2026 Audubon Great Plains Legislative Wrap-up

This legislative session underscored each the challenges and alternatives of advancing conservation coverage—and the influence coordinated advocacy can have. Throughout Nebraska and South Dakota (North Dakota was not in session), we labored alongside companions to defend crucial conservation funding, advance sensible land administration coverage, and elevate science-based determination making.

Nebraska: Defending the Environmental Belief, Prescribed Hearth and Renewable Vitality
Our main focus in Nebraska was defending the Nebraska Environmental Belief (NET), a key supply of conservation funding supporting wildlife habitat, water, soil administration, air high quality, and waste administration in all 93 Nebraska counties.

This yr, NET confronted a serious menace when the Governor proposed sweeping $40.7 million from the Belief. In response, we convened a coalition of conservation organizations, landowners, sportsmen, neighborhood leaders, and advocates to guard NET.

That work mattered. Though some funds have been swept, appropriators diminished the entire to $13.5 million, preserving most NET assets. Audubon members took motion 294 instances, responding to alerts and contacting policymakers to assist this effort.

Alongside the price range debate, we labored to advance LR298CA, a constitutional modification to guard NET from future sweeps. The invoice superior out of committee unanimously, and our advocacy led to Senator Tom Brandt naming this as his precedence invoice. In the end, the invoice was handed over on the ground after misinformation shared by opposing senators weakened assist.

We additionally supported LB823, launched by Senator Dave Wordekemper, which represents an necessary step towards recognizing the function of prescribed hearth in Nebraska as a science-based land administration software that improves ecosystem well being and reduces wildfire threat. This invoice advance by means of the Legislature and was accredited by the Governor.

On renewable vitality, we opposed two payments that will have hindered progress and supported one that will promote accountable, habitat-friendly growth. Study extra on web page 12.

South Dakota Engagement
In South Dakota, we supported HB1001, which handed and permits for prescribed burning of Title VI land (state-owned land alongside the Missouri River) by an individual proudly owning and/or working adjoining land.

This widespread sense reform removes boundaries to accountable land stewardship and displays rising recognition of prescribed hearth as a invaluable land administration software.

We additionally engaged in laws to finish South Dakota’s Nest Predator Bounty Program. This program paid contributors $10 per tail for raccoons, badgers, and different small mammal predators, with the intent to spice up pheasant and duck populations. Nevertheless, scientific analysis reveals that this method is ineffective. Eradicating small mammal predators would not influence populations until it is extremely localized and intensive. Utilizing these funds to extend and enhance habitat would have a considerably larger influence. Though the invoice didn’t advance, the Senate Agriculture and Pure Assets Committee expressed curiosity in shifting this system towards youth trapping, and the Division of Sport, Fish, and Parks later superior a decision to finish the Nest Predator Bounty Program and transition it right into a Youth Trapping Recruitment Program and the Coyote Bounty Program.

Trying Forward
Looking forward to the 2027 legislative session throughout the Nice Plains, we’ll have interaction new incoming legislators, and develop legislative champions to advance key coverage priorities aligned with our Wholesome Birds, Wholesome Planet coverage agenda, together with strengthening long-term protections for conservation funding.