On June 13, 2007, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission gave final approval to spend additional North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) funds within the small grants program.  This means five more projects were approved in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture.  A total of 10 small grants have been awarded to partners in this joint venture in 2007. 

The total amount of federal funding for these five projects is $367,500.  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-governmental organizations.  The combined non-federal partner contribution for this effort was over $1,270,000.  Collectively, the projects will protect and enhance 343 acres of wetland and wetland associated upland habitat.

All of these projects will benefit priority migratory birds and other wetland associated wildlife species.  Individually and cumulatively, these projects will advance the goals identified in State Wildlife Action Plans, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the 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.

The projects are in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri and the partners involved are: Kenosha/Racine Land Trust, Inc., WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Donnelley Foundation, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Duke Energy, Agri Drain Corporation, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Audubon Society of Missouri, Sharp Brothers Seed Company, private landowners, Kansas City Power and Light, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association, Ohio Division of Wildlife, National Wild Turkey Federation, Little Traverse Conservancy, Friends of Jordan, Buhr Foundation, Charleviox County Community Foundation, J. A.Woollam Foundation, East Jordan Ironworks