The Department of the Interior has announced that $44.79 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funds have been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. They will provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—and its partners—the ability to conserve, restore or enhance 185,203 acres of critical wetland and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across the United States. The NAWCA grants will be matched by more than $88.98 million in partner funds for 16 projects across 16 states.
In addition, the Commission approved more than $22.6 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, on three national wildlife refuges across three states to conserve 5,254 acres. This will expand public opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and outdoor recreational access.
“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act is among our most successful tools for the conservation of migratory birds throughout the United States,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “These grants support public-private partnerships that help ensure healthy, productive wetland ecosystems that benefit wildlife and people. These projects will enhance or establish areas for hunting, fishing and birdwatching, uplift local economies and improve access to outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands for all Americans.”
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by Burgum, 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, fishing and birding. “Projects made possible through North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants make an investment in wetland conservation, supporting local economies and boosting outdoor recreation industries. We all benefit from healthier ecosystems and more abundant fish and wildlife,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik.
NAWCA is the only federal grant program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. Since 1991, more than $7.2 billion in funding has advanced the conservation of wetland habitats and their wildlife across more than 33.1 million acres of habitat in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.
Through NAWCA, federal funds are typically leveraged at twice the legally required dollar-for-dollar non-federal match-to-grant ratio. Program partners include private landowners, state, tribal and local governments, conservation organizations, sportsmen’s groups, land trusts and corporations.
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