The President of the United States today said his Administration is committed to a national goal of conserving three million acres of wetlands across the nation, benefiting waterfowl, other migratory birds and wildlife over the next five years. The President made the announcement at an Earth Day event in Wells, Maine, where he worked on a local wetlands restoration effort.
To help achieve that goal, the President highlighted the contributions of four U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiatives: the North American Wetlands Conservation program, the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, the Coastal program, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund (the Duck Stamp program).
"Our partnership-driven wetlands conservation efforts have helped conserve these vital fish and wildlife habitats all across the nation," Service Director Steve Williams said today. "They represent the best in citizen-centered conservation efforts. President Bush and Secretary Norton recognize the important role our efforts play in wetlands conservation and look forward to a brighter future for Americas wildlife and the American people who all benefit from healthy wetlands."
In addition, the Department of the Interior today announced a new tool for working cooperatively with private landowners in the Prairie Pothole region to protect wetlands by simplifying the process used to value wetland and grassland easements. The new process will reduce by more than one month the process to establish minimally restrictive easements. Today
