$1 million grant for wetlands secured for Washington coast
The North Willapa Bay Wetlands Conservation has received a $1 million federal grant to help protect 2,116 acres of wetlands.
Funding will be used to purchase 1,391 acres of wetlands for conservation and an additional 725 acres of land will be restored through dike removal and invasive species control.
“Willapa Bay is a pristine estuary that is home to amazing biodiversity,� said Congressman Brian Baird, D-Wash., who helped obtain the funds. “The grant will help ensure it is protected for future generations to enjoy.�
The Wildlife Forever Fund, Tagney Jones Family Fund, Washington Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service have formed a voluntary partnership to develop and implement the Willapa Bay wetlands conservation project.
Baird and other coastal congressmen have helped secure millions of federal dollars to eradicate the invasive species Spartina in Willapa Bay. In the Fiscal Year 2006, $1.4 million was obtained for Spartina eradication and $1.2 million is in the House version of the 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill awaiting final passage.
The partnership was awarded the $1 million grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act Standard Acts Program. The conservation’s council recommends and the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approves all grants administered under the program.
This year 26 U.S. projects in 17 states and four Canadian projects in 12 provinces received grant funding.
This article is republished courtesy of The Daily World:
$1 million grant for wetlands secured for North Willapa
