In September, approximately 157,000 acres of new migratory bird habitat was recently approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
As a result, 42,000 acres of waterfowl habitat will be added to the National Wildlife Refuge System through boundary additions and purchases totaling $3.3 million.
An additional 115,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands will be conserved through North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants totaling $21.5 million.
The $3.3 million approved to acquire refuge land and boundary additions will come from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which consists of proceeds from the sale of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, popularly known as Duck Stamps, and other funding sources.
Twenty-one million dollars in conservation grants to 21 projects in 16 states will also be made available through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act U.S. Standard Grants program. Partners will match this support with $50 million in leveraged funds.
The three commission-approved refuge projects are:
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Dorchester County, Maryland
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria County, Texas
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Spokane County, Washington
Projects funded through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act U.S. Standard Grants Program include:
Missouri Coteau Habitat Conservation Project XII, North Dakota – $2,000,000
Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands III, Iowa – $1,000,000
North Sacramento Valley Wetland Habitat Project VI, California – $1,000,000
For additional details about these projects, visit http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/Standard/US/2013_Sept.shtm
source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service