Further, the grants will allocate $30.4 million in federal funding to assist more habitats in the United States and Canada under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. And the other $5.3 million will go towards Federal Duck Stamp funds. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this will add more than 1,849 wetland acres to the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar is enthusiastic about the conservation effort. As he stated in a press release, “Besides providing habitat for fish, wildlife and plants, our nation’s wetlands provide vital storm protection for coastal areas, hold and slowly release flood waters, act as filters to cleanse water of impurities and provide recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of people.” Obviously, the need for “cleansing” has never been more necessary for wetlands in the Gulf Coast [than] now. But the money will also go towards acreage in 24 states from Maine to California.
The commission that approved this move includes Senators Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Representatives John Dingell of Michigan and Robert Wittman of Virginia, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. This commission also approved the acquisition of more wetlands to be placed under protection. The acquisition of these lands also came from monies raised by the sales of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or the Federal Duck Stamp.
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