Project Titles:

• Restore Southern Michigan Prairie Habitat (FFS #R3EH)
• Restore Lake Michigan Watershed Wetland (FFS #R3EJ)
• Restore Lake Erie Watershed (FFS #R3EL)
• Copperbelly Watersnake Habitat Improvement (FFS #R3EG)

State: Michigan

Project Description: Recovery Act funding has been made available in Michigan to restore fish and wildlife habitat on private lands throughout the state. The funding will support voluntary habitat improvement projects completed through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program in partnership with private landowners. The funding will go toward a number of projects on private land, including prairie restoration in southern Michigan to benefit grassland dependent birds; wetlands restoration in the watersheds of Lakes Erie, Michigan, and Huron and Saginaw Bay to benefit migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife; and habitat improvement for the imperiled copperbelly water snake. Partners program projects are typically constructed by local contractors, channeling dollars to the local economy.

The Partners Program focuses on improving habitat for federal trust resources: migratory birds, federally-listed endangered or threatened species, and interjurisdictional fish. In Michigan, restoration of wetlands is the primary focus for the Partners Program. The program also includes restoration of grasslands, streams, and specific habitats used by federally listed endangered or threatened species. Since this program began in Michigan in 1988, more than 2,500 projects have been completed, totaling approximately 26,500 acres.

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $165,000 for Habitat Improvement On Private Lands in Michigan

Originally posted 08/06/2009