National Wildlife Refuge Association Applauds Bipartisan Introduction of Great American Outdoors Act 250
For Immediate Release June 12th, 2026
Contact: Eden Taylor etaylor@refugeassociation.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Wildlife Refuge Association applauds House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman for introducing H.R. 9250, the Great American Outdoors Act 250, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and continue critical investment in America’s public lands and waters, including national wildlife refuges.
National wildlife refuges protect wildlife, connect people to nature, support local communities, and conserve some of the nation’s most important habitats. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, the Great American Outdoors Act 250 is an important opportunity to continue investing in the places that reflect America’s shared conservation legacy and strengthen the National Wildlife Refuge System
“The original Great American Outdoors Act has made a real difference for national wildlife refuges and the communities they serve,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “We appreciate Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for working together in a bipartisan way to continue investing in America’s public lands and waters as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.”
The original Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) has helped address long-standing deferred maintenance needs across the Refuge System, including visitor centers, boardwalks, trails, water infrastructure, operational buildings, and other facilities that support wildlife conservation, public access, and local communities.
While the Refuge Association strongly supports reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund, our hope is that the amount provided for America’s national wildlife refuges can be increased in the final bill. The Refuge System manages more than 41,000 real property assets valued at more than $55 billion, and nearly 45% of those assets are 40 years old or older.
“Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund is essential, but because the need is so great, we hope that Congress can build on this bipartisan momentum and increase the amount for America’s National Wildlife Refuge System in the final bill,” continued Sorenson-Groves. “National wildlife refuges protect wildlife, welcome visitors, and support local economies across the country, and they need reliable infrastructure funding to meet that mission.”
Dedicated funding would improve public safety, expand outdoor recreation access, enhance visitor services, reduce long-term maintenance liabilities, strengthen habitat connectivity, and help ensure national wildlife refuges remain healthy, accessible, and resilient for generations to come.
The Refuge Association will continue working with leaders in both chambers to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and secure the long-term investments national wildlife refuges need to serve wildlife, people and communities, and honor America’s wildlife legacy.
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As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to supporting the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the Refuge System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.
