As they do three times per year, the Council met to review and approve grant proposals under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants program. At the March meetings, Canadian NAWCA projects are selected for funding, as well as proposals submitted for NAWCA small grants in the U.S. The March 10 business meeting, held at NiSource, Inc. in Merrillville, Indiana, concluded with 13 small grants approved in Region 3 states, for a total of nearly $500,000.

Following the Council's business meeting, the Grand Kankakee Marsh partners held a reception, dinner and field tour of several projects within the restoration area. Council members were impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the many individuals and groups who are working hard to restore wildlife habitat in this mostly agricultural landscape. The Grand Kankakee Marsh was once one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States until drainage, agriculture and development took their toll.

Highlights of the gathering included the presentation of awards to partners. Joint Venture Coordinator Barbara Pardo presented an award of appreciation to Ed Theroff of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, for his eight years of service on the Joint Venture Management Board in support of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Dick Blythe, Chairman of the Grand Kankakee Partnership, presented awards of thanks to key members of the Partnership, including Don Roberts of Waterfowl USA, and Jeff Kiefer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other partners in attendance included Lake County Parks Department, Ducks Unlimited, Blythe Sporting Goods, and Griffith Izaak Walton Conservation Lands, Inc.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council is made up of nine permanent members and two alternates who approve millions of dollars of NAWCA grants annually. All four waterfowl flyways are represented on Council by a state agency, and there are several non-government conservation organization seats as well, including Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, The Nature Conservancy, and The Land Trust Alliance. The two permanent members of Council include the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Executive Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Information on NAWCA grants and the Wetlands Council can be found at http://birdhabitat.fws.gov.