Habitat Connectivity
Reconnecting America's Fragmented Landscapes for Wildlife and Communities
Habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, but historic federal investments are creating unprecedented opportunities to reconnect ecosystems. Our work focuses on maximizing the impact of these investments through strategic project design, streamlined implementation, and equitable access to funding that benefits both wildlife and communities.
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Infrastructure Solutions and Restoration Projects
Transportation infrastructure fragments landscapes, but innovative engineering solutions can restore wildlife movement corridors while improving public safety. We analyze the most effective approaches to reconnecting habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Infrastructure Funds to Restore Endangered Salmon Populations →
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Policy Innovation and Implementation Reform
Historic funding levels demand equally innovative approaches to project delivery. We develop policy recommendations to accelerate implementation, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and ensure equitable access to connectivity investments.
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Federal Investment and Breakthrough Funding
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act represent the largest federal commitment to habitat connectivity in U.S. history. We track these transformative funding opportunities and advocate for their strategic deployment to achieve maximum conservation impact.
How Government Grants Can Use Innovative Contracting Methods to Open Rivers for Fish →
What’s New
Comments on proposed changes to the Clean Water Act definition of Waters of the United States.
Comments on the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act.
Comments on “Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 10(a) Program Implementation; Development of Conservation Benefit Agreements and Habitat Conservation Plans, and Issuance of Associated Enhancement of Survival and Incidental Take Permits” (FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0049-0001)
Comments on “2022 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) - Revisions for 2027” (Docket ID USBC-2024-0032)
Last month, EPIC submitted detailed public comments opposing a proposed federal rule that would weaken the Endangered Species Act by removing habitat destruction from the definition of "harm." If the Rule goes through, it has profound implications for the restoration economy and Tribal communities.
Comment: Opposition to the Proposed Rule to Rescind the Definition of "Harm" Under the Endangered Species Act