On Sept. 12, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved a $1 million grant under the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) for a project called, Prairie Lakes II Wetland Initiative.  The project is within the boundaries of the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be responsible for administering the grant locally. 

The project area is an important part of a major migration corridor for Lesser Scaup and other waterbirds moving north from the Central Mississippi River to the Prairie Pothole Region and other breeding grounds to the north and west.

Historically one of the most productive portions of the Prairie Pothole Region, it is still an important production area for Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, and Canada Geese, as well as a host of other migratory bird species. The project area includes 57 of the 101 Joint Venture priority areas and 6 of the 11 Iowa Living Lakes Emphasis Areas.