This year has, in many ways, been a turning point for wildlife policy. In 2025, we witnessed a shifting regulatory landscape, reductions in our federal workforce and new investments reshaping conservation in the United States. As wildlife professionals respond to mounting environmental, economic and social pressures, the decisions made this year and next could define habitat viability, wildlife populations and ecosystem health for decades to come.
Your clicks have spoken. These were the top policy topics that TWS members were interested in this year:
Changes in the federal workforce
Shifting administrative priorities have caused significant disruption to conservation professionals in the federal workforce in 2025 and readers have followed this story closely. Federal funding freezes, layoffs, retirements and staff reductions caused concern among wildlife professionals about the future of research and conservation programs. TWS has monitored this issue as it develops and remains committed to voicing the needs of our members through this turbulent time.
Top articles:
- USGS grants frozen, layoffs planned
- USGS cuts would jeopardize leading wildlife research
- Professional societies issue joint statement on federal workforce
Deregulatory actions
We’ve seen several regulatory proposals this year that aim to reshape environmental review processes. Permitting efficiency and energy and economic priorities have been pitted against ecological safeguards in the regulations that implement foundational U.S. legislation like the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act. TWS policy staff have kept their finger on the pulse of the challenges conservationists face in maintaining environmental integrity amid a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
Top articles:
- NEPA loses its regs
- Trump admin releases budget FY2026
- Has Trump admin affected ecological research and management?
Wildlife crossings and corridors
This year has also shown some examples of bipartisan, science-driven conservation policy. Significant investments in wildlife crossings and corridors have been positive for humans and wildlife. Programs designed to reduce vehicle collisions with animals demonstrated measurable success, improving public safety and promoting habitat connectivity. TWS is excited to continue to see the development of these projects and the legislation supporting them.
Top Articles:
- Wildlife crossings program reduces crashes, saves lives
- New Mexico puts aside wildlife crossing funding
Moving into 2026, TWS policy staff are committed to elevating the voices of TWS members in the conservation policy arena as new and continuing policy shifts shape the future of wildlife management.
Article by Kaylyn Zipp
