Wetlands are environmental superheroes: They improve water quality, manage erosion, sequester carbon, and house one-third of all endangered and threatened species. With so many benefits, the more wetlands preserved, the better off nature is. And this week, thousands of acres received new protections.
On May 19, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced millions in funding that would go toward preserving or enhancing over 185,000 acres of wetlands. And nestled within that announcement was the acquisition of another 5,254 acres across three wildlife refuges: one in Texas, one in Virginia, and one in Illinois.
How It Works
Passed in 1989, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funds projects that benefit bird populations. Each year, grants go toward state, local, and tribal governments, environmental nonprofits, land trusts, and private landowners for conservation projects.
“Since 1991, NAWCA has supported 3,300 projects for over 7,000 partners, conserving more than 32.6 million acres of vital habitat. These efforts have been made possible through $2.28 billion in grants,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) explains.
In a press release, the BLM announced that this year’s total included $44.79 million in grants that would affect 185,203 acres of wetlands. This, together with partner funds exceeding $88.98 million, will go to fund 16 projects in 16 states.
Additionally, the BLM shared that the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC), which distributes the funds, approved $22.6 million in funding to purchase 5,254 acres of wetland to add to national wildlife refuges. The projects include: 3,535 acres in the Moody National Wildlife Refuge (TX), 1,643 acres in the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (VA), and 76 acres in the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge (IL).
The majority of funding for these areas came from duck stamps, which waterfowl hunters must purchase annually.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who chairs the MBCC, celebrated the news. “The North American Wetlands Conservation Act is among our most successful tools for the conservation of migratory birds throughout the United States. These grants support public-private partnerships that help ensure healthy, productive wetland ecosystems that benefit wildlife and people,” Burgum said in a press release.
“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.”
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