THREAT to Missouri's Conservation Science Programs passes House & moves to US Senate

Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

UPDATE:

Early in the morning on Thursday May 22, the US House of Representatives approved a 2026 federal budget which contains a massive threat to the future of wildlife research and Conservation in Missouri and across the nation. The bill now heads to the Senate.

We thank those of you who already responded, and hope you can re-visit the opportunity to alert your Senator. We are updating this alert to reflect that change.

Your voice remains urgently needed to stop this terrible threat. The cuts outlined below will become law unless they are removed from the budget by our Senators.

The US House of Representatives is on the brink of approving 2026 federal budget which contains a massive threat to the future of wildlife research and Conservation in Missouri and across the nation.

Your voice is urgently needed to block this terrible threat, which is currently in the House budget reconciliation process.

It includes a complete elimination of funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA).

The EMA is the biological research branch of the U.S. Department of the Interior. It plays a critical role in providing the science needed to sustainably manage our nation’s wildlife, fisheries, and ecosystems. If the proposed cut is approved, it would mean the closure of research facilities and the loss of expert staff nationwide.

What’s at Stake for Missouri?

Several essential Missouri-based programs and research centers are in immediate jeopardy:

USGS Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Missouri, established in 1936, which has trained generations of conservation professionals and advanced fish and wildlife science.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)
Central Midwest Water Science Centers in Lee’s Summit and Olivette
National Geospatial Technical Operations Center in Rolla

Losing the EMA would mean halting critical research on migratory birds, endangered species, invasive species, wildlife diseases, and habitat management—not just in Missouri, but nationwide.

The House has passed this language intact. The Senate is now the last possible obstacle. Your voice can make a real difference!

Clicking "Take Action" will open a letter to your U.S. Senator, urging them to remove the elimination of the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area from the proposed federal budget. It takes just a few clicks. It is quick and easy.

Time is short—take action now to protect the science that supports Missouri’s natural heritage, and please share this information with your friends, family and co-workers.

Current Actions

THREAT to Missouri's Conservation Science Programs passes House & moves to US Senate