The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved a $1 million grant under the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) for a project called Minnesota Headwaters I. 

The project is within the boundaries of the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lake Region Joint Venture and the Minnesota DNR will be responsible for administering the grant locally.  This effort will focus on seven counties in Minnesota that will result in the protection, restoration and enhancement of 5,093 acres of wetlands, shallow lakes and associated uplands. 

The NAWCA Grants Program requires, at a minimum, the grant amount to be matched with non-federal contributions.  This is typically accomplished by partners from State, Tribal and other non-governmental organizations.  The non-federal partners contributed $2.87 million and an additional $40,000 was contributed by federal partners.  Major financial contributions were made by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources, Trust for Public Land and Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

The acquisition, restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitats associated with this proposal will advance the goals identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Implementation Plan, U.S. Shorebird Plan, Partners in Flight, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan.  These actions will benefit breeding and migration habitat for Black ducks, Mallards, American bitterns, Golden-winged warblers, Lesser scaup, American woodcock, and Yellow rails to name a few.

Habitat loss and degradation is a primary factor affecting the species of greatest conservation need according to the Minnesota Wildlife Action Plan (Plan).  This effort will assist with accomplishing the habitat objectives identified in that Plan.