On March 18, 2008, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council approved 10 projects under the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA), with combined federal funding totaling $690,436.  The NAWCA Grants Program requires, at a minimum, the grant amount to be matched equally with non-federal contributions.  This is typically accomplished by partners from state, tribal and other non-government organizations.  The combined non-federal partner contribution for this effort was $1,964,000.

These projects are in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture and are distributed across five States (MN, WI, IL, MI, OH).  Collectively, the projects will protect, restore and enhance 1,011 acres of wetland and 870 acres wetland associated upland habitat.

All of these projects will benefit priority migratory birds and other wetland associated wildlife.  Individually and cumulatively, these projects will advance the goals identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the 2007 Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture Implementation Plan, Partners in Flight, U.S. Shorebird Plan and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan.  This work also help achieve goals identified the State Wildlife Action Plans for each state.