North Dakota ranks close to the top in the amount of North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) dollars we receive and the number of acres DU and its partners are able to conserve with that money.

NAWCA provides federal matching grants to organizations and individuals who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds and other wildlife. NAWCA is a non-regulatory, incentive-based, voluntary and competitive habitat conservation grant program. The program provides funding to protect, restore and manage wetland habitats for wildlife and many projects provide outstanding recreational opportunities for people, from bird watching to hunting.

· Ranked #2 in U. S. in number NAWCA grants to date (40)

· Ranked #3 in U. S. in total NAWCA funds received ($22,124,099)

· Ranked #2 in U. S. in acres restored, enhanced or protected (829,353 acres)