H.R. 3276: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Urban Bird Treaty Program.

This bill, known as the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025, aims to establish a program called the Urban Bird Treaty Program. This program will focus on the voluntary conservation of birds and their habitats in urban areas. The key components of the bill include the following:

Findings

Congress identifies several key findings to support the need for this program:

• Bird populations have significantly declined, leading to alarming losses of various species. This decline has consequences for ecosystems and human health.
• A large number of Americans engage in birdwatching, contributing substantially to the economy. This activity supports local businesses and jobs.
• Maintaining green spaces and bird habitats can mitigate risks associated with diseases, particularly by reducing the overlap of wild and domestic bird populations.
• Enhancing urban bird habitats also helps in the fight against wildlife-borne diseases.

Program Overview

The Urban Bird Treaty Program aims to achieve several objectives:

• Assist in the protection, restoration, and enhancement of urban habitats for birds, including managing invasive species and cultivating native plants.
• Work to reduce hazards that urban environments pose to birds.
• Encourage community involvement through scientific monitoring of urban birds and their habitats.
• Educate and promote conservation efforts within communities.

Grants and Assistance

The bill establishes a competitive grant program to provide financial support for initiatives related to urban bird conservation. Key aspects include:

• Eligibility for grants will be open to various entities such as government agencies, non-profits, community groups, and academic institutions.
• Grants can be used for research, planning, and conservation activities related to urban birds and habitats.
• The grant program will be administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Funding

The bill authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2032 for the purpose of carrying out the program.

Definitions

Several key terms are defined within the bill to clarify its scope:

• Covered entity: This includes federal, tribal, state, or local agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions involved in conservation efforts.
• Eligible entity: Similar to covered entities, these are those eligible to apply for grants under the program.
• Director: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior, operating through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Relevant Companies

None found