COLUMBUS — Senator Sherrod Brown has signed onto a bipartisan wildlife conservation bill, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, that will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to locally-led efforts to help at-risk wildlife species nationwide.

“Lake Erie and natural habitats across Ohio are critical to our state’s economy, supporting outdoor recreation and fishing,” said Senator Brown in a statement. “We must do all we can to protect and maintain them, so that Ohioans can enjoy our state’s natural beauty for generations to come.”

The bill would send $20.1 million to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources which the agency will use to implement its wildlife action plan. The plan identifies 405 priority species, including the monarch butterfly, lake sturgeon and bobwhite quail. 

“This is the most important piece of wildlife legislation we’ve seen in fifty years,” said Matt Misicka, executive director of the Ohio Conservation Federation. “This bill will address the problem at scale, while there is still time to make a difference. Ohioans can be proud that Senator Brown is among the first to join this commonsense, cost-effective effort to protect our wildlife heritage.”

A similar bill passed the House last session, with support from six Ohio representatives. Both Senators Brown and Portman cosponsored a Senate version last session. It passed out of committee but never received a floor vote, despite having 47 bipartisan cosponsors.

“Saving the thousands of at-risk wildlife species will require bold, bipartisan leadership,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are so grateful to Senator Brown for leading the way on the historic Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This bill will have an immediate impact – saving species, creating jobs and protecting our way of life in Ohio and all across the country.”

Federally recognized tribal nations would share $97.5 million annually to fund wildlife conservation efforts in the lands they manage. 

“Wildlife conservation is an issue that unites all Americans. We hope Senator Vance and the entire Ohio delegation will also cosponsor this commonsense bill and help it get across the finish line,” said Misicka.