The Department of the Interior has announced that $102.9 million in funding under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) has been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. This funding will allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners to conserve, restore, or enhance more than 548,000 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across North America. The projects will be supported by over $201 million in matching funds from partners.
“For more than 35 years, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act has fostered partnerships and an investment in wetland conservation that yield both ecological and economic returns for local communities and a broad range of industries, including tourism, commercial fisheries, forestry and agriculture.” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “These grants will increase and maintain healthy bird populations and wetland habitat, while supporting local economies and improving public access to recreational activities for American traditions, such as hunting, fishing and birdwatching.”
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission is chaired by the Secretary of the Interior. According to the Department, the Commission has played a key role in conserving important waterfowl habitats nationwide and establishing or enhancing popular destinations for waterfowl hunting and birding. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act is described as one of the most effective tools available for migratory bird conservation.
“NAWCA funding supports projects that enhance or establish areas for hunting and birdwatching, uplifting local economies and improving public access to recreational activities for future generations,” said Service Principal Deputy Director J Shirley. “Projects made possible through these grants support public-private partnerships to make an investment in wetland conservation that benefits the economy, a thriving outdoor recreation sector and the valuable benefits provided by healthy wetland ecosystems.”
Projects funded through NAWCA are intended to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands. These efforts provide habitats not only for migratory birds but also other wildlife species. In addition to supporting biodiversity, these projects aim to improve water quality while offering opportunities for recreation.
NAWCA is currently the only federal grant program focused on conserving wetland habitats specifically for migratory birds. Since its inception in 1991, it has contributed more than $7 billion toward conserving over 32 million acres of habitat across all U.S. states as well as Canada and Mexico. Over 7,100 partners have participated in more than 3,400 projects under this program.
Federal funds provided through NAWCA are often matched at twice the required non-federal match-to-grant ratio by program partners which include private landowners; state, tribal, and local governments; conservation organizations; sportsmen’s groups; land trusts; and corporations.
Further details about these grants can be found on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website. Information about broader migratory bird conservation efforts is also available on the agency’s webpage.
