U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland confirmed $95 million for wetland conservation projects and national wildlife refuges. Wetland conservation projects and national wildlife refuges will get millions in a financial boost from the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
The grants from the North American Wetland Conservation Act will be utilized to aid bird populations in surviving and growing their populations, according to a press release. Preserving wetland habitat, local economies and other chances for outdoor recreational activities are other priorities of the plan.
“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act is one of the most effective tools we have for migratory bird conservation around the country and across our northern and southern borders,” Haaland said. “The investments the Commission made today for these locally led wetlands and conservation projects will help ensure that birds continue to flourish for the next hundred years and beyond.”
Officials also discussed the value of the land and funding.
“The acquisition for the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is a testament to the ongoing value of the Duck Stamp and funding support for the protection of wetland habitat for waterfowl and numerous other species in the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. “This new area will provide increased public opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting, fishing and wildlife observation, in this urban national wildlife refuge.”
Approximately $116 million in funding from partner funds and $17 million advanced by Congress derived from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and will be utilized to preserve land in San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in Texas for public use and hunting activities. The complete list of approved projects is available here.
