife and have serious potential to help in the fight against the climate emergency. Yet, wildfires, invasive grasses and degradation, and more leave America's grasslands imperiled. They are disappearing before our eyes," Wyden said. "By finally establishing a national strategy and empowering landowners to protect their lands, this legislation will go far in restoring and conserving these open spaces."

The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo.

"Grasslands are critical to farmers and rural communities across Minnesota and throughout our country, providing clean air and water as well as forage for livestock and habitat for wildlife. It's critical that we protect these vital grasslands from the threats of wildfire, drought and other natural disasters," said Klobuchar. "Our legislation will help give landowners additional resources to help conserve and restore grasslands for years to come."

"Many rural communities across Colorado and the American West rely on our imperiled grassland ecosystems for working agricultural lands and the outdoor economy," said Bennet. "But intense wildfires and extreme drought fueled by climate change have put our grasslands at risk. The North American Grassland Conservation Act would ensure that Colorado has the resources to work collaboratively with farmers, ranchers, landowners, and tribes to voluntarily restore our native grasslands, improve wildlife habitat, protect our watersheds, and confront the climate crisis."

Modeled after the hugely successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the North American Grasslands Conservation Act:

Establishes a North American Grassland Conservation Strategy for the protection, restoration, and management of grassland ecosystems across North America. The strategy would identify areas at high risk for grassland habitat loss, high potential conservation areas, at-risk populations of grassland-dependent bird species like sage grouse, and will identify specific goals for enhancing grasslands. This strategy would draw from existing local, state, Tribal and regional conservation plans and wildlife action plans.
Establishes a flexible Grassland Conservation Grant Program for voluntary, incentive- based conservation of grasslands, including projects to restore degraded grasslands, increase carbon sequestration, improve grassland and rangeland health, mitigate the threats of wildfire and drought, improve biodiversity and support habitat connectivity, and restore watersheds.
Creates National and Regional Grassland Conservation Councils to recommend and approve grassland conservation projects to be funded under the grant program, and provide recommendations on best practices that will support on-the-ground work already being done. The Council will be composed of federal, state, Tribal, conservation organizations and different farming, ranching, or grazing groups.
Establishes research initiatives on native seed crop systems and regenerative grazing practices.
Supports regenerative grazing research by establishing a jointly run pilot program to holistically study the effectiveness of regenerative grazing practices to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis on Forest Service and BLM lands.

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