DOI announces millions for multiple wetlands conservation programs

Key Takeaways

On September 18, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced $54 million in land acquisitions for waterfowl habitat conservation through a program administered by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. The conservation actions add onto an August 4 announcement of $102.9 million in grant-based funding under a separate program administered by the Commission for the conservation of critical wetlands ecosystems and migratory bird habitat through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (P.L. 101-223).

What programs are involved?

The recent announcements covered habitat acquisitions and funding disbursements made by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which oversees two different U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) programs that support wetland bird habitats.

The August 4 announcement publicized grant-based funding authorized by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). NAWCA establishes competitive grant opportunities for state and local partnerships that restore or protect wetlands and associated upland areas in support of vulnerable migratory bird populations. The program has disbursed more than $2 billion in federal funding to over 3,300 projects since its inception in 1991, and projects have supported work on more than 32 million acres of land.

The September 18 announcement publicized funding from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. The Fund is well-known for being funded in part by the Federal Duck Stamp program and has raised more than $1.3 billion for migratory bird habitat conservation since its creation in 1934. Funds go to USFWS projects that acquire or protect wetland areas and related habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The recent announcement reported the protection of more than 21,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in three states – Louisiana, Tennessee and Utah.

What is the impact on counties?

Counties can apply for NAWCA grants, which provide support for projects related to the conservation of wetland areas. As environmental stewards, counties can use this funding to improve water quality, reduce flooding and erosion risks and create outdoor recreation opportunities by strengthening wetlands ecosystems. 

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council and Migratory Bird Conservation Commission organize two grant cycles annually for grants ranging from $250,000 to $3 million. Projects are required to be partnerships that match any federal contribution at a 1-to-1 ratio.

Proposals for the next cycle of funding must be submitted by February 26th, 2026. More information on application requirements, grant types, and funding cycle timelines can be found here.