Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Wetland Habitats, Species in Washington State

October 19, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) in introducing the Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program (NW VIP) Act , bipartisan legislation that would restore and protect wetland habitats and species in the Pacific Northwest. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). “Farmers, Tribes, and local communities across our region rely on wetlands and the species they protect,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I am proud that this bipartisan bill will take a meaningful step to make sure Washingtonians continue to benefit from these important habitats that are a critical part of our ecosystem.” “Conservation is a team effort, and everyone needs to play their part,” said Congresswoman Hoyle. “Our bipartisan bill supports habitat restoration and active management of invasive species across Northwest wetlands that support Tribes, farmers and other local economies. This work will strengthen our climate resilience, supporting these lands for the next generation.” “Good conservation starts by bringing everyone to the table,” said Congressman Zinke. “The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act gives farmers, ranchers, Tribes, sportsmen and local communities a way to work together on voluntary projects that restore wetlands and keep working lands working. That’s how we protect habitat and water for the next generation. I'm proud to support this legislation.” BACKGROUND: The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act would establish a federal grant and assistance program empowering government agencies, Tribes, nonprofits and landowners, among other entities, to work together in both restoring and enhancing habitats for wetland-dependent birds living in the Columbia River Basin and along the coast of Oregon and Washington. These projects include water infrastructure and management and enhancement of vegetative habitat, which could be implemented on public, private, Tribal and other land determined by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. “We’re thankful to Reps. Hoyle, Zinke, and Schrier for introducing the Northwest Wetlands VIP Act in the House of Representatives. The future of conservation is on private working lands. This important legislation will bring much-needed resources for landowners to more effectively provide multi-benefits for people, wildlife, agriculture, and wetlands in the Northwest and the Columbia River Basin,” said Jeff McCreary, Director of Operations for the Western Region for Ducks Unlimited. "Healthy wetlands are foundational to Washington’s economy, ecosystems, and communities,” said Washington Association of Land Trusts (WALT) Executive Director Erik Kingfisher. “The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act would provide much needed investments in enhancing, maintaining and restoring these vital lands across the Columbia River Basin, Washington coastal zone, and throughout the Puget Sound. As land trusts with the skills to make these projects happen across our beautiful state, we support this bipartisan legislation that would empower landowners through a voluntary, partnership-based approach to establish an open space legacy and enable the care and restoration of these lands to sustain them for future generations." The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act is endorsed by Ducks Unlimited, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), Trout Unlimited, Oregon Agricultural Trust, Washington State Audubon, Washington Association of Land Trusts and more. ### Issues : Congress Environment