- Interior Department funds 548,242 acres of wetland restoration.
- $102.9 million in grants will support conservation across North America.
- More than $201 million in matching funds committed by partners.
- Efforts will boost bird populations, improve water quality, and expand recreation.
Friday, August 8, 2025 — The U.S. Department of the Interior announced on Monday that the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission has approved $102.9 million in federal funding
for wetland conservation projects across North America. These grants, made possible through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, will help conserve, restore, or enhance approximately 548,242 acres of wetland and upland habitat vital to migratory birds.
More than $201 million in matching funds will be provided by project partners, nearly doubling the federal investment. These partners include private landowners, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, and all levels of government.
Longstanding Program Supports Ecology and Economy.
“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act has delivered ecological and economic benefits for over three decades,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “These grants help maintain bird populations and wetland habitats while contributing to local economies and outdoor recreation.”
The program supports a variety of outdoor industries, including birdwatching, hunting, fishing, and tourism. By enhancing public access to recreational lands, the grants also promote traditional American pastimes and community engagement with nature.
Public-Private Partnerships at Work.
J Shirley, Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, emphasized the broad benefits of the funded projects. “These grants support conservation partnerships that benefit ecosystems, support the outdoor economy, and improve public access for future generations,” Shirley said.
Since its inception in 1991, the program has helped conserve more than 32.9 million acres of wetland habitat across all 50 U.S. states, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. More than 3,400 projects have been completed with the help of over 7,100 partners.
Impact Reaches Beyond Birds.
While the program’s main focus is on migratory bird conservation, wetland ecosystems serve a broader purpose. Healthy wetlands naturally filter water, reduce flooding risks, and support a wide variety of plant and animal life. These restored landscapes also offer scenic value and space for outdoor education and community recreation.
NAWCA remains the only federal grant program in the United States dedicated exclusively to wetland habitat conservation for migratory birds. Federal funds through this program are commonly leveraged at double the minimum match requirement, reflecting the high level of community and private-sector involvement.
Learn More
Details on current grant recipients and future opportunities are available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
https://www.fws.gov/program/north-american-wetlands-conservation
More information about the federal role in migratory bird conservation is available at:
https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds