Interior Secretary Announces more than $20 Million for Wetlands Grants for Migratory Birds, More than $9 Million for Wildlife Refuge Acquisitions

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission) today approved spending more than $9 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to protect an estimated 5,550 acres of waterfowl habitat on five units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Commission also approved $20.7 million in federal funding for grants to conserve nearly 100,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in 16 states through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

The NAWCA Standard Grants awarded today will support 21 projects benefitting ducks, geese, and other migratory birds from Maine to California. Partners will contribute nearly $52 million in non-federal matching dollars toward these projects.