Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026

The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to establish the Urban Bird Treaty Program . This program aims to foster the voluntary conservation of birds and their habitats within urban areas, recognizing significant bird population declines, the substantial economic benefits of birdwatching, and the role of healthy habitats in mitigating wildlife-borne diseases. Under this program, the Director will work with and support covered entities, such as federal, tribal, state, and municipal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and academic institutions. These collaborations will focus on protecting, restoring, and enhancing urban habitats, including controlling invasive species, reducing urban hazards to birds, and engaging communities in scientific monitoring and educational activities. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a competitive grant program , to be administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to provide financial and technical assistance for research, planning, capacity building, and management related to urban bird conservation. The legislation authorizes an appropriation of $1,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2032 to support these vital initiatives.