With the debt ceiling agreement in place, the appropriations subcommittees in the Senate and House have begun working on their FY 2024 budgets for NERRS funding. At the time of writing this, the House Subcommittee has not scheduled its hearing, but we expect it to happen very soon.

As NERRA joins in the excitement of welcoming the 31st Reserve in the Atchafalaya Basin, we are spreading the word about its benefits to not only Louisiana, but also to the nation. With this Reserve joining the System, a flat or reduced FY 2024 NERRS operations budget will mean cuts to all Reserves and our programs. Therefore, we ask all NERRA board members to share with members of Congress and partners both the funding needed to bring on more Reserves and the importance of having a strong national program, as envisioned in 1972 when Congress created the NERRS. 

We also ask all NERRds, including Reserve Friends and Foundation members, to keep a watch for future calls to action this summer. And, we encourage you all to invite members of your congressional delegation to visit your Reserve when they return home in August, and if you get a chance, share the Davidson Fellow video with them as well!

Your voices are important and they are being heard. NERRA Executive Director Rebecca Roth conducted 12 meetings with congressional staff earlier this month and continues to be heartened by the support and appreciation for the work happening at Reserves and in NOAA OCM. Thanks for all you do.