DC Download: April 2025

Two weeks ago in Washington, D.C., NERRA board members met with congressional staff from their home states to advocate for, and educate about, their Reserves. NERRA also helped kick off Capitol Hill Ocean Week with a coastal fair in the Rayburn House Office Building. With 74 new members in Congress, this education and outreach is more important than ever.

During the week, the Congressional Estuaries Caucus held its first official briefing of the 119th Congress, with leadership from Representatives Bonamici (OR), Mast (FL), Larsen (WA), and Haridopolos (FL).

Jude Apple, manager of the Padilla Bay Reserve, gave an inspiring presentation highlighting the power of estuary programs to protect ecosystems and support communities. NERRA, along with our partners at Restore America’s Estuaries and the Association of National Estuary Programs, is excited for the reignition of this caucus! We hope it will be instrumental in educating congressional members about the importance of estuaries and the work of Reserves and partners.

We’re grateful to the NERRA Board for these efforts and all our dedicated supporters who continue to share the incredible work happening at Reserves across the country. This year—like every year—we must ensure that voices and stories from the Reserves reach Capitol Hill. Encouraging members of Congress and their staff to visit their local Reserves is an important part of building support and showing how our national program strengthens communities at home.