The Department of the Interior announced that more than $46.2 million in grants was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission today, which will conserve or restore 91,425 acres of wetland and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other birds in 17 states. These grants, made through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will be matched by more than $99.1 million in partner funds.

In addition, the Commission approved more than $11.7 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, providing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners with the ability to conserve habitat on seven national wildlife refuges across seven states. The acquisitions will expand public opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreational access.

“Investing in wetland conservation is an investment in the health of our environment and our economy. These grants will preserve essential habitats for migratory birds and boost local economies through enhanced recreational opportunities,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative by conserving America's lands and waters that support biodiversity, protect communities from climate change, and foster resilience for future generations.”

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission is chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and authorized under NAWCA. The Commission has helped conserve much of the nation’s most important waterfowl habitat and establish or enhance many of the country’s most popular destinations for waterfowl hunting and birding.

“Across the country, migratory birds and their habitat are at risk due to drought, warmer temperatures, and rising seas," said Service Director Martha Williams. "Projects supported through these grants help bolster wetland biodiversity and increase habitat for billions of migrating birds while expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for surrounding communities.”

North American Wetlands Conservation Act

NAWCA is a federal grant program dedicated to conserving wetland habitats for migratory birds. Since 1991, over 7,000 partners have received more than $2.28 billion in grants for roughly 3,300 projects. Those partners have contributed another $4.53 billion in matching funds to improve more than 32.6 million acres of habitat.

The Commission also received a report today on 22 NAWCA small grants approved by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council in March 2024. Small grants are awarded for projects up to $250,000 to encourage new grantees to carry out smaller-scale conservation work.

More than half of Endangered Species Act listed species rely on wetlands for essential habitat. The NAWCA funding will benefit 11 ESA-listed bird species and 68 species identified as Birds of Conservation Concern.

Migratory Bird Conservation Fund

The funding to conserve 3,268 acres for seven national wildlife refuges through the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund was derived primarily from Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps sales (Duck Stamps) and import duties on arms and ammunition imports.

These funds will be used to purchase waterfowl habitat at several national wildlife refuges:

- Bear River Watershed Conservation Area (Idaho) – $610,000 for 656 acres

- Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge (Missouri) – $2,940,000 for 294 acres

- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) – $1,577,000 for 460 acres

- Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (Illinois) – $940,000 for 180 acres

- Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Mississippi) – $3,095,000 for 938 acres

- Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia) – $1,797,000 for 376 acres

- Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge (Texas) – $8400K$364

While Duck Stamps are required annually as licenses by waterfowl hunters anyone can contribute conservation buying them A current Federal Duck Stamp is also a pass into any national wildlife refuge charging an entry fee Because nearly all proceeds are used conserving habitat birds other wildlife outdoor enthusiasts including birders nature photographers buy Duck Stamps help preserve some diverse important wildlife habitats nation

Additional information about North American wetlands migratory bird conservation can found Service webpage

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