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MANHATTAN, Kan. – Oct. 29, 2024 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded grants to Ducks Unlimited (DU) for three projects in the Great Plains, including $8 million to endeavors in the heart of Kansas' prairie wetlands. The funding, allocated through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will be matched with additional funds from DU, the Nature Conservancy, the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams and private individuals.
 
The Kansas proposal includes nine tracts to protect, restore or enhance wetland and associated grassland habitat. Over half of the acres in the proposal will have perpetual benefits and some will include a public access component. The majority of the funds will focus on around 1,848 acres of permanent protection around the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, which includes approximately 7,000 acres of wetlands, to ensure habitat is available for many wetland and grassland-dependent species for generations to come.
 
"The protection and conservation of grasslands and wetlands across the state are critical for waterfowl breeding, migration, and wintering habitat," said Matt Hough, DU Kansas manager of Conservation Programs. "All tracts in this proposal will provide migratory habitat for waterfowl and benefit a variety of other wetland-dependent birds, including several priority shorebird species such as Semipalmated Plovers, Pectoral Sandpipers and Wilson's Phalarope."
 
In addition, this project will include work on 1,134 acres of public land to improve habitat for wildlife and people on several popular tracts, including the Jamestown Wildlife Area, Neosho Wildlife Area, and several other public areas.
 
"Another exciting component of this proposal is the incorporation of funding for private lands projects across Kansas. Nearly twenty private landowners pledged their support to this proposal, and we value these land stewards committed to improving habitat for waterfowl and future generations to come." Said Hough.
 
 
About Ducks Unlimited
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 18 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. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org. 

 

Media Contact:
Ben Romans
(208) 761-7775
bromans@ducks.org