Waterfowl conservation gets a boost on wildlife refuges

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved over $54 million to conserve and expand public access to nearly 22,000 acres of waterfowl habitat. This action is accompanied by more than $4.7 million in grants to support smaller-scale wetland conservation projects. The investment, approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, is funded through Federal Duck Stamp sales and import duties on arms and ammunition. The resulting habitat conservation projects will occur on four National Wildlife Refuges. Land acquisition will occur at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah; Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in Tennessee; and Red River National Wildlife Refuge and Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana.

“These new areas on national wildlife refuges will help bolster wetlands conservation and increase habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife while expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for surrounding communities,” said FWS Director Brian Nesvik in a press release. 

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission also approved over $4.7 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act small grants, matched by more than $9.5 million in partner funds, to support smaller-scale wetland conservation projects. These grants support projects that protect, restore and enhance critical wetland habitats for migratory birds across the United States, Canada and Mexico, aligning with the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international strategy dedicated to conserving wetlands and uplands for waterfowl and other migratory birds.