Ducks Unlimited (DU) was awarded $9 million through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to advance three major conservation projects across the Great Plains Region. Together, the awards will leverage more than $15.1 million in matching support and help conserve approximately 26,876 acres of wetlands, grasslands and associated habitats in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“These investments will deliver meaningful, landscape-scale conservation for waterfowl, other wildlife and communities throughout the Great Plains,” said Johann Walker, DU’s senior director of Operations for the James C. Kennedy Center for Prairie Conservation. “NAWCA’s partnership-based approach allows Ducks Unlimited and our partners to turn federal funding into lasting results by protecting and restoring the working wetlands and grasslands that define this region.”
FUNDED PROJECTS
Peaks to Prairie Wetlands III — Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming
Ducks Unlimited received a $3 million NAWCA grant, supported by more than $6 million in matching funds, to restore, enhance and permanently protect approximately 5,192 acres. The project includes conservation easements on 500 acres of priority wetlands along river corridors and restoration work focused on productive wildlife areas along the Platte River. Palustrine emergent marshes, riverine wetlands, wet meadows, riparian woodlands and associated corridors will benefit migratory and breeding birds, including Mallards, Northern Pintails and Green-winged Teal.
Eastern South Dakota Wetlands Phase XI — South Dakota
A $3 million NAWCA grant and nearly $3.06 million in matching support will conserve more than 3,839 acres of wetland and grassland habitat on private agricultural lands across eastern South Dakota. Through easements, restoration and enhancement, the project will advance Prairie Pothole Joint Venture priorities and support species including Blue-winged Teal, Wilson’s Phalarope, American Bittern and Dickcissel.
Missouri Coteau Working Wetlands Project Phase V — North Dakota
Ducks Unlimited received a $3 million NAWCA grant, paired with more than $6.07 million in matching funds, to conserve approximately 17,846 acres of grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region. The effort will help protect temporary and seasonal wetlands and adjacent native prairie, sustaining important habitat for Northern Pintail, interior Trumpeter Swan, Hudsonian Godwit, Western Grebe and other wetland-dependent wildlife.
Partnerships Multiply Conservation Impact
The projects bring together public agencies, private landowners, foundations, businesses and conservation organizations. Partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the South Platte Water Related Activities Program, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, Cox Enterprises, the Grohne Family Foundation and private contributors, among others.
“The strength of these projects lies in the partners and landowners who are investing alongside us,” said Walker. “Their commitment will improve habitat across some of North America’s most important landscapes for breeding and migrating waterfowl while helping sustain healthy, resilient working lands.”
NAWCA is a federal grant program that supports partnerships to protect, restore and enhance wetlands and associated uplands for migratory birds and other wildlife. Its competitively awarded grants require nonfederal matching funds, extending the reach of each federal dollar invested in habitat conservation.
Media Contact
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 20 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
