Taking flight in Washington, D.C.

2025 Spring Newsletter

In early March, I joined colleagues from across the country for an 鈥溙交ň Fly-In鈥 to Washington, D.C., where we engaged with federal lawmakers and their staff to discuss key environmental priorities. I had the privilege to meet with representatives and staff from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska to advocate for a range of federal conservation programs鈥攅specially the importance of a strong Farm Bill.

Highlights of the trip included a productive conversation with Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota, where we offered our expertise and support for efforts to improve America鈥檚 transmission grid. We also met with Senator Deb Fischer to discuss the vital role of private landowners in conserving Nebraska鈥檚 Sandhills region, again underscoring the need for robust Farm Bill provisions.

In a discussion with Congressman Don Bacon, we shared our enthusiasm for the growing importance of urban habitat conservation.

These conversations were a meaningful step toward ensuring that conservation remains a bipartisan priority鈥攕upporting both rural and urban communities, as well as the natural landscapes that sustain birds across the Great Plains.