On March 8, 2006, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved a $1 million grant under the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) for a project called Lower Minnesota Valley Wetland Conservation Initiative.  The NAWCA Grants Program requires the grant amount to be matched with non-federal contributions.  This is typically accomplished by partners from State, Tribal and non-governmental organizations.  The non-federal partners contributed over $2 million and an additional $155,534 was contributed by federal partners. 

This is a long-term initiative that will focus on protecting and restoring wetland and grassland habitat in an area that encompasses 15 counties in Minnesota.  The wetland and grassland habitat lost in this project area is estimated at 95 percent.  This project will protect, restore, and enhance a total of 2,468 acres of habitat.  In addition to Pheasants Forever, some of the other partners are Conservation Partners of America, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The project is in the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture which was originally formed to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP).  The acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitat associated with this proposal will benefit migratory birds and other wildlife and advance the goals identified in the NAWMP, Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Implementation Plan, and the other major bird conservation initiative plans.