More than $11 million will be awarded for wetland conservation projects and national wildlife refuges, the Department of the Interior announced in a Sept. 22 release.
Approximately $3 million in funding from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund has been approved to conserve land in four national refuges for public use and hunt programs, the release stated.
“These projects are great examples of the work we are accomplishing through the Biden-Harris administration’s 'America the Beautiful' initiative,” DOI Secretary Deb Haaland said in the release.
Haaland, who chairs the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, approved the funding.
The 'America the Beautiful' initiative focuses on “supporting locally led and locally designed conservation efforts and restoration approaches that will create jobs and support healthy communities,” Haaland said.
Over 60 species of birds will benefit from these projects.
“Working together, we can improve the habitat of the birds we love while conserving lands for everyone to enjoy,” Haaland added.
More than $30 million in grants through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and $74 million in matching funds from partners will be used for wetland conservation projects and national wildlife refuges, the release stated.
The funds will assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in conserving or restoring 177,000 acres of wetland and associated habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds and other birds in 20 states.
According to the release, sales of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, also known as Duck Stamps, and import duties on arms and ammunition are used to support the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. Duck Stamps are required for waterfowl hunters as an annual license, however anyone can contribute to conservation by buying them.
