Habitat Enhancement Now Act

HR 6854, the Habitat Enhancement Now Act, establishes two federal grant programs to support migratory waterfowl populations. It provides $1.5 million annually (2024-2028) for competitive grants to state governments, nonprofits, or individuals to build hen houses (nesting structures on posts) in the prairie pothole region (ND, SD, MT, IA, MN) to improve duck nesting success. A separate grant program in California funds activities like creating nesting cover, brood ponds, and landowner incentives to enhance breeding success for ducks such as mallards. The bill directly affects waterfowl conservation efforts by providing targeted funding for habitat improvements in specific geographic areas.