On March 18, 2008, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council (NAWCC) approved five small grants under the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA). 

The NAWCC was pre-approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission to fund up to $2.5 million dollars of worthy habitat projects.  The combined federal funding for these grants totals $348,333.  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 ttate, tribal and other non-governmental organizations.  The combined non-federal partner contribution for this effort was $1,251,083.

All of these projects are in the portion of Minnesota that forms the eastern boundary of the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture.  Collectively, these projects will protect, restore and enhance 637 acres of wetland and wetland associated upland habitat.