stilts and others by JH.JPG

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Migratory Bird Council awarded a $2.9 million grant to support the third phase of the South Atlantic Wetlands and Wildlands conservation initiative, led by Ducks Unlimited in partnership with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners across the Southeast.

"For more than 35 years, NAWCA has been the gold standard for wetlands conservation in North America,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “Every dollar invested in the program is typically doubled or tripled by matching contributions, making it an incredible return on investment that benefits America’s hunters, migratory bird populations and outdoor economy. This program maintains its success through consistent, bipartisan support from Congress and the Administration, and we’re ready to help turn this investment into habitat that will further sustain waterfowl populations."

This latest grant continues a successful conservation series that has already protected 3,943 acres in the project area. In addition, 2,181 priority wetland acres have been enhanced for waterfowl populations along the critical Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.

The new project will focus on acquiring, protecting and enhancing priority wetlands across a vast network of rivers and floodplains in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. With over 81% of conserved acres of priority wetland habitat, it directly addresses the urgent need to protect diminishing resources for waterfowl, migratory neotropical birds, and other wetland-dependent species.

"This project represents our only hope to support vulnerable wildlife populations in a region where migrating waterfowl and other avian species increasingly rely on managed habitats to sustain their migratory journeys," said Ducks Unlimited Manager of Conservation Programs Ed Farley. "The loss of wetland habitats and ecosystem services is a crisis along the coast that requires the collaborative efforts of conservation partners."

This third phase of the South Atlantic Wetlands and Wildlands series demonstrates the power of sustained conservation partnerships. All participating partners have previously collaborated with Ducks Unlimited and NAWCA, creating a proven framework for strategic conservation action in the region.

As one of the most vulnerable and quickly developing regions in the United States, the coastal Southeast requires immediate protective measures to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, wildlife populations and water quality while promoting coastal resilience. Conservation work for this project will target several critical habitat systems, including estuarian vegetated wetlands, freshwater forested wetlands and managed emergent wetlands.

The protected lands will offer diverse recreational opportunities to the public, including hunting, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and nature viewing. This will ensure continued public appreciation and long-term management support through state funding.