U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Announces $1 million for coastal wetlands restoration in Wisconsin

Contact: Paul Glander, 612-713-5134

Christie Deloria-Sheffield, 906-226-1240

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently awarded $1,000,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to support the acquisition of 468 acres of coastal wetlands adjacent to Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin. The federal funds are provided through the 2010 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, and will supplement $ 1,001,300 in non-federal contributions from the State’s Knowles- Nelson Stewardship Program and project partners including The Nature Conservancy and Door County Land Trust.

“This area provides important habitat for coastal fish and wildlife, including two Federally-listed species,“ said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “These grants allow us to work with our partners to conserve coastal wetlands in the Great Lakes region, and the fish and wildlife that inhabit this treasured part of our country.”

The federal funding is part of more than $19.2 million to support 25 conservation projects benefiting fish and wildlife on more than 6,100 acres of coastal habitat in 11 states through 2010. The federal grants will be matched by nearly $26 million in partner contributions from state and local governments, private landowners and conservation groups.

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and funded under provisions of the 1990 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act. Funding is provided by Sport Fish Restoration Act revenue – money generated from an excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboat and small engine fuels.

Including the 2010 grants, the Service has awarded nearly $240 million to coastal states and territories since the program began in 1992. When the 2010 projects are complete, over 260,000 acres of habitat will have been protected, restored or enhanced.

A complete list of projects funded by the 2010 grant program can be found online at: http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/index.html.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.