News

California Waterfowl Awarded NAWCA Grant

June 26, 2013

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989 (NAWCA) provides 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. The Small Grants Program operates only in the United States and supports projects that are usually smaller in scope and involve fewer project dollars. While small, these grants provide critical dollars for essential projects that would not happen otherwise.

On June 5, 2013, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved more than $20 million for NAWCA proposals in the U.S. and Canada. The California Waterfowl Association (CWA), which has a long record of success in using NAWCA funds to create habitat on the ground, submitted a winning proposal that will develop a new and improved water source for privately owned wetlands adjacent to the Cosumnes River, the last undammed river flowing from the Sierra Nevada mountains into the Central Valley. The project is called the Horizon Habitat Enhancement and is located near Elk Grove in Sacramento County. CWA will install a new well to supply 70 acres of wetlands and wildlife friendly agricultural fields. They will also plant a mix of native grasses to improve nesting cover. The enhanced wetlands will provide nesting habitat for Swainson’s hawk and a variety of waterfowl and other migratory birds. Congratulations CWA!