US lawmakers seek support for priority conservation projects at Conte Refuge

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators from New England, including some from Connecticut, is calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior to prioritize more funding for the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

In a letter to the agency, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) requested that the President's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request include funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation projects within the Conte Refuge.

The Conte Refuge spans over 50,000 acres across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It is a vital ecological resource and includes critical lands within the Connecticut River Watershed.

The senators highlighted that over 24,000 acres of priority conservation lands, valued at more than $51 million, have been identified for protection in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

"This funding is essential to address the unmet needs for land conservation in this region," the lawmakers wrote. "The refuge not only supports the quality of natural resources but also provides recreational opportunities for millions of people in the surrounding communities."

The senators also highlighted the broader economic benefits of wildlife refuges, citing data showing that every $1 invested in federal funding for national wildlife refuges generates nearly $5 in local economic returns. In total, the outdoor recreation economy supports 4.9 million American jobs and generates over $564 billion in consumer spending.

Securing additional funding for the Conte Refuge, the senators believe the region can continue to preserve critical lands while supporting economic growth and job creation. They urged the administration to reflect the region's conservation needs in the FY2026 budget proposal.