MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

W ASHIJ\:GTON, D.C.

PROGRAM FOR CON SID ERA TION ON

March 8, 2006

A. National Wildlife Refuge Proposals

1. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Vermont 2. San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Texas 3. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey 4. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey 5. North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area, California

B. North American Wetland Conservation Fund Proposals

Mexican Proposals United States Proposals

MEMORANDUM

A. Approval of Minutes of Meeting

September 21 , 2005

MEMORANDUM "A"

MfNUTES OF MEETfNG September 21, 2005

The Minutes of the meeting of the Migratory

Bird Conservation Commission held on

September 21 , 2005, have been prepared for reading by

the Commission.

It is respectfully recommended that these

minutes be formally approved.

MINUTES OF THE

MEETING OF THE MIG RA TORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

HELD IN WASHINGTON ON September 21, 2005

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, in the Main Interior Building, Secretary's Conference Room 5160. The meeting was called to order at 8:45 a.m., by Secretary Gale Norton, Chairman.

The following Commission members were present:

HON. GALE NORTON, Secretary, Department of the Interior

HON. BLANCHE L. LINCOLN, Senator from Arkansas

HON. JOHN D. DINGELL, Representative from Michigan

MR. DA VE GAGNER, Special Assistant to the Chief, NRCS, Department of Agriculture

MR. BENJAMIN GRUMBLES, Assistant Administrator,, Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency

Ex Officio members

MR. JIMMY ANTHONY, Program Manager, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana

MR WEST HIGGINBUTHON, Professional Staff Member, Senator Cochran's Washington Office

MR. VERNON BEVILL, Director, Game Bird Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Secretary to the Commission:

MR. A. ERIC ALVAREZ, Chief, Division of Realty , Fish and Wildlife Service

Persons from the Congress of the United States, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies who attended the meeting are listed below.

MS. KA TH LEEN KUTSCHENREUTER, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency

MR. HANNAH LAMBIOTTE, Professional Staff Member, Senator Lincoln' s Office

MR. WEST HIGGfNBUTHON, Professional Staff Member, Senator Cochran's Office

MS. KATIE MURTHA, Legislative Director, Congressman Dingell's Office

MS. AMY LEEDECKE, Legislative Assistant, Congressman Weldon's Office

MR. CARLOS A. de la PARRA, Minister, SEMARNAT, Embassy of Mexico

MS. SHEILA TOOZE, Environmental Affairs Officer, Embassy of Canada, Washington, D. C.

MR. MATT HOGAN, Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. WILLIAM F. HARTWIG, Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. DALE HALL, Regional Director, R2, Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico

MR. ROBERT GRAYES, Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Coordinator, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. DOUG VANDEGRAFT, Chief Cartographer, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. CARLTON CHEATHAM, Illustrator, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. STEVE KOPACH, Chief Land Surveyor, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service

MS. JANET BRUNER, Deputy Chief, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service

MS. LA TOY A MUMTAZ, Secretary, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. RIES LEY R. JONES, Regional Realty Chief, Division of Realty, R2, Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico

MS. SUE OLIVEIRA, Regional Realty Chief, Division of Realty, R4, Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia

MS . BARBARA WEST, Realty Specialist, Division of Realty, R4, Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia

MR. DAVID SMITH, Council Coordinator, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. MICHAEL JOHNSON, Deputy Chief, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. CLINT RILEY, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. DA YID BUIE, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service

MS. SARAH MOTT, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. STEVE BEKKERUS, Acting Chief, Federal Duck Stamp Office, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. NICHOLAS THROCKMORTON, Public Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. TOM REED, Visitor Services and Communications, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. ROBERT L. WILLIAMS, JR, Federal Duck Stamp Office, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. DAVE WALKER, Conservation Planning and Policy, Fish and Wildlife Service

MS. PAT FISHER, Chief, Federal Duck Stamp Office, Fish and Wildlife Service

MR. TOM CASSIDY, The Nature Conservancy

MR. SCOTT SUTHERLAND, Ducks Unlimlted, Inc.

MR. ROBERT DEBLINLEN, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife

MR. JASPER LAMENT, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

MR. JOHN BEALL, Pheasants Forever

MR. KEN R. SARSON, North Dakota Game and Fish Department

MR. MIKE RAKE, Arizona Game and Fish Department

MR. MATT SEXTON, The Conservation Fund

MR. RICH JOHNSON, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Representatives who attended the meeting on behalf of the North American Wetlands Conservation Council portion of the program are listed below.

COUNCIL EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

DR. ALAN WENTZ, Group Manager of Conservation Programs, Ducks Unlimited, Memphis, Tennessee

MR. MIKE DENNIS, The Nature Conservancy, Washington D. C.

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

Secretary Norton called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. She welcomed the commission members, state ex officio members, and others attending the meeting. Secretary Norton then asked that each committee member and ex officio member and others introduce themselves ..

Secretary Norton stated that she had recently visited the Gulf Coast which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and expressed her concern over the impacts to National Wildlife Refuge System. She then stated that on the brighter side the Service with approval from the Commission has allocated about $2.5 million in proceeds from the sale of the Duck Stamps which helped with the approval of the acquisitions at Cache River NWR related to the reuiscovery of the Ivory­ billed Woodpecker. The projects before the Commission for approval today reflect our progress in the protection and restoration of wetlands habitats under NA WCA and the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. To date 25 US projects involving a total of 206 partners working on conservation activities impacting 198,000 acres of wetland habitat. The partners will contribute about $97 million. These results are based on the NA WCA seed money of $24 million.

Secretary Norton introduced the Acting Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Matt Hogan, who then welcomed the committee members. Director Hogan stated that the devastation from hurricane Katrina is hard to describe and that the human toll and property destruction caused by the hurricane has closed 16 national wildlife refuges and the initial damage is estimated at 94 million in damages to our facilities. He also stated that during his visit to some of the impacted facilities, he had a chance to spend tim~ with our folks working in the area and the response of the Service is inspirational. The FWS rescued nearly 2,500 people and the Incident Command Team and Service staffs from a number of Regions are working at Big Branch Marsh NWR providing food and shelter for hundreds of people. "Words cannot express how proud I am to work for this agency." Today there are 6 refuge proposals in or around the area impacted by hurricane Katrina. These projects have been in the mix for a while and were recommended before hurricane Katrina.

Director Hogan also stated that for the first time ever, the Federal Duck Stamp Contest was held outside of Washington D. C. in Memphis, Tennessee. The winner, Sherrie Russell Meline from Shasta, CA was only the 2nd female ever to win. He mentioned that in FY 2005 the Service's Duck Stamp Office produced several new products to test collectors interest and stimulate growth in sales of Federal Duck Stamps and to help offset the cost of printing the Duck Stamps and stated that as of September 1, the new products have raised more than $180,000.

Director Hogan stated that he would like to take a moment to recognize Mr. Robert Williams from Duck Stamp Office for his innovation and successful product development as well as the revamping of the licensing program, thanks for a tremendous job; your work had a tremendous impact on our program. He then introduced the new Chief of the Duck Stamp Office; Ms. Pat Fisher. She comes to us from the Service's Public Affairs Office. Welcome Pat to the Federal Duck Stamp Team. "We are excited to have you." Secretary Norton proceeded to Agenda Item A.

Agenda Item A

Secretary Norton called for approval of the June 21, 2005, mee:ing minutes, which were unanimously approved. She then called on the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. A. Eric Alvarez, to present the eight Migratory Bird Conservation Act proposals for consideration. With the aid of maps and video projections, Mr. Alvarez presented the acquisitions proposed in the program. Mr. Alvarez responded to questions about the individual proposals, as well as the Regional representatives. Each state ex officio provide

ADDITION AND PRICE APPROVAL

BA YOU COCODRIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Concordia Parish, Louisiana-Addition and price approval were granted for the acquisition of 1,550 acres in one ownership for the appraised value and recommended price of $1 ,681,000 or $1,085 per acre.

PANTHER SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Yazoo County, Mississippi-Addition and price approval were granted for the fee title acquisition of 702 acres in one ownership for the appraised value and recommended price of $1 ,053,000 or $1,500 per acre.

RED RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Caddo Bossier, Desoto, Red River and Natchitoches Parishes, Louisiana-Addition and price approval were granted for the fee title acquisition of 1,732 acres in one ownership for the appraised value and recommended price of $1,735,000 or $1 ,002 per acre.

SAN BERNARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Brazoria County, Texas-Addition and price approval of 1,031 acres were granted in three ownerships for the appraised value and recommended price of $1 ,027,150 or $996 per acre.

TRfNITY RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Liberty County, Texas-Addition and price approval were granted for the fee title acquisition of 3 .22 acres in one ownership for the appraised value and recommended price of $8,000 or $2,484 per acre.

Rep. John Dingell was curious about the tract size at Trinity River NWR and stated that we usually acquire larger parcels and that 3 acres is a very small acquisition. Rick Jones, Chief of the Division of Realty, Region 2 stated that they are working on several other tracts comprised of about 1,200-2,500 acres and are currently negotiating with landowners.

Secretary Norton asked whether the prices paid for future acquisitions at the refuge be as costly. Mr. Jones stated that the cost will be less per acre for the other larger parcels.

PRICE APPROVAL

CAT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana- Price approval was granted for the fee title acquisition of 160 acres in one ownership for the appraised value and recommended price of $321,000 or $2,006 per acre.

CAT AHO ULA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Catahoula Parish, Louisiana- Price approval was granted for the fee title acquisition of 80 acres in one ownership for the appraised value and recommended price of $60,000 or $750 per acre.

Mr. Dingell asked if the 10,000 acres shown in the µrogram memorandum as acquired by donation or lease was donated or leased? Mr. Alvarez c;tated that this is a no cost lease and 6,000 acres will be donated this month with the remaining 4,000 to be donated at a later date.

PRICE RE-APPROVAL

ST. CATHERINE CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Adams County, Mississippi­ Price re-approval was granted for the lease of 502.10 acres in one ownership for the appraised value of $9,038 or $18 per acre and recommended price of $12,553 or $25 per acre.

The Ex Officio member from Mississippi, Mr. West Higginbuthon, stated that school districts in Mississippi are restricted by law from conveying school sectior. lands in fee. However, they are attempting to work out an exchange that meets the requirements of state law.

AGENDA ITEM B

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

Secretary Gale Norton introduced the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NA WCA) portion of the meeting. Secretary Norton then introduced Ex Officio Commission member and North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) member Alan Wentz (Ducks I Unlimited). Dr. Wentz commented on the success of the recent Duck Stamp contest held in Memphis, TN. Acting U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service Director Matt Hogan thanked Ducks Unlimited for their support of the contest. Dr. Wentz then noted the 40 high quality proposals on the NA WCA slate, the first slate for the FY 2006 cycle. He highlighted the Canadian slate of 15 projects that combine $9.9M in partner funding with $4.9M in NA WCA funds to protect and restore over 47,000 acres of wetland habitat. Dr. Wentz then introduced Ex Officio Commission member and Council member Mr. Michael Dennis (The Nature Conservancy). Mr. Dennis commented on the current U.S. slate of 25 projects with NA WCA funds of $24M being supplemented with $97M in partner funding. Over 198,000 acres of wetland habitat will be protected and restored and, most importantly, hundreds of partnerships have been created by the NA WCA funding catalyst.

Mr. Dennis then introduced Council Coordinator Smith. Coordinator Smith presented a brief overview of the status of the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund. Coordinator Smith then presented the Council's recommended slate of25 U.S. standard grant proposals (NA WCA funds = $24,094,701 ; partner contributions = $96,971,314) and 15 Canadian proposals (NA WCA funds = $4,881,600; partner contributions= $9,878,400). Coordinator Smith highlighted several U.S projects, especially noting the wetland terracing restoration work ongoing in the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Phase II project and the high success rate accomplished to date in restoring submerged aquatic vegetation, stabilizing shorelines from erosion and improving water quality. Senator Lincoln requested clarification on the acreage totals for the Northern Coteau Area Wetland Project Phase V and the Wetlands Protection, Restoration and Enhancement on Private Lands in the Lower Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coastal Plain Phase II projects. Coordinator Smith noted the 30,406 and 25,698 acreage totals for these two projects, respectively. The entire slate of projects presented, having sufficient non-Federal partner dollars to match the NA WCF request, was recommended for approval by Senator Lincoln and seconded by Congressman Dingell. The slate was approved by unanimous vote.

Secretary Norton then asked if the Representatives from Mexico and Canada would like to make any comments. Carlos de la Parra (Environmental Attache, Embassy of Mexico) stated that although no Mexican projects were on the current slate, Mexico appre~iates the value that A WCA projects bring to birds that migrate to Mexico, and thanked the Commission for their continuing support. Ms. Sheila Tooze (Environmental Affairs Officer, Embassy of Canada) commented on the recent destruction from Hurricane Katrina and offered Canada's sympathy and support. She then thanked the Commission for their continued support of wetland conservation in Canada.

Secretary Norton then reintroduced Ex Officio member Dennis who presented Council's response to a March 2005 Commission request to develop a plan for the appropriate use of substantial Migratory Bird Treaty Act fines when they are made available to the NA WCA program. Language describing the Council's recommendation will be provided to the appropriate Department of Justice office when a Court is considering imposing fines in the future. Ex Officio Wentz then introduced the Council Staff and highlighted their responsibilities and accomplishments. Commission member Mr. Ben Grumbles, EPA, commented on the Hurricane Katrina situation and how this disaster highlights the importance of wetlands not only for wildlife habitat but also for storm protection. He thanked the Commission for their efforts to protect and restore wetlands throughout the U.S.

OTHER BUSINESS

Chairman Norton adjourned the meeting at 9:37 a.m.

MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION FUND Fiscal Year 2006

STATUS AS OF: January 31, 2006 Estimated RECEIPTS Received itS Projected Receipts Total Receipts of 01/31/06 Remainder of FY Available in FY FY 2005 Carryover 3,154,402 0 3, 154,.1.02 Postal Service 4,616,865 7,932,385 12,549,2 50 Import Duties 2,567,722 16,869,003 19,436,725 Misc. Duck Stamp Sales 85 ,221 11 ,229,779 11 ,3 15,000 Refuge Entrance Fees 128 (128) 0 Prior Year Recoveries 500,846 21 4,996 71 5,842 Refuge Rights-Of-Way & Application Fees 48,038 136,963 185,000

TOTALS 1019731221 3613821998 47,356,219 Estimated Estimated OBLIGATIONS Obligations as of Projected Expenditures Total 1/31 /2006 Remainder of FY Obli~ations in FY BLACKWATER 0 143 ,496 143,496 CACHE RIVER 0 1,500,000 1,500,000 CAPE MAY 0 140,500 140,500 CEDAR ISLAND 0 366,000 366,000 CHICKASAW 0 486,722 486,722 CURRITUCK 0 100,000 100,000 EDWIN B. FORSYTHE 0 795,000 795,000 EASTERN SHORE OF VA 0 1,000,000 1,000,000 GRASSLANDS WMA C 427,164 427,164 LAKE OPHELIA 0 200,000 200,000 LAKE UMBAGOG 0 192,500 192,500 MISSISQUOI 0 38,000 38,000 MONTEZUMA 0 666,000 666,000 NORTH CENTRAL VALLEY WMA 0 4,000,000 4,000,000 PANTHER SWAMP 0 1,150,000 1,150,000 SAN BERNARD 0 3,790,000 3,790,000 ST. CA THERINE CREEK 0 550,000 550,000 TR1NITY RIVER 0 209,920 209,920 UPPER OUACHITA 0 100,000 100,000 WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREAS 3,241,481 15,167,322 18,408,803 WHITE RIVER 0 600,000 600,000 YAZZOO 0 200,000 200,000 MISCELLANEOUS LEASES 0 128,071 128,071 TOTAL LAND PURCHASE 3,241,481 31,950,695 35,192,176

UNALLOCATED 119 230,440 230,559 POSTAL SERVICE 464,058 285,942 750,000 CAM 41 ,589 1,193,308 1,234,897 DIRECT SUPPORT COSTS 2,281 ,871 7,659,216 9,941 ,087 MIGR.BIRD CON.COMM. EXPENSES 2,069 5,432 7,500 TOTALS 6,031,187 41,325,033 47,356,219

MEMORANDUM NUMBER 1

MISSISQUOI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FRANKLIN COUNTY, VERMONT

SUMMAF...Y TYPE OF PROPOSAL Addi:ion and Price approval.

LOCATION Northwest Vermont approximately 40 miles north of Burlington, Vermont.

PROPOSED ADDITION AND PRICE APPROVAL ACRES 10.1 OW ERSHIPS One APPRAISED VALUE AND RECOMMENDED PR1CE $41,000 PER ACRE $ 4,059

PURPOSE OF ACQUISITION To provide resting and feeding habitat for several waterfowl species as well as marsh birds, and many species of songbirds

STATE AP PROV AL 2006 by Wayne Laroche, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife

REFUGE STATUS Acres Cost Per Acre ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 6,155 $ 291,134 $ 47

ACQUIRED WITH LWCF 39 $ 9,000 $ 231

ACQUIRED DONATION/EXCHANGE 366

THIS PROPOSAL 10 $ 41,000 $ 4,059 REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED TOTAL 6,936

Missisquoi NWR March 8, 2006

Missisquoi NWR and Acquisition Status (in acres)

Remaining To Be Acquired Acquired w/LWCF Funds 366 1 39 Acquired by Donation, Exchange / This Proposal 366 10

Acquired w/ MBCC Approval 6,155 Total: 6,936

MISSISQUOI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FRANKLIN COUNTY, VERMONT

HISTORY - Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge was established on February 4, 1943 with the purchase of 1,582 acres. At present, the Refuge totals 6,560 acres, located in the towns of Swanton and Highgate, Vermont. The refuge includes most of the Missisquoi River delta where it enters Lake Champlain, and is composed mainly of woodland swamp, hayfields, brushy/shrubby early succession fields, and forests. The floodplain and marshes of the delta provide a major resting and feeding area for migratory waterfowl.

JUSTIFICATION - Through the years, the refuge has rr.aintained and enhanced critical migration and nesting habitat for migratory waterfowl. Nesting species include wood ducks, mallards, black ducks, goldeneye, and hooded mergansers. Total waterfowl production usually exceeds 1,000 young. This production is enhanced by an actively managed nest box program and maintenance of managed impoundments that provide excellent brood rearing cover. Over 15,000 snow geese use the refuge in the fall migration.

RECENT USE AND Tract (36), totaling I 0.1 acres is privately owned and lies within OWNERSHIP - Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. Former landowners allowed the Service to flood this parcel, greatly enhancing the management of the adjacent refuge marsh. The current landowner has not allowed the Service to flood the parcel, which consequently decreased water retention on refuge lands. Management capability would be improved if the Service were to own this parcel. Additionally, there is a basic trail system on the parce! that would connect to the existing trail on the adjacent refuge lands.

ACQUISITION PROPOSED - Price approval is requested for the acquisition of 10.1 acres at $41 ,000 as shown below.

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price

Tract Number Land Per Acre

(36) IO $41,000 $4,100

CONGRESSIONAL U.S. Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D) DELEGATION: U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords (I) U.S. Representative Bernard Sanders (I-At Large) Missisquoi NWR March 8, 2006

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Jfigratory Bird Consenation Co111111issio 11

~NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge SYSTaM Franklin County, Vermont

., ~tf:3------;--\ -•• MBCC Approved Boundary -"I s s\ r s c1 u o 1 ••• Boundary to be Approved \ Approved Acqu isition Boundary , \, ~ Previously Acquired - Fee " ~ Previously Acquired - Easement - For Approval - Fee D State Interest Lands 3/8/2006 Date of MBCC Meeting / ✓ ' '-I " ~ ~ 't ~ l ---. / '

/ I ..r.-:. ~. ___ ) •-''--? _:·-~ .. -· -. 1:-_-:-: - .. }~-~~/?[/

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36

Missisqu o· NWR

Bl< y

VERMONT

50 100 •••c:==::i Miles

Produced in the Divis,in of Realty Hadley, Massachusetts Land Status Current to: 9/2004 Miles Base Map: USGS DAG Datum and Projectm: UTM Zone 18, NAD 1983, Meters Map Date: 1/2006 Kilometers

MEMORANDUM NUMBER 2

SAN BERNARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE BRAZORIA COUNTY, TEXAS

SUMMARY TYPE OF PROPOSAL Addition and Price Approval

LOCATION Located 50 miles south of Houston, Texas. PROPOSED ADDITION AND PRICE APPROVAL ACRES 2,132 OWNERSHIPS 2 APPRAISED VALUE AND RECOMMENDED PRICE $3,571,000 PER ACRE: $1,675

PURPOSE OF ACQUISITION To provide habitat for waterfowl.

STATE APPROVAL 2006 by Governor Rick Perry

REFUGESTATlJS Acres Cost Per Acre

ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 32,326 $ 12,840,136 $ 397

ACQUIRED WITH LWCF FUNDS 2,448 $ 1,402,800 $ 573

ACQUIRED BY DONATION 2.424

OTHER 2,392

THIS PROPOSAL 2,132 $ 3,571,900 $ 1,675

REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 14,372

TOTAL 56,094

San Bernard NW R March 8, 2006

San Bernard_NWR Acquisition Status (in acres)

Other Acquired by Donation 2,392 2,424 This Proposal Acquired w/ L WCF Funds 2,132 2,448

Remaining To Be Acquired 14,372 Acquired w/ MBCC Approval 32,326

Total: 56,094

SAN BERNARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

BRAZORIA AND FORT BEND COUNTIES, TEXAS

HISTORY The San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on February 27, 1968. To date, 39,590 acres have been acquired. In 1997, the Austin's Woods Conservation Plan authorizing the acquisition of up to 28,000 acres of satellite units to San Bernard was approved. To date, 11,917 acres have been acquired through transfer from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or through donations from various entities, or with funds approved by North American Wetlands Council Act, with funds obtained from mitigation, and by Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approval for the Austin's Woods Unit.

JUSTIFICATION The proposed area is part of a productive and valuable wetland complex providing wintering, migration, and resident habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, neotropical migratory birds, and other wetland-dependent wildlife species. Thousands of waterfowl winter in the area. Mottled ducks, a species of concern, use the area, as well as green-winged teal, gadwalls, and black-bellied whistling ducks. This proposed acquisition is within the Mid-Coast Initiative of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

PRESENT USE The tracts at the Austin's Woods Unit of San Bernard NWR, AND OWNERSHIP owned by James A. and Settee J.;:anne Giese (tract 90), contains 1,802.39 acres, and the George B. Jenks et. al. tract (89) contains 329.63 acres. These tracts have been used primarily for recreational photography and wildlife recreation.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The tracts would be administered as part of the Austin's AND MANAGEMENT Woods units of the existing Refuge. Management of the area would be directed toward habitat preservation and enhancement for waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife that depend on the gulf coastal zone. This proposal supports the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in assuring the future of the Nation's waterfowl rescurce.

ADDITJON PROPOSAL Boundary and price approvals are requested for the acquisition of the 2,132 acres of wetland habitat at the appraised value and recommended price of $3,571 ,000 or $1,675 per acre.

San Bernard NWR September 21, 2005

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price

Tract Number Per Acre

(89) 330 $1,181,000 $3,579

(90) 1,802 $2,390,000 $1,326

Total 2,132 $3,571,000 $1,675

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R) U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) U.S. Representative Tom Delay (R-22nd)

San Bernard NW R March 8, 2006 I U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lWigratory Bird Co11servatio11 C0111111i.Hio11 San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge - Austin's Woods Units Brazoria, Fort Bend, Matagorda & Wharton Counties, Texas

96 °30" 2,800 ,000 95 ' 35' 3,100,000

29 • 45 '

29 °45'

Victoria 13,800,000 13,800,000

0 20 40 -ScQle s In Miles V ICINITY MAP

MBCC Approved Boundary 28 ' 45' 28 °45 ' Boundary to be Approved Approved Acquisition Boundary Focus Area Boundary Historical Occurrence of Coastal ~ Bottomlands Hardwood Area

13,400,000 ~ Previously Acquired - Fee 13,400,000 For Approval - Fee -03/08/06 Date of MBCC Meeting DETAILED VIEW OF TRACT (89)

96 °30' 2,800,000 95 °35 ' 3,100,000 Produced in the Division of Realty Albuquerque. NM 14 21 28 MILE S N Land Status Current to 02/08/2006 Base Map: USGS DRGs and other official information 0 10 20 30 40 KILOMETERS Map Projection: NAD. 1983, TX State Plane, S-C Zone, U.S. Feet , , W$E Map Date 02/08/2006 .. - 11111 s

MEMORANDUM NUMBER 3

CAPE MAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

SUMMARY

TYPE OF PROPOSAL Price Approval

LOCATION Extreme southern New Jersey, 30 miles southwest of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

PRICE AP PROV AL ACRES 31 (Fee) OWNERSHIPS Two APPRAISED VALUE AND RECOMMENDED PRICE $28,800 PER ACRE: $929

PURPOSE OF ACQUISITION To preserve spartina salt marsh for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, woodcock and neotropical migrants.

STA TE APPROVAL Martin J. McHugh, Director, Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, New Jersey on February 18,2004

REFUGE STATUS Acres Cost Per Acre

ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 4,507 $ 4,981,920 $ 1,105

ACQUIRED WITH LWCF FUNDS 6,158 $ 21,088,492 $ 3,425

TRANSFER FROM COAST GUARD 491

THIS PROPOSAL 31 $ 28,800 $ 936

REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 9,997

TOTAL 21,184

Cape MayNWR March 8, 2006

--~

CapeMayNWR and Acquisition Status (in acres)

Transfer from Coast Guard 491 This Proposal Acquired w/ MBCC Approval 31 4,507

Remaining To Be Acquired 9,997 Acquired w/ LWCF Funds 6,158

Total: 21,184 r· I I CAPE MAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge was originally approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on May 9, 1989. To date, 4,507 acres have been acquired with monies from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and an additional 6,158 acres have been acquired using the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Three years ago the Coast Guard transferred 491 acres at no cost to the Refuge. The Refuge is located in Cape May County, New Jersey, and is made up of two divisions. The Delaware Bay Division is located along a five-mile stretch of Delaware Bay and includes the former Coast Guard station and adjacent lands locally known as Two Mile Beach just north of the Cape May Canal on the Atlantic Ocean.

The coastal wetlands of New Jersey, especially the Delaware Bay marshes, annually winter 30 to 40 percent of the Atlantic Flyway black duck population. The black duck relies heavily on tidal and fresh water creeks within these areas because they remain ice-free during most of the winter season. This area also provides migration habitat for millions of other birds that are funneled through the Cape May peninsula during migration periods.

These two tracts, although separate, are similar in that they are both isolated, forested and are underbin by wet soils. The major forest species on each tract is red maple, holly, pitch pine, and Atlantic white cedar. They provide superior resting habitat for migrating neo-tropical species in spring and fall. Tract (932) is surrounded by Service land. Acquisition of this tract will allow better management of the hunting on the refuge. Tract (803) is adjacent to Service land and is the beginning of acquisition in this section of the refuge.

Price approval is requested to purchase two ownerships of 31 acres in fee title for the recommended price of $28,800 or $936 per acre.

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price

Tract Number Acres Land Per Acre

(803) 20 $17,800 $900

(932) 1 l $11,000 $1,000

Total 31 $28,800 $936 Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D) U.S. Senator Jon S. Corzine (D) U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (District 2) CapeMayNWR March 8, 2006

9--,amiJ:ft'JlAiut+iMM· W!411ll1lPi«aili1h&iPik1lll1lili1JIIIJllmmD CapeMay National Wildlife Refuge - G on vv v .. Cape May County,N

LOCATION MAP 25 50 100

I ~t oc.;

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t:i~eSia~ Currentto 7/2005 MiJes BaseMap Sources: USGSDLG, ESA I Data W.E Datumand Projection: UTMZone 18 , NAO 1983, Meters Kilometers MapCompilatk>n Date: 1/2006 s - MEMORANDUM NUMBER 4

EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ATLANTIC, BURLINGTON AND OCEAN COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY

SUMMARY

TYPE OF PROPOSAL Price approval

LOCATION Located about 6 miles north of Atlantic City, New Jersey

PRICE APPROVAL ACRES 19.69 (Fee) OWNERSHIPS One APPRAISED VALUE & RECOMMENDED PRICE $48,400 PER ACRE: $2,458

PURPOSE OF REFUGE To protect wintering and nesting waterfowl habitat especially for Black Ducks.

STA TE AP PROV AL July 2004, Robert McHugh, Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife

REFUGE STATUS Acres Cost Per Acre

ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 39,521 $ 16,682,590 $ 422

ACQUIRED WlTH LWCF FUNDS 2,970 $ 29,852,378 $ 10,05 I

ACQUIRED BY DONATION 1,530

ACQUIRED BY EASEMENT 2,413

THIS PROPOSAL 20 $ 48,400 $ 2,458

REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 13,148

TOTAL 59,602

E. B. Forsythe NWR March 8, 2006

1 ~ Edr _. Will B_r~ ~. , F~r. orsyth [J e Nwl . f ·Ir nft and Acquisition Status (in acres)

Acquired by Easement or Lease Acquired by Donation 2,413 1,530 Acquired w/ L WCF Funds This Proposal 2,970 , 20

Remaining To Be Acquired 13,148

Acquired w/ MBCC Approval L_ 39,521

Total: 59,602

EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ATLANTIC, BURLINGTON AND OCEAN COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is the result of a Congressional action in 1984, which united the Brigantine and Barnegat National Wildlife Refuges in honor of the late Congressman. To date, 39,521 acres have been acquired with Migratory Bird Conservation Funds, 2,970 acres have been acquired with Land and Water Conservation Funds, and an additional 3,943 acres have been acquired by easement and donation. Acq'Jired Refuge lands encompass about 46,434 acres of predominately estuary marsh habitat that grades into brackish and fresh water wetlands, including some stands of Atlantic white cedar. The barrier islands ecosystem and the upland forest and fields increase the biodiversity area of the Refuge.

This refuge provides the necessary breeding habitat, food, cover, and travel corridor for the survival of those species of waterfowl that utilize the Atlantic Flyway. It is also the first major estuarine area encountered by waterfowl in the United States as they migrate southward from the small-glaciated wetlands of the Northeast. These coastal wetlands annually winter approximately 35 percent of the entire Atlantic Flyway population of American Black Ducks and 70 percent of the Flyway's Atlantic Brant population.

The Service currently owns or has easements on 46,434 acres within the 59,602-acre Refuge boundary. There remains 13,148 acres of salt marsh, coastal bay, coastal plain swamp, oak-pine forest, and woodland that provide nesting and wintering habitat for waterfowl as well as migration habitat for neo-tropical migrant species. These habitats also provide excellent opportunities for salt-water fishing, clamming, crabbing, hunting, trapping, wildlife observation, and photography.

Tract (2715) is 19.69 acres of low wet woods and salt marsh. This tract forms part of an extensive low wooded area complex, as well a5 salt marsh protecting Reedy Creek as it enters Barnegat Bay that provides excellent wintering waterfowl habitat. The laP.d is vacant. It connects two tracts that are already in Service ownership and will aid in the management of this section of the refuge.

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price

Tract Number Acres Land Per Acre

(2715) 20 $48,400 $2,420

Congressional Delegation: Senators: Frank R. Lautenberg (D) Robert Menendez (01 Representative: Christopher Smith (R-4th) E. B. Forsythe NWR March 8, 2006

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ,'vfigrato1J' Bird Conservation Co111111i.1sion

-wNATlONAL WILDU .. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat Division REFUGE snffM Ocean County, New Jersey

74 °6'0"W 74°4'0"W

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Subject Tract

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MEMORANDUM NUMBER 5

NORTH CENTRAL VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

BUTTE, COLUSA, CONTRA COSTA, GLENN, PLACER, SAN JOAQUIN, SOLANO, SUTTER, TEHAMA, YOLO AND YUBA COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA

SUMMARY TYPE OF PROPOSAL Price Approval

LOCATION In the Sacramento Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta of northern California, this tract is in Sutter County.

ACRES 316 (Easement)

OWNERSHIPS One

APPRAISED VALUE $520,000 PER ACRE: $1 ,646

RECOMMENDED PRICE $_568,800 PER ACRE: $1,800

PURPOSE OF REFUGE To protect, restore and maintain wetlands for waterfowl and other migratory bird populations.

STA TE APPROVAL August 10, 1992, California Fish and Game Commission

REFUGE STATUS Acres Cost Per Acre

ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 8,303 $ I 3,222,534 $ 1,593

ACQUIRED WITH LWCF FUNDS 7,240 $ 7,252,155 $ 1,002

THIS PROPOSAL(easement) 316 $ 568,800 $ 1,800

REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 39,141

TOTAL 55,000

North Central Valley WMA M::uch 8, 2006

North Central Valley WMA 0 sit1on tus Ji. (in acres)

Acquired w/LWCF Funds This Proposal 7,240 316

Acquired w/ MBCC Approval 8,303

Remaining To Be Acquired 39,141 Total: 55,000 I NORTH CENTRAL VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

BUTTE, COLUSA, CONTRA COSTA, GLENN, PLACER, SAN JOAQUIN, SOLANO, SUTTER, TEHAMA, YOLO AND YUBA COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA

The North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area is located in the Sacramento Valley and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta between Red Bluff to the north and the Stanislaus River in the south. The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, on September 22, 1992, approved a total of 55,000 acres to protect wetland habitat. Of this total, 6,250 acres are fee and 48,750 acres are easement lands.

Of an estimated 4 million acres of wetlands originally present in the Central Valley, about 92 percent have been converted to other land uses, mostly agriculture. Most existing wetlands face the threat of conversion to agriculture or real estate development. A high demand for privately owned hunting property has created a significant opportunity for wetland restoration rnd development through the incentive of a wetlands conservation easement program.

On June 20, 1995, the Commission granted a blanket approval to allow easement purchases within the North Central Valley WMA at the appraised value up to a limit of $2,000 per acre. The recommended price is less than ten percent above the appraised value and is also under the blanket approval. Other properties in this area have received similar values.

The property is an easement acquisition, 316 acres encumbering a portion of a larger parcel consisting of 471.0 acres and is located next to Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. This property would enlarge the contiguous habitat block, which wovld increase habitat quality for species that require larger habitat patches to complete all stages of their life cycle. This acquisition is key to the Service's long-term management objectives.

Price approval is requested to acquire 316 acres easement interest, at the recommended price of $568,800, or $1,800 per acre.

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value Recommended Price Tract Number Acres Per Acre Land Per Acre

(449C) 316 $520,000 $1,646 $568,800 $1,800

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (0) U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (0) U.S. Representative Wally Herger North Central Valley WMA March 8, 2006

...':'::':"'~.::"' ~ U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service .Higrator_r Bird Comerwttio11 Co111111i1 .1io11 NATIONAL WILDLIP"E REP"UGE North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area SYST• ■ Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Yo lo and Yuba Counties, Cal ifornia R1E R2E R2E R3E 121 "48'0'W

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MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND PROPOSALS

March 8, 2006

MEXICAN PROPOSALS (TITLE, LOCATION): 1. Bahia San Quintin: Protecting and Managing a Critical Baja California North Wetland for Pacific Brant, Shorebirds and Endangered Rails

2. Conservation in a Maritime Zone in Bahia San Quintin Baja California North

3. Conservation of Brant and Other Migratory Waterbirds in Baja California North the Guerrero Negro-Ojo de Liebre Lagoon Complex

4. Development of a Watershed Management Plan for the Chihuahua Conservation and Management of the Mexicanos Lagoon

5. Ecotourism and Restoration of Habitat at Laguna Sayula, Jalisco Phase II

6. Inventory and Classification of Critical Wetlands V: Central 14 States/Districts Highlands

7. Joint Initiative for the Restoration of the Colorado River Delta Baja California North, Sonora

8. Lagoon Restoration in the Natural Protected Area, Laguna Tamaulipas Madre, Mexico

9. Management and Protection of the Wintering Habitat of the Baja California South Pacific Brant in Bahia Magdalena

10. Restoration and Planning for Migratory Bird Habitat Veracruz Conservation, Tamiahua, Veracruz

11. Restoration Program for Critical Wetland Habitat at Ensenada Sinaloa de Pabellones, Phase II

12. Social and Public Outreach Program for the Conservation and Guanajuato Sustainable Use of the Yuriria Lagoon

13. Strengthening the Shorebird National Plan Through National Development and Distribution of Outreach Materials

14. Waterfowl Refuges, Cuatrocienegas, Coahuila Coahuila

15. Waterfowl Reserve Network, Northwest Chihuahua Chihuahua

16. Environmental Education Workshops for Wetland Tabasco Conservation, Centla Marshes

U.S. PROPOSALS (TITLE, LOCATION): I. Bottomland Conservation in the Arkansas Delta Arkansas

2. Chehalis River Floodplain and Estuary Wetland Conservation Washington

3. Chenier Plain Coastal Wetlands Conservation IV Louisiana, Texas

4. James River Lowlands/Missouri Coteau II South Dakota

5. Jamestown Wildlife Area Kansas

6. Lafitte Terracing Project Louisiana

7. Lower Chippewa River Wetland Protection Partnership II Wisconsin

8. Lower Columbia River Ecoregion IV Oregon, Washington

9. Lower Minnesota Valley Wetland Conservation Initiative Minnesota

10. Lower Obion River, Phase III Tennessee

11. Lower Rappahannock River Phase III Virginia

12. Madison/Gallatin Wetlands Conservation Project Montana

13. Middle Missouri River II Iowa, Nebraska

14. Modoc Plateau/Pit River Wetlands Project California

15. Mouse River Watershed Enhancement Project V North Dakota

16. North San Joaquin Valley Wetland Habitat Project II California

17. Roanoke River Migratory Bird Initiative II North Carolina, Virginia

18. Sabine Island Wildlife Management Area- Acquisition Effort Louisiana

19. San Luis Valley Wetland Project III Colorado

NORTH Al\'fERlCAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY

March 8, 2006 Mexican Proposals

Map Applicant NAWCA Pa rtner Number Title (rank) Organization State(s) Request Contributions Bahia San Quintin: Protecting & Managing a Critical Wetland for Pronatura Baja California $100,168 $ 114,500 Pacific Brant, Shorebirds & Endangered Rails (6) Noroeste, A.C.- North BCN 2 Conservation in a Maritime Zone in Bahia San Quintin (7) Terra Peninsular, Baja California $99,598 $100,750 A.C. North

3 Conservation of Brant & Other Migratory Waterbirds in the Guerrero Pronatura Baja California $251,115 $371,704 Negro-Ojo de Liebre Lagoon Complex, BCN (3) Noroeste, A.C. North

4 Development of a Watershed Management Plan for the Conservation DUMAC Chihuahua $40,021 $40,024 & Management of the Mexicanos Lagoon, Chihuahua (14)

5 Ecotourism & Restoration of Habitat at Laguna Sayula, Jalisco - Phase Red Mocaf Jalisco $98,746 $272,376 II (9)

6 Environmental Education Workshops for Wetland Conservation, ENDESU Tabasco $155,696 $362,300 Centla Marshes (I 6)

7 Inventory & Classification of Critical Wetlands V: Central Highlands DUMAC 14 $306,979 $309,737 (8) States/Districts

8 Joint Initiative for the Restoration of the Colorado River Delta (2) Pronatura Baja California $293,675 $310,311 Noroeste, A.C.- North, Sonora Sonora 9 Lagoon Restoration in the Laguna Madre Natural Protected Area, Pronatura Tamaulipas $147,224 149,760 Laguna Madre, Mexico (I) Noreste, A.C.

10 Management & Protection of the Wintering Habitat of the Pacific Pronatura Baja California $76,154 $96,845 Brant in Bahia Magdalena, BCS (5) Noroeste, A.C. - South BCS 11 Restoration & Planning for Migratory Bird Habitat Conservation, Red Mocaf Veracruz $108,169 $118,296 Tamiahua, Veracruz (15)

12 Restoration Program for Critical Wetland Habitat at Ensenada de Pronatura Sinaloa $386,868 $875,4 16 Pabellones, Sinaloa - Phase II (4) Noroeste, A.C.- Sinaloa 13 Social & Public Outreach Program for the Conservation & Sustainable DUMAC Guanajuato $57,732 $148,266 Use of the Yuriria Lagoon, Guanajuato (13)

14 Strengthening the Shorebird National Plan through Development & DUMAC National $14,620 $15,845 Distribution of Outreach Materials (12)

15 Waterfowl Refuges, Cuatrocienegas, Coahuila (10) Pronatura Coahuila $159,600 $273,760 Noreste, A.C.

16 Waterfowl Reserve Network, NW Chihuahua (I I) Pronatura Chihuahua $234,040 $271,240 Noreste, A.C.

Totals: $2,530,405 $3,831,130 I 8 North American Wetlands Conservation Fund March 8 2006 2(~. \. 1 1 9 Mexican Proposals (numbers correspond to table) 4 J~\~~t __~ ( • J ( j \ ;i \ 10 12 9

~) ~ ( \. ~ 11 /{~ (I / 't'.' Y 1 / ..fl.I One National project (14)

/ ~ )

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL BAHIA SAN QUINTIN: PROTECTING AND MANAGING A CRITICAL WETLAND FOR PACIFIC BRANT, SHOREBIRDS AND ENDANGERED RAILS

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Bahia San Quintin (BSQ) is located on the Pacific coast of northwestern Baja California, about 300 km south of the Mexico/USA border. BSQ is one of the most important wetlands along the Pacific Flyway for waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, and song birds. It is a Mexican Priority Wetland, located in Area No. 17 of Continental Significance to North American Ducks, Geese and Swans. In this region, Pacific Brant are of High Non-breeding Importance, and the Highest Non-breeding Need. Vast eel grass beds in the channels of BSQ attract 20-30,000 Brant each winter (>30% of the total winter population in Mexico). The avifauna of BSQ include imperiled priority shorebird species such as the Mountain Plover and Long-billed Curlew. BSQ is the largest Mediterranean coastal wetlands in Mexico and includes the most pristine major habitat tracts of coastal salt marsh in western North America. A total of 188 species of birds have been documented for the site, of which 38 are sensitive species.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To: 1) integrate a technical proposal for the creation of a state natural protected area in BSQ that will promote the conservation and sustainable use of this wetland under state laws; 2) develop a site conservation plan for BSQ and a species action plan for the endangered and declining Light-footed Clapper Rail; and, 3) promote positive values toward the wetlands through a community education program.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noroeste, A.C. (PNO) - Baja California Norte Office. PNO is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C. PNO includes four regional and four state offices that share a common vision but operate and fund their activities independently.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $100,168 Partner Funds $114,500 Pronatura Noroeste $31 ,700 The Nature Conservancy $40,000 ProEsteros $12,200 CIBNOR/CICESE $30,600 Total Contributions $214,668

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Eleven previous projects to Pronatura Noroeste but none in this area. This office received a NAWCA grant in 2001 for the project Promoting the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Magdalena Bay Coastal Lagoon System: Regional Planning, Resource Management, Training and Education $215,762.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Ejidos, private property, Federal zone and concessions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Nature Conservancy is developing a conservation plan involving academia, NGO's and other stake-holders. Under a previous NAWCA grant a wetland inventory was conducted and teachers and students were trained through the International Brant Monitoring Program.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL CONSERVATION IN A MARITIME ZONE IN BAHIA SAN QUINTIN

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The project is located in the western part of the San Quintin Valley, in the Municipal District of San Quintin in the Municipality of Ensenada, Baja California. Bahia San Quintin is a Mexican Priority Wetland, part of the Baja California coast is included in an Area of Continental Significance to North American Ducks, Geese and Swans and it is also a Mexican Priority Area for Waterfowl and Shorebirds.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To establish long-term legal conservation mechanisms for two portions of the coastal zone in San Quintin: Punta Mazo Dunes and the maritime-terrestrial federal zone surrounding the wetlands as well as to Punta Mazo. The project seeks to acquire a concession for the protection of the Federal Sea and Land Zone (ZOFEMAT) surrounding the Bahia San Quintin wetland and Barra Mazo areas, for the purpose of developing and implementing conservation and management plans.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Terra Peninsular, A.C. This organization is a new NAWCA partner.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $99,598 Partner Funds $100,750 Terra Peninsular $100,750 Total Contributions $200,348

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: No prior NAWCA grants.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Communal lands, private property, Baja California State land reserves, and federal lands.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are many organizations working in favor of biodiversity conservation at San Quintin such as Pronatura-Noroeste (Endangered migratory bird species) and Pro Esteros (Environmental education) with whom efforts will be coordinated for common objectives. Also, Terra Peninsular and TNC-Baja California, are negotiating the acquisition of private lands in Barra Mazo, in order to establish legal protection in perpetuity. - NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL CONSERVATION OF BRANT AND OTHER MIGRATORY WATERBIRDS IN THE GUERRO NEGRO-OJO DE LIEBRE LAGOON COMPLEX

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The Guerrero Negro-Oja de Liebre coastal lagoon complex (GOC) is located on the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The GOC is winter habitat for 33 .5% of the Brant (avg. 32,600; min. 22,000; max. 41,000) wintering in the Baja California peninsula, and 25% of the winter population for the entire Northwest of Mexico. The GOC is recognized as a Mexican Priority Wetland, an Area of Continental Significance to North American Ducks, Geese and Swans; a Key Wetland for Waterfowl in Mexico; and a Key Wetland for Shorebirds in Mexico.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To ensure the conservation and proper management of the Brant and other migratory waterbirds wintering in the GOC through: 1) baseline assessments regarding threats for Brant including habitat requirements and restoration needs; 2) a habitat enhancement and restoration plan for critical areas, and implementation of initial actions; 3) educating the local population on the importance of migratory waterbirds and their habitat, as well as the need for conservation; 4) promoting the sustainable use of migratory waterbirds by providing training in a vi tourism; 5) promotion and facilitation of the integration of a local non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the GOC and migratory waterbirds; 6) a monitoring, conservation and management plan for these birds in the GOC for inclusion in the existing plan; and, 7) improved surveillance of the area and enforcement of existing regulations by facilitating agreements among all stakeholders.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noroeste, A.C. (PNO) - Baja California Norte Office. PNO is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C. PNO includes four regional and four state offices that share a common vision but operate and fund their activities independently.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NA WCA Grant Funds $251 ,115 Partner Funds $371 ,704 Pronatura Noroeste $97,467 El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve $56,460 Salt Exports, S.A. $100,853 University Aut. of Baja California So. $116,924 Total Contributions $622,819

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Pronatura Noroeste has received 11 previous NAWCA grants. The most recent grant awarded to this office was for the project titled Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands along the La Asamblea-San Francisquito Coastal Corridor, Baja California, Mexico for $146,230, 2003-2005.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal and ejidal properties.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Although the GOC is part of the "El Vizcaino" Federal Biosphere Reserve (RBEV), no consideration regarding migratory waterbirds and their habitat is included in its management plan. I NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT OF A WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE MEXICANOS LAGOON

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The project area is located in the municipality of Cusihuiriachic, in central Chihuahua. The area has historical value for migratory and resident waterfowl and shorebirds, and a great number of resident species. The area is considered one of the priority regions of the NAWMP; a priority area under the Mexican Plan for the Conservation, Management and Rational Use of Waterfowl and their Habitats; an Important Bird Area; and a Key Wetland for Shorebirds in Mexico.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To develop a Watershed Management Plan for the Conservation and Management of the Mexicanos lagoon in the state of Chihuahua through 1) integration of a local committee with representatives from the municipality, ejidos, private landowners, the agriculture community, the National Water Commission at the federal and state level and the conservation organizations to guide and decide on the development of the Plan and its future implementation; 2) compilation and analysis of information available on the hydrology of the watershed and the lagoon to design and support specific conservation and management actions; 3) development ofrestoration and management actions needed within the basin of the lagoon to maintain natural productivity for aquatic birds; 4) design of a low impact agriculture practices program around the lagoon to reduce pollution and sedimentation; and, 5) involvement and participation of communities that integrate the watershed, seeking the long term conservation and management of the lagoon basin.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Ducks Unlimited of Mexico, A.C. (DUMAC).

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S . Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $40,021 Partner Funds $40,024 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $20,000 Profauna $8,762 DUMAC $11,262 Total Contributions $80,045

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Twenty previous grants from NA WCA conducting work all over Mexico for a total of $2,846,188 in NAWCA funds .

LAND OWNERSHIP: Ejido (communal land), private and federal ownership.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Three years ago the two proponent organizations initiated Phase I of the Arctic Nesting Geese project supported by NA WCA. Phase I indicated the priority areas within the Northern Highlands Region and Phase II developed specific action items that should be implemented within each of the priority sites. This would be Phase III, where a specific priority site is selected and specific actions are proposed for development. I NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL ECOTOURISM AND HABIT AT RESTORATION AT LAGUNA SA YULA - PHASE II

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Lake Sayula is located in the Zacoalco - Sayula, district in southern Jalisco state. In Phase I of this project, 40 migratory species have been identified and the lake area harbors approximately 150,000 waterfowl in winter months. Lake Sayula is a Key Wetland for Waterfowl andjor Shorebirds in Mexico as well as an Area of Continental Significance for North American Ducks, Geese and Swans.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To 1) evaluate the diversity, abundance, density and seasonality of waterfowl at the lake; 2) monitor migrant aquatic bird diet and assess quality and quantity of food ; 3) restore 534 acres of the lake area; 4) promote an ecological culture for the conservation of wetlands in 42 schools; and 5) legally organize three collectives in sustainable economic activities.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Red Mexicana de Organizaciones Campesinas Forestales, A.C. (Red MOCAF). SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $98,746 Partner Funds $272,376 Red Mocaf $124,290 Atoyac Municipal Govt. $68,790 Laguna Sayula Lab $14,285 Techaluta Municipal Govt.$65,011 Total Contributions $371,122

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Three previous NA WCA grants including Phase I of the present proposal: Participatory Research & Environmental Education for the Monitoring & Conservation of Laguna El Rosario, $119,166, FY2003; Participatory Restoration of Laguna Sayula for the Conservation of Waterfowl- Phase I, $188,967, FY 2004; and, Lake Cuitzeo-Rural Sustainable Development and Restoration of Migratory and Resident Waterfowl Habitat, $190,171, FY 2005.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal land is under concession for farming.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Red MOCAF network and the University of Guadalajara are accomplishing some actions within this wetland, under a previous NAWCA grant (Phase I) along with other actors such as SEMARNAT.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPS FOR WETLAND CONSERVATION, CENTLA MARSHES

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Interpretation Center for the Pantanos de Centla Wetlands. Km. 12.5 in the Frontera-Jonuta Road, Municipio de Centla, State of Tabasco, within the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve. The wetlands in Pantanos de Centla support 12% of the aquatic and subaquatic vegetation of Mexico and the most important populations of vascular aquatic flora in Middle America. 506 species have been identified including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Of these 149 species are endangered to some degree, according to the Mexican Endangered Species list. One-hundred ten bodies of fresh water have been located, within an area of 35,000 acres. Through these wetlands flows one third of the total superficial fresh water in Mexico. The area is listed among the Mexican Priority Wetlands, Areas a/Continental Significance, and Key Wetlands/or Waterfowl in Mexico.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To strengthen the Environmental Training and Education Program at the Interpretation Center by reinforcing the importance of migratory and resident birds as an integral part of the wetlands in the environmental education workshops that take place at the Interpretation Center for the Centla Wetlands by: l) conducting 100 environmental training and education workshops, addressed to teachers and students from local schools; and, 2) developing a new exhibit "Birds and the Wetlands", emphasizing the importance of Pantanos de Centla Reserve for migratory and resident birds.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Espacios Naturales y Desarrollo Sustentable, A.C. (ENDESU).

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $155,696 Partner Funds $362,300 ENDESU $362,300 Total Contributions $517,996

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Three prior projects- Restoration of the Hydrological Flow at Laguna de Terminos, Campeche, Phases I and II, $458,880 and $182,996 respectively, 2004-2006; and, Monitoring and Restoration of Habitat at the Rio Bravo Delta, $259,343, 2005-2007.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Privately owned land open to the public.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: This project is a part of the Integral Program for the Conservation of the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve in which ENDESU has been involved since 1998. This Program has been advanced in coordination with diverse organizations, particularly the Direction of the Reserve, PEMEX, State University of Tabasco and County and State authorities (especially in education). The project aims to establish the environmental workshops as a regular, planned activity at the Interpretation Center and to integrate environmental education into the medium term conservation strategy of the Center for the conservation of the Centla wetlands. , NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL INVENTORY AND CLASSIFICATION OF CRITICAL WETLANDS PHASE V: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: This project will develop the inventory and classification of wetlands in the states of Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Estado de Mexico, Distrito Federal, Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Michoacan, part of Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi, so that all the wetlands in the central highlands will be included within the nationwide inventory and classification system. The wetlands within this region are recognized for their importance under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Mexican Plan for the Conservation, Management and Rational Use of Waterfowl and their Habitats. Some of these wetlands are Important Bird Areas in Mexico and others are included under the Mexican Plan for the Conservation of Shorebirds and their Habitats.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To: 1) complete the inventory and classification of critical Mexican wetlands by including the Central Highlands- 13 states and the federal district--in the same standardized classification system developed in previous inventory work carried out by DUMAC under previous NAWCA grants; and, 2) make it available to other institutions in Mexico at private, state and federal levels, in order to standardize criteria on the nomenclature used to define the wetlands systems in Mexico. 3) The data-- images, maps and data bases--will be integrated into a user-friendly system, in order to make it compatible with other software programs for use by government and non-government organizations working in wetland management and conservation in Mexico.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Ducks Unlimited of Mexico, A.C. (DUMAC).

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $306,979 Partner Funds $309,737 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $228,773 DUMAC $80,964 Total Contributions $616,716

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Twenty previous grants from NAWCA conducting work all over Mexico for a total of $2,846,188 in NAWCA funds. This project is the fifth in a series to inventory and classify Mexican wetlands.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal, ejidal, private.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: DUMAC's efforts to develop a wetland inventory and classification system in Mexico has filled an information void with NAWCA support. This phase will bring the goal of a nationwide inventory and classification system closer to completion. Only a few additional areas of work will be required. The Mexican Government has plans to build upon this work for federal use.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL JOINT INITIATIVE FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE COLORADO RIVER DELTA

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The Colorado River Delta, in the states of Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. The Delta remains one of the most important wetland areas in North America, extending over 427,200 acres. The Delta provides habitat for several endangered and threatened species, for over 200,000 migratory waterbirds, and for Neotropical migrant landbirds. The delta is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, is an Important Bird Conservation Area, and is a priority wetland in Mexico.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: This project will continue the restoration of priority conservation areas in the Colorado River Delta, through: 1) acquisition of water rights for wetland restoration (500,000 m3/year or 405 acre-feet/year); 2) develop a strategy for the long-term conservation of El Doctor wetlands through land acquisition mechanisms; 3) restoration ofover 1,700 ha (4,200 acres) of marshlands at the Rio Hardy, Laguna del Indio, and El Doctor wetlands through installation of hydraulic infrastructure and re-vegetation efforts; 4) improve ecotourism enterprises, through which communities can benefit from wetland restoration; and, 5) improve awareness of wetland and delta issues and community participation in the restoration activities; building the base for stronger public support for the Delta.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noroeste, A.C. (PNO) - Sonora Office. PNO is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C. PNO includes four regional and four state offices that share a common vision but operate and fund their activities independently.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $293,675 Partner Funds $310,311 Pronatura Noroeste Sonora $40,900 National Institute of Ecology $36,282 National Protected Areas Commission $150,400 Local Partners $82,729 Total Contributions $603 ,986

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Eleven previous projects for PNO, five with this office since 2001 , mainly dealing with community outreach and education as well as the development of management strategies. In FY 2005, Water Acquisition in the Colorado River Delta, the predecessor to the current proposal, was approved for $177,400.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal and ejidal properties.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: This joint effort to restore the Colorado River delta is the culmination of efforts and maturity of all the groups involved in the Delta's conservation with support from NAWCA over the past 15 years.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL LAGOON RESTORATION IN THE LAGUNA MADRE NATURAL PROTECTED AREA

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The project involves the rehabilitation of a secondary coastal lagoon named Laguna Balsora, located in the northeastern portion of the Laguna Madre Wetland Complex (LMWC) on the Gulf of Mexico in northeastern Mexico. The LMWC is an Area of Continental Significance to North American Ducks, Geese and Swans, a Key Wetland for Waterfowl in Mexico and for Shorebirds in Mexico. In winter, the LMWC hosts 36% of the world population of red head duck that depend on nearby fresh water sources to eliminate salt intake that results from consuming their principal food source- sea grasses, and habitat for 15% of all migratory waterfowl arriving in Mexico. More than 100 thousand shore birds, the largest concentration in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, arrive here annually.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: The goal of the project is to restore the Laguna Balsora, especially for waterfowl; to build the foundation for sustainable activities; and, to establish a legal agreement protecting the lands around the lagoon within the local communities. The resources requested, will support: 1) topography and hydrology studies of the lagoon; 2) an environmental impact study; 3) the design and construction of a water retention dike; 4) geographical information system analysis; 5) workshops and forums; 6) development of a management plan; and of 7) legal agreements for long-term conservation of the lands surrounding the lagoon.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noreste, A.C. (PNE). PNE is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $147,224 Partner Funds $149,760 Pronatura Noreste $60,060 Cd.Victoria Tech Institute $75,400 Local Groups $14,300 Total Contributions $296,984

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Promoting Protection for the Laguna Madre, Phase I (2000-2001) and Phase II (2002-2003); Restoration of Laguna Anda la Piedra; (2003-2005,$155,780); Protection of the Rio Grande Delta, Laguna Madre and Laguna de Morales, Mexico (2004-2006, $296,560).

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal, private and communal lands.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Important activities currently in progress in the LMWC include: private lands ecosystem restoration projects with partners CONAB IO, Kinder Morgan and Environmental Defense; the network of private lands for the conservation in the coastal corridor with the Nature Conservancy of Texas; and the wetlands restoration projects in Laguna Flamingos and Laguna Anda la Piedra in the Soto la Marina delta and San Fernando delta.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF PACIFIC BRANT WINTERING HABITAT AT BAIIlA MAGDALENA

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Bahia Magdalena is located along the southwestern coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, within the municipalities of Comondu and La Paz. Bahia Magdalena and is the most extensive wetland on this coast. It has great habitat diversity (dunes, mangroves, seagrass) that attracts large numbers of breeding and wintering birds and is a Mexican Priority Wetland, an Area of Continental Significance to North American Ducks, Geese and Swans. Pacific Brant is of a High Continental Priority, High Non-breeding Importance, and the Highest Nonbreeding Need within in this Waterfowl Conservation Region. Ten thousand migratory birds arrive in the northern lagoons in winter. It is also one of the key wetlands for shorebirds and a key wetland for waterfowl in Mexico. The a vi fauna of Bahia Magdalena includes priority shorebird species that are Highly Imperiled as Global Species such as the Long-billed Curlew.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To: 1) develop a monitoring program and a conservation plan for wintering Pacific Brant that can be incorporated in legal management tools such as land use planning and environmental impact assessments; 2) promote positive values toward the wetlands and sustainability through a community education program; and, 3) promote recognition of Bahia Magdalena as a shorebird reserve site under the WHSRN.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noroeste, A.C. (PNO)- Baja California Sur Office. PNO is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C. PNO includes four regional and four state offices that share a common vision but operate and fund their activities independently.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $76,154 Partner Funds $96,845 Pronatura Noroeste $31 ,700 Natl Syndicate of Educators $20,000 Scientific Research/Education Center $24,000 Other local partners $21,145 Total Contributions $172,999

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Eleven previous PNO projects, one with this office--, Promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the Magdalena Bay Coastal Lagoon System: Regional Planning, Resource Management, Training and Education, $215,762, 2001, the predecessor of this project.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal and Federal Zone Concessions, ejido, and private property.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Supported by NAWCA, PNO conducted a wetland inventory and in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy conducted a Site Conservation Plan. Currently, PNO is conducting a feasibility analysis for private land conservation tools. Pro Esteros is willing to expand its International Brant Monitoring Program to Bahia Magdalena during this project (previous NAWCA grant) and partner The School for Field Studies will continue to teach international students about wetland resources management.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL RESTORATION AND PLANNING FOR MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT CONSERVATION, TAMIAHUA, VERACRUZ

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Tamiahua Lagoon is located on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in the Tampico-Misantla Tertiary Basin, in the State of Veracruz, between the Panuco and Tuxpan rivers. This body of water shelters a significant number of migratory waterfowl, both anatids and wintering gallinules. The average number of ducks observed in the winter censuses from 1978 to 1982 was 71,000, compared to 300,000 during the 1930s. Among the most abundant species are the gadwall, American wigeon, northern pintail, and redhead to name only a few. The number of geese varies considerably from one year to the next but in recent years, a maximum of 1025 white-fronted geese and 3000 snow geese were reported.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To 1) conduct a census of migratory and resident waterfowl; 2) evaluate their habitat at the lagoon; 3) determine which areas within the Tamiahua Lagoon basin are degraded and the impact that they have on the wetland as habitat; 4) develop strategies for restoring waterfowl habitat; 5) raise the awareness of local communities regarding the need to undertake action aimed at the sustainable management of the lagoon and its resources; and, 5) determine the lagoon's ecotourism potential.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Red Mexicana de Organizaciones Campesinas Forestales, A.C. (Red MOCAF). SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $108,169 Partner Funds $118,296 Red Mocaf $72,899 University of Veracruz $37,540 Fishing Coop $7,857 Total Contributions $226,465

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Three previous NA WCA grants including Phase I of the present proposal: Participatory Research & Environmental Education for the Monitoring & Conservation of Laguna El Rosario, $119,166 FY2003; Participatory Restoration of Laguna Sayula for the Conservation of Waterfowl- Phase I, $188,967, FY 2004; and, Lake Cuitzeo-Rural Sustainable Development and Restoration of Migratory and Resident Waterfowl Habitat, $190,171, FY 2005.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal, ejidal and small private landholdings.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: This is the first grant for wetland conservation in this area for the NAWCA program.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL RESTORATION PROGRAM FOR CRITICAL WETLAND HABITAT AT ENSENADA DE P ABELLONES, PHASE II

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Chiricahueto Lagoon in the Ensenada de Pabellones Wetland Complex (EPWC) is located in the Culiacan and Navolato municipalities, state of Sinaloa. Total area extension is approximately 363,090 acres. The EPWC represents one of the most important refuges for migratory waterfowl in the state of Sinaloa and more than 292 migratory and resident avian species have been registered for the area including more than 32 shorebird species. Waterfowl population in the area numbers in the hundreds of thousands including 23 duck species.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: The project will: 1) restore at least 620 acres of tussocks in the Laguna de Chiricahueto; 2) implement a series of legal actions against illegal shrimp farming at the Private Land Conservation Project "Peninsula de Lucenilla"; 3) restore, at least, 250 acres of mangroves in the Peninsula de Lucenilla; 4) manage wild livestock (removal and control of access) in the Peninsula de Lucenilla; and 5) implement the Public Involvement and Education Program (PIE), including two Environmental Education workshops for 31 teachers and over 1,000 students.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noroeste, A.C. - Sinaloa Office. PNO is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C. PNO includes four regional and four state offices that share a common vision but operate and fund their activities independently.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $386,868 Partner Funds $875,416 Pronatura Noroeste $333,737 Natl Forestry Commission $92,934 Pichiguila Gun Club $237,094 ITESM-Sinaloa $71,200 Others $140,451 Total Contributions $1 ,262,284

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Eleven previous projects for PNO, three with this office, including The Planning of a Sustainable Development Program for the Ensenada de Pabellones, Sinaloa, Mexico, $136,522, 2003 (Phase I), the predecessor of this phase.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Federal, communal and private.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The EPWC is part of the Pacific Flyway Corridor that is critical for the survival of thousands of migratory, as well as resident, birds. The area represents one of the most important biodiversity complexes at the local, regional and international level. It requires a conservation strategy that is part of a larger restoration program.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SOCIAL AND PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF THE YURIRIA LAGOON

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Yuriria Lagoon is located in the state of Guanajuato, in the central highlands of Mexico. Wetlands within this region are recognized for their importance for the distribution of migratory and resident waterfowl species. This Lagoon is included under the Mexican Plan for the Conservation, Management and Rational Use of Waterfowl and their Habitats and is a Mexican Important Bird Area. The Yuriria Lagoon is an historical natural wintering habitat of migratory waterfowl species such as the green-winged teal, gadwall, pintail, northern shoveler, lesser scaup, and American wigeon.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To l) conduct an environmental education program that will emphasize the values and ecological services the Yuriria Lagoon provides to the local communities; 2) develop public outreach workshops to increase awareness on the importance of the sustainable use and conservation of all the resources found in this wetland; 3) develop a management plan that will be used by the state and municipal governments as a guideline to support decision making regarding the conservation and management of the natural resources of the area; and, 4) protect the natural resources of Yuriria Lagoon through legal instruments and the establishment of a Conservation and Management Unit.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Ducks Unlimited of Mexico, A.C. (DUMAC).

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $57,732 Partner Funds $148,266 Guanajuato State Govt. $137,615 DUMAC $10,651 Total Contributions $205 ,998

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Twenty previous grants from NAWCA conducting work all over Mexico for a total of $2,846,188 in NAWCA funds .

LAND OWNERSHIP: Private and ejidal properties.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are several institutions working in the area, including research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs. Some of those institutions are: National Water Commission (CNA), National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA), Agriculture and Cattle Secretariat (SAGAR), Guanajuato Health Secretariat, Veterinary Faculty-UNAM, Iberoamericana University-Leon Campus, Bajio University, DUMAC, BACHOCO S.A. de C. V., Yurirense Institute, Ecology State Council, and Salamantino Environmental Patronato. No previous NA WCA grants have been received in the area. This is a priority project for the state government of Guanajuato.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL STRENGTHENING THE SHOREBIRD NATIONAL PLAN THROUGH DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF OUTREACH MATERIALS

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The information produced by this project will be distributed through out six operational regions established in the National Shorebird Conservation Plan in Mexico. This plan initially identified 27 key wetlands of importance for shorebirds distribution in Mexico, based on the available information from the aerial surveys carried out by the Canadian Wildlife Service. After regional meetings were carried out to discuss the development of the National Plan for Shorebirds, an additional 35 new wetland areas were proposed by the experts attending the meetings as potential sites to be considered as key areas for shorebirds in Mexico and where implementation of shorebirds conservation strategies were required. All of the wetlands considered in these 62 areas hold some kind of recognition or conservation status.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To 1) strengthen the capacity of the regional working groups in the six operative regions established by the National Shorebird Conservation Plan, by providing important outreach material and information concerning the distribution and wetland use of shorebird species in Mexico; 2) collect descriptive information for all shorebird species recorded in Mexico through literature review for use in the production of materials; 3) develop a "Field Identification Guide" for migratory and resident shorebirds in Mexico to promote public awareness on shorebird management and conservation; 4) develop outreach materials to strengthen the development of the public outreach and education components under the Plan; and, 5) use the outreach material at the local and regional level to strengthen the development of the strategies and actions proposed within the National Shorebird Conservation Plan.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Ducks Unlimited of Mexico, A.C. (DUMAC).

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NAWCA Grant Funds $14,620 Partner Funds $15 ,845 DUMAC $15 ,845 Total Contributions $30,465

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Twenty previous grants from NAWCA conducting work all over Mexico for a total of $2,846,188 in NAWCA funds. Working with the Mexican Federal Government, this project is their second proposal related to shorebirds.

LAND OWNERSHIP: All wetlands, coastal and interior, are federal property.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Shorebirds Plan completes tri-national plans already developed in Canada and the USA on shorebirds conservation. The creation of outreach material such as the Field Identification Guide and the posters is part of the strategy proposed in the National Shorebird Conservation Plan to increase public, municipal and state government awareness on issues related to management and conservation of shorebirds and their habitats in Mexico.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL WATERFOWL REFUGES, CUATROCIENEGAS, COAHULIA

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: Municipality of Cuatrocienegas, Coahuila state, northeastern Mexico. Cuatrocienegas is a Mexican Priority Wetland and has an important role for the conservation of waterfowl in Northern Mexico. The Cuatrocienegas Valley represents an impressive mosaic of wetlands and floodable grasslands, where 150 species of birds have been reported (48% of which are migratory) and at least 70,000 ducks and geese from 19 species winter here. Until 1950 Cuatrocienegas maintained incredible amounts of waterfowl including swans, making it an important waterfowl hunting area. Cuatrocienegas produces 49.0 million sq. meters of water yearly, a large quantity of water for the desert that, well managed could serve to restore wetland habitats for a variety of waterfowl.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To 1) legally protect through an ecological easement of 11,119 acres that includes three wetland systems that could be restored as refuges for waterfowl; 2) manage the water rights (300 litters per second/10.6 cubic feet/second) to restore 150 pools dispersed across 6,721 acres at the Pozas Azules Ranch; 3) acquire water rights (700 liters per second/24.7 cubic feet/second) for several channel systems crossing the area with the purpose of restoring 3,707 acres of wetlands at the wetland system of Ejido El Venado and Pozas Azules Ranch.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noreste, A.C. (PNE). PNE is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NA WCA Grant Funds $159,600 Partner Funds $273,760 Pronatura Noreste $86,800 The Nature Conservancy $155,000 Profauna $31,960 Total Contributions $433,360

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Promoting Protection for the Laguna Madre, Phase I (2000-2001) and Phase II (2002-2003); Restoration of Laguna Anda la Piedra; (2003-2005,$155,780); Protection of the Rio Grande Delta, Laguna Madre and Laguna de Morales, Mexico (2004-2006, $296,560).

LAND OWNERSHIP: Ejidal lands and a private reserve.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: In 2000, PNE acquired the Pozas Azules Ranch and in 2005, PNE acquired in Cuatrocienegas the first water rights for conservation purposes in Mexico. With the support requested, flow could be multiplied by almost 1,000 litters per second (35.3 cubic feet/second) to restore wetlands and add 7,220 hectares under legal protection 6,721 acres at the Pozas Azules Ranch and 11,119 acres at the Ejido El Venado), that would be private refuges for wildlife.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL WATERFOWL RESERVE NETWORK, NORTHWEST CHIHUAHUA

PROJECT LOCATION/WETLAND VALUE: The priority Mexican wetlands identified as the "interior highlands," include Fierro, Redonda, and Guzman Ascension and Janos Lagoons, in the municipalities of Casas Grandes, Ascension and Janos, in northwest Chihuahua. These wetlands are considered an Area of Continental Significance for North American Ducks, Geese and Swans and some have been identified as priority for shorebirds. The relatively small-sized lagoons have been systematically surveyed by the USFWS to reveal that they shelter between 3-5% of waterfowl wintering populations in Mexico and have one of Mexico's main concentrations of geese and cranes. The more abundant waterfowl, among others, are mallard and northern pintail. Concentrations of geese include Ross ' Goose and white fronted goose.

PROJECT GOALS/DELIVERABLES: To: 1) undertake a study on water rights and prospecting ofland ownership to begin the legal protection of a network of reserves for waterfowl; 2) restore degraded wetlands; and 3) establish the first ecological easement on 7,413 acres to protect land extensions with wetlands (50%) and highlands (50%) in Chihuahua.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Pronatura Noreste, A.C. (PNE). PNE is a regional chapter of Pronatura, A.C.

SOURCE OF FUNDS (U.S. Dollars): NA WCA Grant Funds $234,040 Partner Funds $271 ,240 Pronatura Noreste $93 ,820 The Nature Conservancy $129,000 Pronatura, A.C. $23,935 University Aut. of Chihuahua $24,485 Total Contributions $505,280

NAWCA FUNDING HISTORY: Promoting Protection for the Laguna Madre, Phase I (2000-2001) and Phase II (2002-2003); Restoration of Laguna Anda la Piedra; (2003-2005,$155,780); Protection of the Rio Grande Delta, Laguna Madre and Laguna de Morales, Mexico (2004-2006, $296,560).

LAND OWNERSHIP: Ejidos, private and federal lands.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Ascension aquifer is in critical conditions due to water overuse resulting from a deficiently planned agriculture development and overgrazing. In an alliance with Rare and TNC, PNE is launching an environmental education program called "Pride Campaign". CONANP, UNAM, UACH and Profauna are partners in the process to achieve a social consensus and designate this region as a Biosphere Reserve. PNE and UACH are conducting a community self-assessment that will be used to propose solutions for regional problems, such as conflicts in water use.

U.S. FISH & WILllLIFE SERVICE United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Washington, D. C. 20240 rTo: ~ FWS/AMBS/DBHC/DCN00 8866

Memorandum

To: Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Atten · ecretary, Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Acting , , From: Director ~-""<,"-~/\~t Subject: Real Prope y Interests That S ld Not e Included in the National Wildlife Refuge System per North American Wetlands Conservation Act

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission will meet on March 8, 2006, at which time the North American Wetlands Conservation Council will recommend 19 projects for funding under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Section 6(a)(3) of the Act requires that Act funds should be used for conservation projects within the National Wildlife Refuge System unless the Secretary (or delegated authority), with the concurrence of the Commission, finds that real property interests, either partially or in total, should not be included in the Refuge System. Of the 19 projects to be recommended, 12 will be acquiring property partially or completely outside the Refuge System.

We have determined that the proposed managers are committed to undertake management of the property in accordance with the objectives of the Act. The Service has longstanding, cooperative working relationships with, trust in, and similar and complementary goals and objectives with, partners in these projects. If approved by the Commission, the grants conveying funds will include alternatives for redress if the grantees fail to manage the property in accordance with the grant agreement. These alternatives include, but are not limited to: (a) repaying the Service in cash for that percentage of the fair-market value attributable to Federal participation in the project; (b) transfer of title to the interest in real property to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party; or ( c) providing the Service with an interest in real property that is of equal financial and/or habitat value. The Service may select one or more of the redress options available.

Since the Federal Government does not have the resources to do the job alone, public/private partnerships are essential to restoring our Nation's declining migratory bird and wetland resources. It is in the spirit of the partnership purpose of the Act that we recommend that all real property interests not held by the Service be excluded from the System for the following proposals: Chehalis River Floodplain and Estuary Wetlands Conservation, Arkansas Chenier Plain Coastal Wetlands Conservation IV, Louisiana, Texas Lower Chippewa River Wetland Protection Partnership II, Wisconsin Lower Columbia River Ecoregion IV, Oregon, Washington Lower Minnesota Valley Wetland Conservation Initiative, Minnesota Lower Obion River III, Tennessee Lower Rappahannock Phase III, Virginia Madison/Gallatin Wetlands Conservation, Montana Middle Missouri River II, Iowa, Nebraska Roanoke River Migratory Bird Initiative II, North Carolina, Virginia Sabine Island Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana San Luis Valley Wetland III, Colorado

Non-inclusion rationale and Executive Summaries for each of these 12 projects are attached, thus providing the necessary background for approving these projects as real property interests that should not be included in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Attachment Cycle 2006-2 2/16/2006 NA WCC Staff Slate

Map Title (rank) State NAWCA Partner Grant Funds Coastal Federal Number Reguest Funds Acres forUSFWS Project Partners* l Bottomland Conservation In The Arkansas Delta (15) AR $917,140 $1,834,281 1,720 yes no USFWS (grantee) 2 Chehalis River Floodplain & Estuary Wetland Conservation (2) WA $988,425 $7,628,000 3,968 no yes NRCS 3 Chenier Plain Coastal Wetlands Conservation IV (14) LA,TX $637,771 $1,593,624 1,802 no yes 4 James River Lowlands/Missouri Coteau Project II (3) SD $1,000,000 $1,851,391 8,426 yes no USBR, USFWS 5 Jamestown Wildlife Area ( 17) KS $999,345 $2,212,617 2,570 no no USFWS 6 Lafitte Terracing Project (18) LA $439,182 $893,315 702 no yes NRCS 7 Lower Chippewa River Wetland Protection Partnership II (13) WI $1,000,000 $3,110,010 2,811 no no 8 Lower Columbia River Ecoregion IV (4) OR,WA $1,000,000 $3,510,033 1,279 no yes USFWS 9 Lower Minnesota Valley Wetland Conservation Initiative (11) MN $1,000,000 $2,155,647 2,468 yes no USFWS 10 Lower Obion River, Phase III (12) TN $1,000,000 $3,406,863 1,900 no no I 1 Lower Rappahannock River Phase III (19) VA $700,000 $4,475,200 3,497 no yes USDA,USFWS 12 Madison/Gallatin Wetlands Conservation Project (6) MT $1,000,000 $14,467,805 5,867 no no NRCS, USFWS 13 Middle Missouri River II (10) IA,NE $1,000,000 $2,530,933 6,222 no no 14 Modoc Plateau/Pit River Wetlands Project (5) CA $1,000,000 $2,724,044 5,843 yes no NRCS, USBLM, USFS, USFWS 15 Mouse River Watershed Enhancement Project V (8) ND $510,000 $687,391 23,598 yes no USFWS 16 North San Joaquin Valley Wetland Habitat Project II (1) CA $1,000,000 $2,967,986 16,304 no no NRCS, USFWS 17 Roanoke River Migratory Bird Initiative II (9) NC,VA $999,920 $2,795,686 2,159 no yes USFWS 18 Sabine Island Wildlife Management Area - Acquisition Effort (16) LA $800,000 $2,470,000 600 no yes 19 San Luis Valley Wetland Project III (7) co $1,000,000 $3,662,422 13,423 no no USBLM, USFWS Totals: $16,991,783 $64,977,248 105,159

* USFWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service USBR - U.S. Bureau of Reclamation USDA - U.S . Department of Agriculture (grant) USBLM - U.S . Bureau of Land Management USFS - U.S. Forest Service

North American Wetlands Conservation Fund March 8, 2006 U.S. Proposa Is (numbers correspond to table)

15 •

4 •

19 5 • •

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY BOTTOMLAND CONSERVATION IN THE ARKANSAS DELTA

COUNTY(IES), ST ATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Arkansas and Woodruff Counties, Arkansas, Congressional District 1.

GRANT AMOUNT $917,140

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,834,281 Grantee: U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service The Nature Conservancy $1,831,000 Ray Coleman $3,281

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,751,421/l,720 (682) acres Fee Acquired - $918,999/682 acres Easements Donated- $1,831,000/l,038acres Restored - $1,422/(682) acres

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 682 acres; private landowners Little Prairie Land Company, 1,038 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal represents a long-term effort to conserve and restore 200,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests in the Big Woods of Arkansas by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its state, federal, and non-profit conservation partners over the next 10 years. Bottomland hardwood forests are essential to a healthy ecosystem because of their size, habitat diversity, and critical nursery role to migratory bird and fish species. Arkansas has lost over 89% of its bottomland hardwood forest habitat, chiefly due to land clearing associated with agriculture. Whereas single blocks once covered hundreds of thousands of acres, now isolated fragments less than 250 acres in size) exist, greatly reducing the functionality of remaining bottomland hardwood forests. This project will allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to purchase a priority land tract that has been restored to bottomland hardwood forest. TNC purchased the Coleman tract, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) restored the original wetland signatures and planted appropriate hardwood tree species through the Wetland Reserve Program during 2004. TNC is offering a donated conservation easement in the Bayou Metro watershed, just west of the White River NWR as match. The permanent conservation easement was donated by a private hunting club, Little Prairie Land Company (LPLC). The LPLC easement consists of portions of two lakes (200 acres) that are surrounded by 670 acres of cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forested wetlands. The Big Woods of Arkansas is a priority conservation area for TNC, who has been actively conserving and preserving this area for over 20 years. TNC, working with its partner, the U.S. Forest Service, helped to acquire 1,510 acres of bottomland hardwood forest for the St. Francis National Forest. The acquisition of 4,500 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, which included over four miles of river frontage on the Cache River, located north of the Coleman tract, was acquired through a previous NA WCA grant awarded to TNC and its partner UFWS. Conservation efforts by TNC remain focused on the conserving and restoring 200,000 acres in the Arkansas Big Woods; however, the need has become more urgent with the rediscovery of the Ivory­ billed Woodpecker (IBWO). Since March 2004, over 6,500 acres in this critical area have been purchased by TNC, with an additional 3,200 under contract to purchase in an effort to protect and conserve critical habitat. The first confirmed sighting of the IBWO took place in the Big Woods of Arkansas, as reported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and TNC in spring of 2005. The initial sighting was made in the February 2004 in the Benson Creek Natural Area (300 acres), which is co-owned and managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and TNC. Subsequent sightings were made in Benson Creek Natural Area, Dagmar Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (7,976 acres; owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission), and the Cache River NWR (55,000 acres). These three areas are contiguous and provide a large block of suitable mature, bottomland forest habitat. The Coleman tract is located in Woodruff County, adjacent to the 7,000 acre Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA, creating another large block of bottomland forest habitat.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTlNG: While managing habitat for waterfowl, neotropical migratory songbirds, Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, native Black Bear, and other wetland dependent species, the IBWO will also benefit. Historically, the Big Woods of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain consisted of 21 million acres of bottomland hardwood forest and associated wetlands. The Big Woods of Arkansas is one of the best remaining portions of this ecosystem, a 550,000-acre corridor of bottomland forests. Bayou De View, the Cache River, the lower White River, and the lower Arkansas River, all waters of the Big Woods, eventually drain into the Mississippi River. Currently, 235,000 acres of the Big Woods of Arkansas are in public conservation ownership that contains extensive areas of bottomland forest. However, important portions of the protected areas are fragmented and there is a critical need to provide buffers and connectivity. In addition to providing habitat for the only known population of IBWO in the world, the Big Woods provides the wintering habitat for the largest population of mallard ducks in the Mississippi Flyway. Over 265 species of birds have been documented in the Big Woods, which would benefit from restored bottomland hardwood forest. This area is used by Little Blue Herons and Mississippi Kites during the breeding season, and Swallow-tailed Kites have been observed breeding in the White River NWR. Other priority species that breed in the area include Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Red-headed Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Northern Paruta. Several priority species that use the area during migration include Swainson's Warblers, Orchard Orioles, and Cerulean Warblers. The Big Woods is home to 58 species of mammals and 132 species of fish representing 80 percent of the fish species in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Black Bear are descendants of the native black bear population that persisted on the White River NWR when black bears were extirpated from the rest of the state, and this population is a critical genetic resource. While most black bears are found in the southern part of the White River NWR, there are increasing numbers of reports of bears being sighted around Bayou De View in the vicinity of Cotton Plant, AR and other areas around the Cache River.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The Coleman tract will become part of the Cache River NWR, and is adjacent to a state-owned WMA. The public will be able to use this property for recreation, including hunting and fishing and wildlife viewing. Duck hunting is an integral part of the culture and economy of the Big Woods area, infusing millions of dollars into local communities each year. Deer and turkey hunting, along with fishing, remain popular recreational activities on public and private land in the Arkansas Delta, and adding acres to the Cache River NWR will increase these hunting opportunities. The Big Woods is an important migration flyway for neotropical songbirds. The community of Clarendon, AR is trying to become a birdwatching destination, and recently held its 4th Annual Big Woods Birding Festival. The festival celebrates the phenomenon of spring migration and educates festival attendees about the importance of the habitat. With the discovery of the IBWO in the Big Woods of Arkansas, birdwatchers from across the country (and world) are making plans to visit the Arkansas Delta for opportunities to view the IBWO, and its associated habitat.

NEW PARTNERS: Mr. Ray Coleman, a local landowner who sold the Coleman tract to The Nature Conservancy for conservation, also donated funds to TNC for conservation work. $3,281 of the total funds that were contributed by Mr. Coleman were used directly in the acquisition and restoration of this tract for TNC. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY CHEHALIS RIVER FLOODPLAIN AND ESTUARY WETLANDS CONSERVATION

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Grays Harbor County, Washington, Congressional District 3.

GRANT AMOUNT $988,425

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,977,000 Grantee: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife $1,740,840 The Cascade Land Conservancy $110,000 Wildlife Forever Fund $100,000 Ducks Unlimited $5,000 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation $21 ,160

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $5,651 ,000 Natural Resources Conservation Service $5,651 ,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $8,616,425/3,968 acres Fee Acquired - $2,905,840/l,380 acres Easements Acquired - $2,650,000/l,582 acres Restored- $3,027,160/l,006 acres Indirect Costs - $33,425

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: WDFW, Total Acreage= 688 acres (Fee­ Title = Chehalis Floodplain); CLC, Total Acreage= 692 acres (Fee-title, Grays Harbor Estuary); NRCS, Total Acreage= 1,582 acres (perpetual conservation easements, Chehalis Floodplain)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This extensive, broad reaching land conservation strategy seeks to protect and restore approximately 2,962 acres of globally significant estuarine and floodplain wetland habitats located within the Chehalis River floodplain and estuary. The Chehalis River is the third largest watershed in Washington State behind only the Columbia and Skagit Rivers. Grays Harbor and the corresponding estuaries and shorelines provide internationally significant and important critical feeding habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Shorebird populations can exceed one million in Grays Harbor and it was designated a "Hemispheric Site" in 1996 by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The rivers and wetlands provide critical habitat for several salmon species including Coho, Chinook, and Chum. It is home to federally threatened bald eagles, marbled murrelets, brown pelicans, bull trout, and the endemic state species of concern Olympic mudminnow. The estuarine and freshwater wetlands in this region provide migration, wintering, and breeding habitat for millions of migratory birds, including vast numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds. This partnership seeks to protect and restore approximately 2,962 acres of wetlands and associated uplands spanning over 60 miles of floodplain and estuary wetland habitats. The partnership includes the land protection proficiency of the Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC) and the Wildlife Forever Fund (WFF), who will protect approximately 692 acres of critical estuarine wetland habitats through fee-title acquisition. The partnership includes 17 separate private landowners who will participate in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). Approximately 1,528 acres will be protected and restored in the form of perpetual conservation easements on these private lands. This represents a noteworthy partnership between state and federal agencies and the private sector working together to protect and restore crucial wetland habitats. Approximately 906 acres of wetland restoration activities will occur throughout the WRP easements. Over 19.7 miles of essential stream bank will be protected providing tremendous benefits for neo-tropical bird species and salmon runs. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will permanently protect an additional 688 acres along the Chehalis River through fee-title acquisition. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has committed funding to enhance the forage quality and quantity adjacent to the wetlands for important wintering elk habitat. Finally, Ducks Unlimited, me. has been a continual supporter and advocate for restoration and conservation activities that have taken place in the Chehalis Valley and will continue to provide technical expertise for restoration activities.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The project site is a focus area within the Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. It supports the habitat objectives within the Southern Washington Coast Focus Area to permanently secure, through fee title acquisition, easements, or other measures, an additional 3,900 acres of protected marine habitat, estuarine wetlands, freshwater wetlands, and uplands, which are important to maintaining the integrity and quality of their associated wetlands. m addition, it lies within the USFWS National Shorebird Conservation Plan area. The estuarine portion of the project consists of a variety of habitats including freshwater wetlands, tidelands, mudflats, eelgrass meadows, emergent salt marsh and Sitka spruce forested wetlands. Significant populations of waterfowl, such as mallard, wigeon, pintail, and green-winged teal; shorebirds, such as Western sandpiper, dunlin, and dowitchers; and neotropical migrants, such as Pacific Slope flycatcher use the diverse wetlands. The eelgrass meadows are extremely important for eelgrass­ dependant wildlife species such as brant and wigeon. The emergent wetland vegetation is an important component in food resources for waterfowl and fish. In addition, mudflats provide feeding areas for over one million shorebirds in the harbor, which is the largest use area on the North Pacific Coast. Project sites include extensive floodplains along the mainstem of the Chehalis River. Flooded off-stream habitats such as off-channel habitat, wall-based channels, wetlands, beaver ponds, oxbows, and other permanent or seasonally flooded areas are located throughout the valley. Many fields develop sheet water habitat throughout the winter and are heavily used by waterfowl, shorebirds, and the accompanying raptors, such as peregrine falcons, merlins, gyrfalcons, and ospreys. The valley winters between 5,000-20,000 ducks and geese. This farmland is linked to the wintering waterfowl of Grays Harbor estuary, with 50,000 ducks and geese utilizing the area for feeding. m addition, the wetlands and oxbows support an increasing nesting bald eagle population throughout the valley. Many neotropical and passerine birds will benefit from the conservation of wetlands and the riparian area that would be protected and restored by this project.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The public will benefit greatly by having these lands and their associated habitat types protected in perpetuity. WDFW will manage approximately 688 acres of the new acquisition as a State Wildlife Area. State Wildlife Areas provide opportunities for environmental education, hiking, birdwatching, biking, fishing, hunting, photography, and a variety of other activities. The Cascade Land Conservancy will maintain the fee title of the 962 acres of estuarine wetland habitats located on the north shore of Grays Harbor and these lands will be jointly managed with the Washington Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Natural Heritage Program. DNR manages adjacent lands to the Grays Harbor acquisition and has the ability to ensure that these lands will be managed for long-term productivity of fish and wildlife species.

NEW PARTNERS: The partnership is composed of land protection specialists, Cascade Land Conservancy & Wildlife Forever Fund, along with the restoration expertise of Ducks Unlimited, me, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. New partners to NA WCA include the 17 separate landowners throughout the Chehalis Valley that have chosen to protect and restore their lands through the Wetland Reserve Program. This proposal exemplifies the connection between private landowners and wetland conservation. Without the support of the local community, projects of this broad reaching and continuous nature would not be possible. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will provide $21,160 in match for habitat forage enhancement activities located throughout the Chehalis Valley. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY CHENIER PLAIN COASTAL WETLANDS CONSERVATION IV

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Jefferson and Orange Counties, Texas; Vermilion Parish, Louisiana; Congressional Districts 2 and 8, 7.

GRANT AMOUNT $637,771

MATCHING PARTNERS $1 ,588,224 Grantee: The Conservation Fund $7,224 BP Amoco $1,300,000 Wetland Mitigation Replacement of Southeast Texas $281,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $5,400 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department $5,400

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,23 l ,395/1,802 (71, 130) acres Fee Acquired - $600,800/600 acres Fee Donated - $1,581,000/562 (71,130) acres Restored - $32,05 l/640 acres Indirect Costs - $17,544

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: National Park Service, Big Thicket National Preserve 1,162 acres; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 640 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal positively impacts 1,802 acres of diverse coastal and freshwater marsh and forested cypress/tupelo wetland that benefit an array of birds and other wildlife in the Gulf Coast Joint Venture Chenier Plain Initiative Area of Texas. Successful delivery of this project will help ensure that this area continues to fulfill its historical role as one of the most important wintering and migration habitats in North America for continental populations of waterfowl, landbirds, shorebirds and waterbirds. This proposal brings together The Conservation Fund, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, BP-Amoco (through an approved matching contributions plan), the National Park Service and four private groups to permanently protect forested wetlands and freshwater marsh on four tracts located along the lower Neches River in Jefferson and Orange counties, and to restore intermediate coastal marsh and open water habitat on the JD Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Jefferson County. The project has three objectives: (l) to prevent the further loss and degradation of a diversity of critical wetland habitats within the Chenier Plain; (2) to prevent the further loss of wintering waterfowl habitat in the Texas Chenier Plain; and (3) to protect landbird migration routes threatened by development and habitat destruction. While the emphasis of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture has historically been waterfowl, their objectives acknowledge that the documented decline in other North American migratory birds merits the broadening and strengthening of joint venture partnerships for wetlands conservation. Due to the overlapping habitat preferences of many of these waterbirds, shorebirds, landbirds and waterfowl, it is apparent that protection of a diversity of habitats as described in this proposal will protect an even greater diversity of birds. Many of these species share habitat, and many move back and forth between habitats during different stages of their life cycle. This diversity is our proposal' s greatest strength. The proposal focuses on acquisition by The Conservation Fund and donation of 600 acres of forested wetland and freshwater marsh to the National Park Service's Big Thicket National Preserve, to be permanently protected for large numbers of migrating landbirds, woodland waterfowl and colonial waterbirds. A 562 acre match will also be donated to the Big Thicket. These tracts comprise the southernmost large expanse of forested wetlands on the Upper Coast, and are the fi rst sizeable forest that migrating birds see as they finish their migration journey across the Gulf of Mexico in the spring. Forested wetlands in southeast Texas are under severe strain from land fragmentation caused by urban and suburban expansion and short-term rotational timber harvest. Downstream at Lost Lake on the JD Murphree WMA, alligator damage to the levee surrounding 355 acres of intermediate coastal marsh and 285 acres of lacustrine wetlands will be repaired to ensure the long-term protection and maintenance of these wetlands as intermediate systems and prevent their conversion to the brackish, open-water habitat that would result from a breach in the levee. Lost Lake has become an "island" in a sea of brackish and salt marsh as a result of salt water intrusion from the Sabine­ Neches Waterway through Keith Lake Fish Pass. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff are providing a non-match grant for their donated time to repair damage to the levee surrounding the Lost Lake impoundment caused by frequent ingress and egress of alligators at fifteen points on the levee.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The project encompasses 812 acres of palustrine forested wetlands and 555 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands (200 acres of freshwater marsh and 355 acres of intermediate coastal marsh), all decreasing wetland types; and lacustrine habitat (285 acres), classified as a stable wetland type. While lacustrine wetlands may be stable nationally, they are increasingly uncommon on the Texas coastal marsh as a result of salt-water intrusion and provide essential habitat for waterfowl. Associated forested upland ( 150 acres) is also included. Of these lands, 1,162 acres will be permanently protected as forested wetland and freshwater marsh in a donation to the National Park Service, and 640 acres of coastal intermediate marsh and lacustrine habitat owned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be restored to maintain intermediate marsh salinities and water levels for wintering waterfowl and other birds. This proposal will provide breeding habitat for high­ priority mottled ducks and migration and wintering habitat for 5 high priority waterfowl species (Northern Pintail, Mottled Duck, Mallard, Lesser and Greater Scaup) and for 5 priority species (Wood Duck, Redhead, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon). Twenty-eight NA WCA priority species of wetland-associated migratory birds in the Gulf Coast Prairie Bird Conservation Region (BCR37) will be positively impacted, as will nineteen waterbird species of High and Moderate Concern, thirty species identified in the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan's regional list for BCR 37, forty-nine landbird species of continental importance, and three federally-listed and seven state-listed threatened or endangered species, including Louisiana Black Bear, Wood Stork, White-faced Ibis, Peregrine Falcon and Alligator Snapping Turtle. Coastal bottornland floodplain forests are not only important for many high priority breeding birds such as Wood Duck, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Swallow-tailed Kite, Red-headed Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler and Bald Eagle, but are absolute necessities for landbirds during migration. The significance of forested wetlands, especially in close proximity to the coast, for migrating landbirds cannot be overemphasized.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: Recognition of the value of stopover habitat for migrant birds, tourism and local economics are forging public/private partnerships to protect bald cypress ecosystems along the Neches River. Protection will minimize land fragmentation, improve water quality, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and protect large expanses of open space, wildlife habitat and forestland for local communities and tourists alike. This proposal has sparked the City of Beaumont's interest in the ecotourism potential that lies just outside their door: the protection of the ten mile stretch of the Neches River between the City and the Big Thicket National Preserve to the north. In combination with existing protected bottomland tracts, including the Beaumont Unit of the Big Thicket National Preserve (5,000 acres), the City's 1,200 acre Collier's ferry cypress wetland, and the Tony Houseman WMA on the Louisiana border, Texas has begun protecting large, nearby tracts to support strong populations of breeding, migrating and wintering birds. The National Park Service will allow public access on all donated tracts, providing additional much-needed publicly-accessible land in close proximity to the urban centers of Houston and Beaumont.

NEW PARTNERS: Wetland Mitigation Replacement of Southeast Texas is a new partner to NAWCA. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY JAMES RIVER LOWLANDS/MISSOURI COTEAU PROJECT - PHASE II

COUNTY(IES), ST ATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): The James River Lowlands/Missouri Coteau Project (JRLMCP) encompasses 8.8 million acres within 27 counties in the southern portion of the Missouri Coteau physiogeographic region of central South Dakota. Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Edmunds, Faulk, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hutchinson, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, McCook, McPherson, Miner, Potter, Sanborn, Spink, Sully, Walworth and Yankton Counties, South Dakota, First Congressional District.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,010,571 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $519,571 South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks Department $464,000 South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation $27,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $840,820 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service $75,820 U.S. Bureau of Reclamation $765,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,851,39 l/8,426 (315) acres Fee Acquired - $1,297,965/l,830 acres Fee Donated - $27,000/(160) acres Easements Acquired- $1,337,32116,276 acres Easements Donated - $70,900/320 ( 155) acres Other - $94,163 Indirect Costs - $24,042

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDDGFP) 870 acres; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 7,556 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project proposal is designed to accelerate the perpetual protection of wetland and grassland communities using a landscape level approach to planning. Perpetual habitat protection will be accomplished by using fee-title purchase and donation and conservation easement acquisition and donation on private land of some of the highest density wetland and waterfowl breeding areas in the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PPJV). Recent developments in trans-genetic crop technology and associated changes in agricultural economics and policy are rapidly transforming the James River Lowlands and Missouri Coteau of central South Dakota from an expansive prairie-wetland system used for livestock ranching to a landscape dominated by tillage agriculture. Over 160,000 acres of native prairie have been converted to cropland in the project area since 1987. This conversion action has accelerated and expanded westward into formerly secure prairie tracts and wetland complexes in the most recent two years. From 1984 to 2000 the rate of conversion of native grassland to cropland was 3 to 4 square miles (2,240 acres) per year in the southern portion of the Missouri Coteau. In 2000, this rate of conversion increased to 7 square miles (4,480 acres) annually and remained at that rate through 2003. In 2004 and 2005 the rate of conversion continued to increase. Once grassland is converted to cropland, the associated wetlands are subject to high degrees of drainage and sedimentation. This is particularly true in the James River Lowlands/Missouri Coteau Project (JRLMCP) area where over 90% of the wetlands have either temporary or seasonal water regimes. Habitat conservation objectives to meet the waterfowl production goals of the PPJV have been comprehensively developed for the JRLMCP area in South Dakota. Protecting the remaining wetland associated grasslands is a critical component towards achieving not only waterfowl population goals but also the goals of the landbird, waterbird and shorebird parts of the PPJV Plan. The habitat objectives for the JRLMCP area include protection of 703,000 acres of wetlands and protection of 2.4 million acres of native prairie. Most of the remaining grassland habitats in the JRLMCP are native prairie. These grassland habitats are critically important components of the prairie pothole ecosystem and are largely responsible for maintaining the functions and values of adjacent prairie wetlands. Water and wind erosion cause increased sediment loads in wetlands located adjacent to cropland agriculture. Pesticides and herbicides flow into wetlands from cultivated hillsides and degrade the aquatic plant and invertebrate communities, thus, impacting the entire wetland ecosystem. Perpetual wetland and grassland easements purchased and donated by this project and prairie pothole habitat acquired in fee-title will prove to be an effective approach to conserving 8,426 acres of wetland and wetland-associated prairie habitat. The JRLMCP landscape contains approximately 2.4 million acres of native grassland habitat of which less than 10% of the acres are currently protected. The PPJV objective is to maintain all native grasslands by acquiring perpetual grassland easements. This project proposal would secure by perpetual USFWS Grassland and Wetland Easements, 6,751 acres of native grassland habitat interspersed with numerous prairie pothole wetlands. The native grasslands of the Missouri Coteau are essential to the recovery of grassland birds. Over 1.2 million acres within the project boundary are designated as Bird Conservation Areas. The protection of the wetland/upland complexes that will be accomplished by this project will have significant benefits for grassland birds.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Wetland habitats in the JRLMCP area are diverse and primarily classified as palustrine emergent wetlands exhibiting temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent and permanent water regimes. Wetlands with short hydroperiods are continuously at risk of being drained, filled or degraded by agricultural practices. These wetland types are critically important migratory and breeding habitats for many waterfowl and wetland-dependent species. Protection of native prairie surrounding these critically important prairie wetland habitats provides essential nesting habitat for waterfowl and other species, but will also minimize the influx of sediments, herbicides and pesticides into these wetlands. Waterfowl, particularly northern pintails, will benefit greatly from this project but numerous species of shorebirds, wading birds, marsh birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife species, grassland songbirds and other grassland-dependent wildlife species will also benefit. Valuable breeding, migration and, for some resident species, wintering habitat will be protected by this project.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The perpetual Grassland and Wetland Easements will be secured on private land and will be open to public use at the discretion of each individual landowner. The wetland and associated upland habitats purchased by the SDDGF&P and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation/USFWS include public access for hunting, trapping, bird watching, photography, education and hiking. The primary public benefits will be habitat protection and meeting the needs of various wildlife species as well as providing some ranchers with the financial means to help them stay in the ranching business and preventing native prairie from being converted to cropland.

NEW PARTNERS: The South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation is a new partner in this grant proposal. The Foundation purchases, receives by gift properties and holds the resources until they are sold or gifted, most often to the SDDGFP. The Foundation obtained the SE Sorenson Tract located in Bon Homme County, SD in 2004 and recently sold the property to the SDDGF&P. The Foundation donated 25% of the property's value ($27,000) to SDDGF&P. Numerous new landowners who will sell perpetual conservation easements are also new partners. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY JAMESTOWN WILDLIFE AREA PHASE I

COUNTY, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Cloud County, Kansas, District 1.

GRANT AMOUNT $999,345

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,192,117 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $525,532 Kansas Department of Wild Iife and Parks $1,535,085 Pheasants Forever $20,000 The Nature Conservancy $100,000 Westar Energy $4,000 CloudCorp $2,000 Cloud County Board of Commissioners $2,000 City of Jamestown $1,000 Cloud County Tourism Committee $500 Republic County Board of Commissioners $500 Jewell County Board of Commissioners $500 Kansas Wildlife Federation $1,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $20,500 Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams $20,000 USFWS $500

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,2 l l,962/2,570 (200) acres Fee Acquired - $766,635/710 acres Restored - $456,300/ 1,310 (200) acres Enhanced- $1,704,910/550 acres Indirect Costs - $284,117

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: The entire 2,770 acres will be owned by the State of Kansas and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal is the first of three, and will acquire, restore, enhance and manage 2,770 acres in the Jamestown wetlands complex associated with the Jamestown Wildlife Area (JWA) in north-central Kansas. Historically, the JWA was composed of a series of marshes, salt flats and meandering riparian areas associated with headwaters of the lower Republican River. JWA is at the terminus of a 140 square-mile watershed that supports productive agriculture but yields significant amounts of runoff-borne sediment. The main feature traversing the watershed and JWA is Marsh Creek, a focal point of this proposal. Marsh Creek was dammed in 1928 and again further upstream in 1931, forming the two large wetlands present today. The southern most wetland, Gun Club Marsh, covers 550 acres, and the northern most wetland, Game Keeper Marsh, covers 765 acres. Numerous smaller marshes and oxbows await restoration along Marsh Creek. Marsh Creek joins Buffalo Creek 2 miles south of JWA, and then joins the lower Republican River 9 miles downstream. Today, Gun Club Marsh is perpetually wet, filled with sediments from the 140 square-mile agricultural watershed, and choked with dense cattails. Marsh Creek is consistently dry due to farm activities, minor yet effective ditching, and some scouring. Completion of this work will restore more natural hydrology and many of the historic values of the wetlands, contributing greatly to wetland availability and diversity in a region where limited habitat is heavily utilized by migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and other wildlife. The overall purposes of this long-term, three-phase project are to: 1) restore the wetland quality and function to Gun Club (550 acres) and Game Keeper Marshes (765 acres); 2) acquire additional wetlands along Marsh Creek and its tributaries south to Buffalo Creek; 3) restore wetlands and associated grasslands throughout these new acquisitions, and; 4) help restore minimum stream flows to the lower Republican River. Grant and partner funds in this proposal will permit the enhancement of the degraded 550-acre Gun Club Marsh by raising the existing dam and increasing water storage in the marsh, plus dividing the extensive area into two units with independent water management capabilities. Also, 900 acres of grasslands adjacent to Gun Club Marsh will be restored by prescribed burning and mechanical brush removal of cedars. A detention structure and spillway will be strategically installed on a recently acquired tract along Marsh Creek to restore 210 acres (including 100 non-add acres) of wetlands. Also on Tract B, 400 acres (including 100 non-add acres) of adjacent cropland will be reseeded and restored to native warm season grasses. Lastly, this proposal will allow new acquisition of 440 acres from willing sellers, to add to 270 acres purchased in the last two years by match partner KDWP, further extending the project south along Marsh Creek, and these wetlands and associated uplands will be a high priority for restoration in future proposals.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: JWA is located in the lower watershed basin of Marsh Creek. The low stream gradient in this area results in sedimentation with varying amounts of naturally occurring salts found in the sediments. The salty soil once drew herds of bison, and the natural wetlands were attractive to waterfowl, migrating shorebirds and other wildlife. The rich soils attracted settlers who brought agricultural production to the area, and in the 1920s water control and management began to impact the natural wetlands and stream flows. Today, the dam on Gun Club Marsh does not allow adequate water level management and the marsh remains perpetually wet, while erosion in the watershed has filled the marsh with silt, allowing cattails to become the dominant vegetation. Marsh Creek itself typically is too dry because of upstream farm activities, damming and some scouring. Completion of this proposal will restore more natural hydrology and many of the historic values of these wetlands and associated uplands, contributing greatly to wetland availability and diversity in a region where limited habitat is heavily utilized by migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds and other wildlife. This proposal includes acquisition of 610 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands, 50 acres of palustrine forested wetlands and 50 acres of associated grassy uplands along Marsh Creek. Grant and partner funds will also provide for the restoration of 210 acres (including l 00 non-add acres) of palustrine emergent marsh and restoration of 400 acres (including 100 non-add acres) of grassy uplands in Marsh Creek. The project also includes enhancement of 550 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands in Gun Club Marsh and enhancement of 900 acres of adjacent degraded uplands adjacent to the 550-acre marsh. This proposal will benefit 4 high priority waterfowl species, 5 other priority waterfowl species and 21 NA WCA priority species of other wetland-associated birds in BCR 19, and another 63 birds species that breed, winter or migrate through the BCR 19. Permanent protection of 50 acres of riparian habitat will provide significant stopover benefits to neotropical migrants. Restoration and enhancement of 1,300 acres of grassy uplands will benefit 5 priority land birds. Five federally listed species use the area, including the whooping crane, which was recorded on the area in 1992 for the first time in 100 years.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: Improved wetland values along Marsh and Buffalo Creek and expanded acreage in JWA will offer more public recreational benefits, such as hunting and wildlife watching, tourism and more opportunities for education and research. This project will reduce soil erosion improve minimum stream flows in the lower Republican River. Aquatic plants in restored marshes will filter pollutants and trap sediments carried in run-off, helping to reduce non-point source pollution. Restored marshes will increase water storage, decrease flooding during heavy rains, and enhance groundwater recharge.

NEW PARTNERS: Six match partners (CloudCorp, Cloud, Republic and Jewell County Boards of Commissioners, City of Jamestown and Cloud County Tourism Committee) and one non-match partner (Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams) are new to the Act's grants program. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY LAFITTE TERRACING PROJECT

COUNTY, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Jefferson Parish (l,3), Lafourche Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana and Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana (3) and Orleans Parish, Louisiana (l,2).

GRANT AMOUNT $439,182

MATCHING PARTNERS $889,043 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited $48,243 Louisiana Department of Natural Resources $712,000 Camp Club, Inc. $84,000 Madison Land Company $44,800

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $4,272 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service $4,272

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $1,332,497/702 (4,736) acres Restored - $1 ,270,287/702 (4,736) acres Indirect Costs - $62,210

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: The project area includes 689 acres owned by multiple private landowners and managed by Camp Club, Inc. (CCI). 13 acres include several privately owned/managed tracts in Jefferson, Lafourche, and St. Bernard Parishes and one tract on Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge owned and managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Orleans Parish. The Point-Aux-Chenes Hydrologic Restoration will restore 4,736 acres of coastal marsh on Point­ Aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area (PACWMA) owned and managed by the State of Louisiana, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal positively impacts a total of 5,438 acres of intermediate to brackish coastal marsh benefiting a diverse array of migratory birds and other wildlife in the Gulf Coast Joint Venture's Mississippi River Coastal Wetlands Initiative Area (MRCWIA) in southeast Louisiana. Approximately 75% of marsh vegetation in the proposal area has died, resulting in areas of turbid, open water of little value to migratory birds and other wildlife. Altered hydrology (i.e. canals and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway) introduced salt water and tidal energy far inland of where they naturally occurred resulting in death and loss of marsh vegetation. According to the GCJV MRCWIA Plan, restoration of wetland habitats is key strategy for achieving its conservation goals. Partners will restore important migratory bird habitat through: ( 1) construction of earthen terraces on 689 acres of degraded estuarine intertidal vegetated wetlands in Jefferson Parish (Tract LT-580 acres, Tract CCT- 109 acres); (2) installation of four water control structures and construction of one levee on 4,736 non-add acres (Tract PAC) of estuarine intertidal vegetated wetlands in PACWMA in Terrebonne Parish; and (3) installation of brush fences on 13 acres of estuarine intertidal vegetated wetlands on five tracts in Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Bernard and Orleans Parishes (Tract PCWRP). Grant funds will pay for non-contract personnel and contract costs associated with construction of 32,000 linear feet of earthen terraces, and plants to stabilize the terraces on 580 acres in Jefferson Parish adjacent to Barataria Bay Waterway just south of Lafitte, Louisiana. Match funds from Ducks Unlimited and non-match funds from USDA NRCS will be used to design the terraces, conduct soil borings, and to administer contracts for construction and planting. Madison Land Company will provide labor for planting the terraces on Tract LT as match. This work complements the two Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) Projects - Barataria Bay Waterway West Side Shoreline Protection (BA-23) and Barataria Bay Waterway East Side Shoreline Protection (BA26). CWPPRA projects made work proposed herein plausible by stabilizing breaches in the banks of the Dupre Cut portion of the Barataria Bay Waterway. Matching funds from CCI were used to construct and then plant smooth cordgrass on 7,000 linear feet of earthen terraces in Jefferson Parish to restore 109 acres. The terraces complement the shoreline stabilization provided by the CWPPRA projects by creating suitable conditions to re-establish submerged aquatic and emergent vegetation. The terraces and submerged aquatic vegetation reduce erosion and turbidity resulting from wind-driven wave action. New match from the LDNR is being used to restore hydrology to 4,736 acres of degraded coastal marsh in PACWMA. The acres are non-add because they were included in a previous NAWCA project, the Point-Aux-Chenes Hydrologic Restoration, but the matching funds were provided after that grant was approved and therefore are eligible for this project. Old match partner funds also from LDNR are being used to restore 13 acres of coastal marsh by installing 51 brush-fences using recycled Christmas trees. Brush fences are similar in function to marsh terraces and vegetative plantings, which create wave-breaks and reduce wave energy.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Proposed restoration herein includes 702 (4,736) acres of decreasing estuarine intertidal vegetated wetlands in Jefferson, Orleans, Terrebonne, St. Bernard and Lafourche Parishes in southeast Louisiana. The proposal area contains migration and wintering habitat for 5 high priority waterfowl and 4 other priority waterfowl species. Collectively, all work completed under this proposal will contribute directly to the goals and objectives of the MRCWIA Plan by restoring emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation on the project sites to provide an estimated 2.92 million DUDs not presently available, or sufficient habitat to provide 100 days worth of forage for an estimated 29,200 ducks. Also, 26 NAWCA priority species of wetland-dependent or wetland-associated birds in the Gulf Coast Prairie (BCR 37), and at least 40 species of other wetland birds that breed, winter or migrate through the Gulf Coast will be positively affected. Furbearers, alligators and other species also use these habitats. Marshes provide extensive nursery habitat for estuarine-dependent species such as shrimp, blue crabs, Gulf menhaden, Atlantic croaker, striped mullet, spotted sea trout, red drum, black drum, and southern flounder. At least 4 federally and state listed species will benefit, and this project contributes to sustainability of this ecosystem by restoring intermediate and brackish wetlands,

PUBLIC BENEFITS: This project addresses the need for shallow marsh restoration identified in the GCJV MRCWI Plan and will increase foraging opportunities for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and other water birds that regularly use public and private land throughout southeast Louisiana. This project restores important estuarine nursery habitat for a significant number of recreationally/commercially important fisheries. The work on PACWMA, which is open to the public for hunting, fishing, birding and other wildlife observation, will restore hydrology to 4,736 acres of coastal marsh on public lands that provide key migratory bird habitat. Work on all tracts benefits humans and wildlife by restoring wetland functions and values and keep the vast Louisiana coastal marsh sustainable.

NEW PARTNERS: This project brings together established partnerships (e.g. LDNR, USDA NRCS and DU) and two new partners - CCI and Madison Land Company that are essential to meeting the challenge of conserving and restoring these coastal wetlands for migratory birds, other wetland wildlife and fisheries, and people. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY LOWER CHIPPEWA RIVER WETLAND PROTECTION PARTNERSHIP II

Counties and Congressional Districts: Pierce, Pepin, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Wisconsin; Congressional District 3 and 7.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $3,110,010 Grantee: West Wisconsin Land Trust $1,132,200 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources $991,300 Pheasants Forever $114,000 Trout Unlimited $129,600 Chippewa County $10 l ,300 Private Landowners $64 l,6 IO

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,l l0,010/2,811 acres Fee Acquired- $3,128,800/2,166 acres Easements Acquired - $25,000/130 acres Easements Donated - $641,610/340 acre Restored - $229,600/175 acres Other - $80,000 Indirect Costs - $5,000

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) l,263 acres; West Wisconsin Land Trust (WWLT) 250 acres; Pheasants Forever (PF) 132acres; Chippewa County (CC) 521 acres, Judy Bechard 100 acres, and Sally Lewis 240 acres

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal is Phase II of the Lower Chippewa River Wetland Protection Partnership NA WCA grant, which was initially approved in March 2003. This ecological landscape is characterized by highly eroded, unglaciated topography. Steep-sided valleys are heavily forested and often managed for hardwood production. Agricultural activities, primarily dairy and beef farming, are typically confined to valley floors and ridge tops. Large, meandering rivers with broad floodplains are also characteristic of this landscape. They include the Mississippi, Chippewa, Black, Buffalo and Rush. The floodplain forests associated with these riverine systems are among the largest in the Upper Midwest. The project area also contains the largest and best-developed floodplain savanna known anywhere. Spring fed, coldwater streams that support robust brown and brook trout fisheries are common throughout the area. Even though much of this habitat has been altered or lost due to agricultural and forestry activities, development associated with suburban sprawl is just beginning to accelerate. Benefits produced from this initiative will increase recruitment of ground nesting migratory birds, provide nesting habitat for wetland-associated bird species, provide foraging and migratory resting habitat for shorebirds, waterfowl, and other waterbird species, and protect rare and endangered plant and animal species. The project goal is to protect and restore l ,809 acres of wetlands and 1,002 acres of associated uplands. This partnership encompasses three focus areas under the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and lies within the Upper Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes Region defined by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, the Upper Great Lakes Plain (Physiographic Area 16) identified by Partners in Flight, and the Upper Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes Region of the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. Habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement completed under this proposal will help meet habitat and population goals identified in these plans. This proposal also incorporates wetland and grassland landscapes identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) as critical habitat for grassland birds, which includes Partners in Flight Watch List Species and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Region 3 Species of Management Concern. Contributing partners will use NA WCA grant funds, matching funds via fee title acquisition, fee title donation, easement donation and easement acquisition to acquire 2,636 acres of wetlands and associated uplands, and to complete habitat restoration and enhancement on already acquired properties where these activities are needed. An additional 175 acres of wetlands will be enhanced and restored through this proposal.

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Much of the focus will be on riverine wetlands associated with the Lower Chippewa River. These wetlands consist of floodplain forests, farmed wetlands, floodplain oak savanna, floodplain grasslands, oxbow wetlands, sedge meadows, shallow marshes, deep marshes, scour type wetlands, and rivers. An emphasis will be placed on acquiring palustrine emergent wetlands, palustrine forested wetlands, riparian wetlands, farmed wetlands, and adjacent uplands, with restoration of riparian wetlands for flood control, to restore native communities and to provide wildlife habitat. Restoration and protection of these lands will directly benefit wetland, grassland, riverine, and floodplain forest inhabitants including waterfowl, neotropical migrants, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Twenty-four species of waterfowl can be found within the project area and 9 species breed in the area. Common breeding waterfowl species include Canada goose, mallard, wood duck, blue-winged teal, and hooded merganser. Migrants include tundra swan, green­ winged teal, northern shoveler, gadwall, canvasback, and ruddy duck. The project area supports numerous breeding neotropical migrants including 13 priority bird species such as American bittern, American woodcock, sedge wren, golden-winged warbler, Henslow's sparrow, and Le Conte's sparrow. Other priority species for protection found within the project area include greater yellowlegs, Hudsonian godwit, short-billed dowitcher, common tern, short-eared owl, Acadian flycatcher, and cerulean warbler. In addition, an estimated 30 pairs of bald eagles nest within the project area while hundreds winter at the mouth of the Chippewa River. Four federally listed or candidate species, 36 state endangered/threatened species, and 34 species of special concern species are found within the project boundary. This list of rare wetland dependent species includes 25 birds, 4 reptiles and amphibians, 19 fish, 13 mussels and 9 dragonflies, damselflies or mayflies. Many of the rare species are associated with "big rivers" and are dependent on water quality. The partnership will also improve surface and ground water quality; reduce flooding; develop economically important recreation areas; and enhance aesthetics of the region.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The public will benefit greatly from this proposal. Through this proposal, the partners will acquire critical habitat during the initial stages of suburban sprawl. By accomplishing our goals in this proposal, the public will realize all of the benefits that healthy wetland ecosystems provide. Through this project we will also protect, restore, and enhance wetland and grassland habitat for migratory birds. The public will gain additional hunting, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities and an overall better quality of living.

NEW PARTNERS: A diverse group of organizations have come together as partners in this proposal. Pheasants Forever and Trout Unlimited have joined this proposal as significant new partners. Private landowners, Judy Bechard and Sally Lewis, will enhance our participation from landowner partners. Chippewa County joins as a new significant partner from the local government sector. Partners have collaborated on many conservation projects in the past and are committed to protecting and restoring wetland and grassland habitat within the proposal area. The large number of dollars partners have committed for new match for this proposal demonstrates this commitment. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER ECOREGION, PHASE IV

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Cowlitz, Clark Counties, Washington, District #3; Clatsop and Columbia Counties, Oregon, District #1.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,518,500 Grantee: Columbia Land Trust $169,000 SaltChuck Resources, Inc. $100,000 Ducks Unlimited $10,000 Lower Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group $240,000 Clark County $1,512,000 City of Vancouver $450,000 Port of Longview $37,500

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $991,533 US Fish and Wildlife Service $656,533 Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership/BPA $335,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,510,033/ 1,279 acres Fee Acquired - $4,007,533/914 acres Fee Donated - $37,500/75 acres Leases Donated - $100,000/109 acres Restored - $240,000/31 acres Enhanced - $125,000/150 acres

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Columbia Land Trust will be fee title owners of Cathlamet Bay Island (253 acres), Willow Grove (380 acres), Nelson Creek (180 acres). The City of Vancouver will be fee title owners to Mimsi Marsh (8 acres). Salt Chuck Resources, Inc is fee title owner of Walker Island ( 109 acres) and Columbia Land Trust holds the 50-year conservation lease on the island. Clark County will own fee title to Lacamas Creek conservation properties (120 acres) and the Whipple Creek property (40 acres). The City of Camas will hold fee title to one of the Lower Washougal River properties (8 acres). The Hogan Ranch/Scappoose Bay enhancement property is privately owned (150 acres).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Pacific Northwest is one of the most ecologically diverse areas as well as one of the fastest growing regions economically in the United States. However this progress did not come without a cost. The basic needs for energy, transportation systems, and food production left the area with altered hydrology, fragmented riparian areas, alien plant species, blocked fish passages, and heavy nutrient and sediment loads in the rivers and streams. Cumulative effects of all these actions are manifested in the coastal estuaries. In fact, nowhere have impacts on estuaries been so catastrophic affecting fisheries, wildlife, and water quality. Protection and restoration of our estuaries have become the most important modem ecological and conservation issues of the next decade. This project represents the fourth phase of wetland restoration, enhancement and protection in the Lower Columbia River Ecoregion, and the sixth in the Lower Columbia River area. Two globally significant resources are abundant in this region, and depend on healthy wetland complexes for all or part of their life history: waterfowl and salmon. The Pacific Coast Joint Venture has identified the lower Columbia River as a focus for habitat acquisition, protection and restoration activities. This estuary provides some of the most important habitat on the entire west coast for waterfowl, other migratory birds and anadromous fish, including thirteen threatened and endangered stocks of salmon. This project will protect, restore and enhance 1,278 acres of wetlands, riparian areas and adjacent upland habitats. Over 87% of the acres in this proposal are wetland acres consisting of the following declining wetland types: palustrine emergent, palustrine forested and estuarine intertidal emergent/scrub-shrub. This project is a cooperative effort between Columbia Land Trust and 8 other partners. The project represents a strong cooperative effort between federal and local agencies, private non-profit organizations, and landowners. This proposal contains nine distinct project elements, a diverse array of habitats, and an emphasis on bringing some of the most important habitat areas identified within the region into conservation. A majority of this project phase involves protection of important wetlands by local agencies and Columbia Land Trust. One of the projects involves a land donation as part of an innovative SO-year conservation lease. All of the acquisition projects are threatened with development, and many will provide future restoration and enhancement opportunities on a significant scale. One project element involves restoration and enhancement activities on a property that is located within an ecologically significant area of the lower Columbia River estuary with strong connections to other protected areas. The fish and wildlife benefits from this project are great: Several of the projects have been identified by regional planning agencies as the most important conservation work to be accomplished within the entire lower Columbia River, and all projects are focused on providing significant benefits to several endangered species as well as hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITIING: Eight of the project tracts will permanently protect l, 128 acres of high quality and regionally important wetland habitat. Additionally, one of the project tracts will enhance intertidal, palustrine forested and palustrine emergent wetlands, totaling 150 acres. These habitats will benefit waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds, a variety of birds of prey, neotropical migrants, mammals, juvenile and migrating salmon, reptiles and amphibians. Many of the species benefiting from this proposal are federally listed species or are focal species in various federal and state wildlife management plans. The vast majority of the wetland habitats and acreage (924 acres) included in this proposal are decreasing nationally, and in particular are types that have been significantly altered in the lower Columbia River. Intertidal wetlands have been reduced region wide through diking, draining and development. This proposal will protect and restore high priority wetlands to benefit the health of the entire lower Columbia River.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The project will provide diverse public benefits. Project acquisitions include over 206 acres for local jurisdictions to provide recreational opportunities to the general public (hiking, bird watching, etc). The Mimsi Marsh property is directly adjacent to the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center and Columbia Grove, an environmental education resource and chum salmon conservation site. Whipple Creek and Lacamas Watershed properties are project elements that integrate into existing public park systems as part of a county-wide parks and recreation plan. The Washougal River site is located within one of the most popular fishing areas along the Columbia River with future restoration efforts planned to increase habitat value and public use opportunity. Columbia Land Trust will acquire 813 acres of habitat within critical reaches of the Columbia River to benefit a variety of fish and wildlife species. Columbia Land Trust manages these conservation sites with traditional public uses (hunting, fishing and other more passive uses) in mind. The Willow Grove site has been accepted into the Washington State Audubon statewide birding trail guide due to its diversity of habitats and accessibility for bird watching. The Land Trust will work with Audubon to enhance public opportunities on this site. Finally, restoration and enhancement of the Scappoose Bay/Hogan Ranch will benefit waterfowl populations within one of the most popular hunting areas within the state of Oregon.

NEW PARTNERS: New partners on this project include the City of Camas, the Lower Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, and the Port of Longview. Two of these are 10% partners. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY LOWER MINNESOTA VALLEY WETLAND CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Martin, McLeod, Mower, Nicollet, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Waseca and Watonwan counties all in Minnesota. Minnesota Congressional Districts 1, 2 and 7 are represented by Gil Gutknecht, John Kline and Collin Peterson respectively.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,000,113 Grantee: Pheasants Forever, Inc. $538,000 Conservation Partners of America $6,800 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $103,519 Janesville Sportsmen's Club $30,000 Minnesota Deer Hunters Association $10,000 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources $1,043,871 Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust $112,923 Walter Quade Estate $155,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $155,534 US Fish and Wildlife Service $155,534

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,155,647/2,468 (415) acres Fee Acquired - $2,293,708/782 acres Fee Donated - $155,000/52 acres Restored - $296,617/584 (210) acres Enhanced - $322,052/l,050 (205) acres Acquisition Costs - $10,000 Other - $36,000 Indirect Costs - $42,270

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Lands acquired in fee title by project partners and/ or grant funds will be owned and managed by the state through the DNR Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system or by the federal government through FWS. Lands acquired by FWS (non-eligible federal match) and MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust (non-federal match) will be managed by the federal government through FWS, mostly as Waterfowl Production Areas.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Lower Minnesota Valley Wetland Conservation Initiative is the first proposal in a 10-year initiative to accelerate the preservation, restoration and enhancement of the two most endangered natural communities in Minnesota and elsewhere throughout the Prairie Pothole Region - prairies and prairie wetlands. The project area and project components are key to successful implementation of the NA WMP and PPJ Implementation Plan in Minnesota and the central part of the project area has been identified by FWS, NRCS, DNR and a broad partnership of conservation organizations including PF and DU as a critical wildlife corridor in Minnesota due to its high value to numerous plant and animal species including waterfowl and the need to act quickly to protect remaining native communities and restore those that have previously been converted. More than 95% of prairie­ wetland type communities have been lost in the project area. This project will continue to build on past NAWCA projects that partially overlapped with this proposal (including 3 - Prairie Wetland Conservation Initiatives, the Centennial Pothole Venture) and other conservation work in the area (MN Environmental Trust Fund - Habitat Corridors Partnership) in an attempt to stem and reverse this trend by acquiring existing prairie wetlands and adjacent prairie, by restoring drained wetlands and by buffering wetlands and remnant prairie from further disturbance. The proposal will allow these partners to accelerate conservation efforts by acquiring 833 acres in fee title. Priority lands will be those that contain drained palustrine wetlands for restoration, existing palustrine emergent wetlands, prairie remnants, and other key adjacent uplands for prairie restoration. Further, the proposal will provide for restoration and enhancement of 854 (50) acres of palustrine emergent wetlands, 100 acres of lacustrine wetlands and 680 (415) acres of upland prairie. Fee-title acquisition will follow statutory procedures that are consistent with federal requirements. Wetlands will be restored by constructing low, earthen dams (some with water control structures) or removing drainage tiles pursuant to NRCS specifications. Prairies will be restored and enhanced by seeding existing croplands with locally-harvested native prairie seed.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Two key habitat types will be emphasized in this proposal, palustrine emergent wetlands (decreasing) and their associated prairie uplands. Both habitat types have been highly degraded and diminished since European settlement. Both are crucial habitats for a suite of unique, and in many cases, rare plant and animal species. Additionally, a wide array of wetland and grassland dependent species would benefit.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: Lands acquired in fee-title and held by DNR or FWS (including those purchased in cooperation with PF, DU, JSC, MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, MN Deer Hunters Association and the Walter A. Quade Estate) will be open to public uses that are compatible with long­ term wetland conservation. Key tracts of prairies and wetlands are under intense pressure for agricultural development and mining for gravel; without protection, many of these habitats will be permanently lost. Substantial economic value is generated on these lands by hunting and wildlife observation. Surface and ground water quality in this part of the state is threatened, and this proposal will enhance water quality improvements.

NEW PARTNERS: The Janesville Sportsmen' s Club, Conservation Partners of America and the MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge, local conservation groups, and the Walter Quade Estate, contributed to this NA WCA partnership. There participation is welcomed and appreciated. Funding of this NA WCA proposal will enhance the existing partners abilities to forge new partnerships with other local interests and encourage conservation from private individuals. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY LOWER OBION RIVER, PHASE III

COUNTY(IES), ST ATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Dyer, Lake Counties, Tennessee, Congressional District TN-8.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $3,387,063 Grantee: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency $3,354,563 Ducks Unlimited $30,000 Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation $2,500

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $19,800 Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency $19,800

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,406,863/l,900 (482) acres Fee Acquired - $4,061,392/l,325 acres Restored - $289,722/500 (482) acres Enhanced - $40,000/75 acres Indirect Costs - $15,749

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), 1,900 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Lower Obion River Project is a 50,000-acre project in Dyer and Lake Counties in western Tennessee. The project area has been identified by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) as a major focus area for the development of wintering waterfowl habitat, an important shorebird migration stopover area, and potential habitat for forest landbirds. Currently, about 14,050 acres of the Lower Obion River Project area have been acquired, with an additional 625 acres in the planning process for acquisition. As additional acreage of the project area is acquired and restored to bottomland hardwood forest, it will become more valuable as an important habitat anchor for neotropical migrant forest birds. The Lower Obion River project area is located within the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which has been identified as a national priority wetland area for the conservation of wetland-dependent and wetland-associated migratory bird species, by the 4 continental plans: North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan, the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. This grant proposal has was developed within the context of delivering landscape level, biologically driven, habitat objectives for migratory birds as articulated in this national plans, and further stepped down in the West Tennessee Wildlife Resources Conservation Plan, articulating a vision for migratory bird conservation to be delivered through practical, ground level proposals. The goal of this proposal is to provide an integrated approach to migratory bird conservation in the Lower Mississippi Valley of Tennessee.

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: This proposal provides for the fee acquisition of 1,325 acres of prior converted wetlands within the Lower Mississippi Valley of Tennessee. Match and grant funds will be utilized to accomplish these acquisitions. Restoration activities will occur on 400 (482) acres, including the development of (100) acres of seasonally flooded wetlands and re-forestation of 400 (382) acres of bottomland hardwood forests. The wetlands restoration and re-forestation delineated in this project is expected to significantly improve the waterfowl habitat benefits in the Lower Obion River project area, providing an estimated 1.7 million duck use days in the following breakdown: l) Restoration of (100) acres of seasonally flooded wetlands - 926,000 duck use days, and; 2) Re-forestation of 782 acres - 76,300 annual duck use days of foraging habitat, assuming 50% red oak composition. Enhancement activities will occur on 75 acres of seasonally flooded wetlands, providing additional benefits for waterfowl and other wetland-associated birds, including an additional 700,600 duck use days.

This project is expected to positively impact at least 19 waterfowl species (5 high priority, 5 other priority, 9 other species). The creation of 69 acres of moist soil units and provision of managed moist soil/mudflat habitat in the project area will also provide benefits to shorebird species that migrate through the Lower Mississippi River Valley, including 5 of the MAV priority shorebird species. Shorebird use of the project area has been reported for at least 23 species of shorebirds, in surveys conducted since 1994. This project will provide tangible benefits to one priority species of wading bird listed for the MAV BCR. The little blue heron has been reported in the project area consistently, in good numbers, since 1994. The habitat conservation activities included in this project will benefit at least 7 Watch List species and l Stewardship species identified in the Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan. Further, the long-range habitat objectives for the Lower Obion River project area will provide significant benefits for 8 species of priority forest birds for the Mississippi Alluvial Valley Bird Conservation Region, including 6 neotropical migrants, one permanent resident, and one winter resident. Forest habitat objectives in the project area include 35,000 acres in bottomland hardwood forests, to be achieved through a combination of acquisition of forested tracts, and re-forestation of other strategic acquisitions. In this proposal, the re-forestation of 400 (382) acres of bottomland hardwood forests will provide tangible benefits to the following priority forest interior species: Red-headed Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Northern Paruta, Prothonotary Warbler, and Orchard Oriole. Additionally, these activities will further the progress toward achieving the long-range habitat objectives beneficial to area sensitive forest interior species, including the Cerulean Warbler and Swainson's Warbler. In this proposal, a total of 1,325 acres of wetlands and wetland-associated uplands will be acquired, including 104 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands, and 624 acres of palustrine forested wetlands (242 acres of existing palustrine forest wetland, and 382 acres which will be accomplished through re-forestation activities with desirable bottomland hardwoods species). An additional 400 acres of palustrine forested wetlands will be restored through re-forestation activities, and 75 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands enhanced. This project will provide direct and indirect benefits for two federally listed endangered species (Interior least tern, rough pigtoe), and one federally listed threatened species (bald eagle), two state listed threatened species (blue sucker and lake-bank sedge), and eight species state-listed as deemed in need of management.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The Lower Obion River Project Area is an important area for public, wildlife­ related recreation, including hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. The Mississippi River Natural and Recreational Corridor has identified several sites of the project area as prime wildlife viewing sites. Future plans for the recreational corridor and wildlife viewing trail call for the enhancement of the trail through the development of educational material and wildlife viewing platforms, to help educate the public on the importance of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley to migratory birds and other wildlife and fish. We are not proposing any changes to the current public uses of the project are at this time. However, we are pursuing opportunities to expand the public land base in the project area, and to enhance the wildlife viewing capabilities of the area through a partnership with local and regional entities. These activities will in general be positive for the bird conservation activities in the area through greater exposure of the importance of the area to migratory birds.

NEW PARTNERS: There are no new partners to NAWCA grant programs in this proposal. However, the partners in this proposal include one state agency and 2 non-governmental conservation organizations, all of which have been long-standing partners in migratory bird conservation through the NA WCA program. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY LOWER RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER, PHASE III

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Essex, Westmoreland and Richmond Counties, Virginia, District l.

GRANT AMOUNT $700,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,450,000 Grantee: The Nature Conservancy Troy Creek Associates, LLC $2,000,000 The Conservation Fund $450,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $2,058,200 Virginia Outdoors Foundation $500,000 The Department of Conservation and Recreation $258,000 The United States Department of Agriculture $433,000 The US Fish and Wildlife Service $867,200

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $5,208,200/3,497 acres Fee Acquired - $867 ,200/829 acres Fee Donated - $450,000/451 acres Easements Acquired - $1,833,000/l,803 acres Easements Donated - $2,000,000/414 acres Other Acquisition Costs - $58,000

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) will co-hold the 1,803 acre conservation easement on the Baylor tract and will jointly be responsible for monitoring the easement on an annual basis. The Virginia Outdoors Foundation holds a conservation easement on one of the match tracts, Troy Creek Associates, LLC. The Nature Conservancy and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation co-hold an easement on an 800 acre property downstream of the Baylor property.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project will protect the 1,803 acre Baylor tract which contains valuable wetland and migratory bird habitat in Essex County, Virginia. Matching tracts protect significant wetland and mature hardwood forest habitats throughout the Rappahannock River basin. The Baylor conservation easement will represent the single largest land protection project completed on the Rappahannock River. The Baylor tract contains 533 acres of wetland habitats (as classified by the National Wetlands Inventory) which is one of the best examples of a tidal freshwater marsh system on the Rappahannock and possibly in the Chesapeake Bay. The Baylor tract is located within the Rappahannock River Focus Area of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's Atlantic Coast Joint Venture, and its protection furthers the habitat conservation goals of that plan, along with those of several other formal conservation plans, including the Partners in Flight Conservation Plan for the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Physiographic Region, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (BCR 27 and 30), the North American Wetland Conservation Concept Plan ( 1990) and the Environmental Assessment of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (1995). This project will complement land conservation efforts successfully completed by the Rappahannock Working Group, a consortium of conservation organizations focused on protecting essential wildlife habitat for the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge while at the same time meeting the goals of each individual organization. The Rappahannock Working Group is comprised of The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, The Virginia Outdoors Foundation, The Trust for Public Land, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. To date the Rappahannock Working Group has successfully transferred 7,379 acres (6,346 in fee/l,033 in easements) to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This project will directly meet the habitat preservation and protection goals of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and will complement the work completed by the Refuge system to date. The landscape is threatened by increasing development pressures from the Fredericksburg, Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. The Baylor property is located directly in between the rapidly developing Fredericksburg-Richmond-Hampton Roads triangle. Second home development in Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland and King George counties has been steadily increasing over the last ten years. Two large residential subdivisions are approved on over 2,500 acres of waterfront property with the acquisition boundary for the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The Lower Rappahannock, Phase III project will protect a number of highly significant wetland and forested habitats utilized by a range of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, Neotropical migratory bird species and wide-ranging mammals and amphibians. In total, the project secures the conservation of more than 2,660 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat, including: - Protection of more than 600 acres of wetlands, including 528 acres of declining wetland types. - Protection of 655 acres of riparian forests of importance to migratory songbirds and raptors. - Protection of 6.625 miles of riparian habitat on the Rappahannock River, including 3.46 miles of frontage on tributaries to the mainstem Rappahannock. - Protection of habitat for two threatened and endangered species (bald eagle, sensitive joint-vetch). - Protection of critically important habitat for numerous species of resident and migratory birds, including, at minimum 14 priority birds of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (BCR 27 and 30), at least 6 NA WCA priority waterfowl species, and 31 Partners in Flight priority or Watch List species. - Protection of spawning, nursery, and/or feeding habitat for at least 53 species of fish, including four anadromous species (American shad, hickory shad, alewife and blueback herring) and the catadromous American eel. - Protection of essential habitat for the bald eagle, of which 69 individuals were observed in the vicinity (within 5 miles) of the Baylor tract.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The project will provide benefits to the public through the preservation of significant wetland, agricultural and forest resources found on the Baylor tract. This project will protect water quality and will provide essential habitat for native aquatic species and waterfowl. The public will also benefit from recreational uses available nearby, including hunting and fishing which is supported by the tidal creeks, guts and forested areas found on the property. The purchase of a conservation easement on the Baylor tract will also help preserve more than 900 acres of agricultural land essential to the economic productivity of farming in the region and to preserving the visual and cultural context of the landscape. The subject property will not be open to the public after the purchase of the conservation easement, as the property will remain in private ownership.

NEW PARTNERS: New partners include Troy Creek Associates, LLC and Virginia Outdoors Foundation through the Virginia Open Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY MADISON/GALLATIN WETLANDS CONSERVATION PROJECT - PHASE I

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Madison County and Gallatin County, Montana, District 1.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $7,573,430 Grantee: The Trust for Public Land $226,039 Gallatin County Open Space Program $389,695 Granger Ranches, LLC $800,000 Oyler Ranch, LLC / Oyler Land Company $920,625 Cowan & Skinner Ranch $745,000 Mike & Norma Jean Anderson $1,712,500 F Double D, LLC (King) $701,148 Gary Rieschel $1,938,000 Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust $59,266 PPL Montana $70,000 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks $11 , 157

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $6,894,375 The Trust for Public Land $323,961 Gallatin County Open Space Program $1,910,305 Oyler Ranch, LLC / Oyler Land Company $806,875 Cowan & Skinner Ranch $915,000 Mike & Norma Jean Anderson $1,037,500 Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust $130,734 Natural Resources Conservation Service (Farm & Ranch Lands Protection Program) $1,760,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service $10,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $15,467,805/5,867 (88) acres Easements Acquired - $12,737,500/5,248 acres Easements Donated - $2,639,148/619 acres Restored- $91,157/(88 acres)

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) holds and monitors the F Double D (King) conservation easement (267 acres) and will hold and monitor the Granger Ranches conservation easement (1,896 acres) and the Anderson conservation easement (1 ,809 acres) once they are purchased and conveyed to MLR by The Trust for Public Land (TPL). The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) holds and monitors the Rieschel conservation easement (352 acres) and the Skinner conservation easement (956 acres) and will hold and monitor the Oyler conservation easement (587 acres) once it has been purchased and conveyed to GVLT by TPL. Title to the residual fee on all 5,867 acres will continue to be owned by the various private landowners.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal will provide permanent protection for 5,867 acres through conservation easements, including 1,762 acres of wetlands, of which 276 acres will be restored to stream and riparian wetlands, and 4,105 acres of associated uplands and foothill grasslands. This proposal represents Phase I of a long-term effort to protect, restore and enhance important wetland and associated upland habitat for the highest priority migratory bird and waterfowl species in the Madison and Gallatin watersheds of southwest Montana. Madison and Gallatin Counties are two of the most threatened landscapes in the Northern Rockies. Once dominated by farms and ranches and by a peaceful agrarian way of life, these two counties are facing tremendous development pressures and are losing critical wetland areas at an alarming rate. In Gallatin County, almost 300 square miles of farm and ranchland were converted to non-agricultural uses between 1978 and 1992. This equals about one-fifth of the approximately 895,000 acres of privately owned land that exist in the county. During the ensuing ten years, almost 20,000 acres of land within the county were subdivided for development. At the same time, population in Gallatin County jumped by over 34 percent - more than any other county in Montana. The majority of this growth has been in the county's rural areas, where the population has grown more than twice as fast as in the towns and cities. The overarching objective of this NA WCA proposal is to protect important wetland and associated upland habitat for priority waterfowl and other migratory birds within the Madison and Gallatin watersheds before such land is permanently lost to rural subdivision and development. Target areas will focus on wetlands and associated uplands located primarily along the Madison, West Gallatin and East Gallatin Rivers (and their various tributaries) as well as the substantial wetlands and riparian complex centered near the town of Three Forks where the Madison, Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers merge. Many of the targeted lands are located within the Ennis and Three Forks/Gallatin Bird Habitat Conservation Areas (BHCA) as identified by the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV) in its Coordinated Implementation Plan for Bird Conservation in Western Montana. A total of 5,867 acres will be permanently protected as a result of this project, including 1,762 acres of wetlands, of which approximately 267 acres will be restored to stream and riparian wetland habitat, and 4,105 acres of associated uplands and foothill grasslands.

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: In the Madison River watershed, efforts will focus on conserving critical riparian and wetland habitats (for Bald Eagle, Barrow's Goldeneye and Warbling Vireo) and braided river channels, sloughs and spring creek areas, which are some of the most important staging areas for Common Loons, Sandhill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans in Montana. In the Gallatin River watershed (where residential sprawl is progressing at a faster pace than anywhere else in Montana), efforts will be concentrated on conserving important riparian and wetland areas as well as associated upland grassland and agricultural habitats before they are lost to development. Priority species in this area include Northern Pintail, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup, Long-billed Curlew, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Red-naped Sapsucker and Willow Flycatcher.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: This proposal will benefit the public in many ways, including (l) preventing permanent subdivision and development, (2) protecting important open space and scenery, (3) conserving critical wildlife and fisheries habitat, (4) maintaining water quality and, (5) providing public access for hunting, fishing and other low-impact recreational activities.

NEW PARTNERS: This project brings together several new partners to wetland conservation and NAWCA. Gallatin County, through its Open Space Grant Program (funded by two $10 million bonds which were passed in 2000 and 2004), has committed $750,000 to one of the conservation easement purchases that is being proposed for NA WCA funding and $1,550,000 to two previously acquired conservation easements that are being used as "match". The Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, which has committed $190,000 to another easement purchase, is also new to this process. Other new partners include the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) and the Montana Land Reliance (MLR) and private landowners Gary and Yucca Rieschel, Brian and Debbie King (F Double D, LLC), the Laszlo family (Granger Ranches, LLC), the Oyler family (Oyler Ranch, LLC / Oyler Land Company, LLC), the Skinner family (Skinner & Cowan Ranch) and Mike and Norma Jean Anderson. PPL Montana Wildlife and Fisheries Technical Groups provided $70,000 for wetland and riparian habitat restoration on the Granger tract. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY MIDDLE MISSOURI RIVER - PHASE II

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): The Middle Missouri River Project (MMRP) area encompasses the 7 counties bordering the Missouri River in Iowa and 11 counties bordering the Missouri River in Nebraska. Iowa Congressional District 5. Nebraska Congressional districts l and 2.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,530,933 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited $269,688 Papio-Missouri River Natural Resource District $1 ,139,500 Iowa Department of Natural Resources $947,442 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission $100,000 Royce Gramm $35,760 Harrison County Conservation Board $21, 180 Pheasants Forever $15,419 Nemaha County Natural Resource District $1,944

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,530,933/6,222 (1,597) acres Fee Acquired - $1, 149,838/3,260 (172) acres Fee Donated - $1, 175,260/830 acres Restored - $667,707/617 ( 10) acres Enhanced-$423,617/1,515 (1,415) acres Indirect Costs - $114,511

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) 3,174 acres; Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) 158 acres; Sioux Rivers Resource Conservation and Development (SRCD) 214 acres; Harrison County Conservation Board (HCCB) 241 acres; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 646 acres; IDNR or NGPC or CCB's 1,085 acres; Woodbury County Conservation Board 700 acres; Private Landowner Stuckenholtz, 4 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal is Phase two of an ongoing project designed to protect, restore and enhance wetland communities for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent wildlife within the Missouri River Valley of Iowa and Nebraska. The MMRP area lies within the Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region Joint Venture (UMRGLRJV) of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NA WMP) and is an ongoing effort aimed at continuing to fulfill the habitat objectives for migratory waterfowl laid out in the UMRGUV Implementation Plan. In addition, this proposal is also aimed at addressing the habitat objectives for priority species of shorebirds, waterbirds and other migratory birds identified in the U. S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (USSCP), North American Waterbird Conservation Plan (NA WCP) and Partners in Flight (PIF) plan. Specifically, this proposal will address the need for protection, restoration and enhancement of wetland and upland habitats in the former floodplain of the Missouri River to mitigate the effects of massive hydrologic alterations to the Missouri River and its floodplain habitats.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Losses of floodplain wetlands and native grassland habitats within the MMRP area have been tremendous. Activities in the proposal will restore some of these habitats and permanently protect them to ensure that benefits to waterfowl and other migratory birds remain. Specifically, 3,188 acres of wetlands and 902 acres of uplands will be perpetually protected through fee-title acquisition or fee donation. These fee acquisitions include 2,782 acres of wetlands and 306 acres of uplands already enrolled in the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) or Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. Wetland restoration efforts by the USDA are minimal at best on many of these properties and therefore, they are only passively managed. Acquisition of these properties by public wildlife agencies and subsequent restoration and/or enhancement of wetland habitats will provide the shallow, seasonal wetland habitat that is required by migratory waterfowl and shorebirds during the spring and fall. Public ownership of these properties is essential to ensure that the wetland habitats are properly managed to provide benefits in perpetuity to migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife. The fee donations include 616 acres that will be donated to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and will become part of the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) complex in Nebraska. Boyer Chute NWR was created with strong public support in 1997 through Senator Kerry's "Back to the River Initiative" which concluded that wildlife habitat and recreation were the highest and best use for the Missouri River corridor. Boyer Chute NWR remains one of the focal points for acquisition, restoration and enhancement activities in this proposal. In addition to acquisition activities, 447 acres of wetlands and 170 acres of uplands will be restored on lands owned and managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) or County Conservation Board's (CCB's). A total of 1,515 acres of wetland habitat will also be enhanced on public lands through the installation of water control structures, pumps or wells to facilitate improved water management. Such activities will significantly add to the habitat base for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent wildlife and will help ensure the availability of foraging sites during spring and fall migrations.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: All lands, except for 4 acres (private landowner), donated or acquired in fee-title and/or restored or enhanced will be open to public use. Although public use may vary somewhat between tracts, it will generally include public access for hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, photography, education and hiking. In addition to these public benefits, activities within this proposal will also provide flood control, water quality improvement, erosion control, tourism and economic diversity which will all lead to a better quality of life for people that reside or are visiting the MM.RP area.

NEW PARTNERS: The Nemaha County Natural Resources District (NNRD) is a new partner in this grant. They have contributed $1,944 of old non-federal match for wetland restorations. Pheasants Forever (PF) is also a new partner in this grant. They have contributed $15,419 of old non-federal match for Fee Acquisition. Mr. Royce Gramm is a private landowner and a new partner in this grant. He has contributed $35,760 in old non-federal match for Fee Donation. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY MODOC PLATEAU/PIT RIVER WETLANDS PROJECT

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Modoc County, California, District 4.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,355,661 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $173,072 Regional Water Quality Control Board $377,752 Central Modoc Resource Conservation District $19,648 Likely Land and Livestock Company, Inc. $35,822 Wildlife Conservation Board $1,309,878 California Department of Fish and Game $101,634 Pit River Land and Cattle, LLP $8, 120 Louis Prusinovski $2,000 Paul W. Ross $2,000 Paul R. Bonderson, Jr. $100,000 Resources Legacy Fund Foundation $200,000 River Center $11 ,160 Modoc Joint Unified School District $9,975 Modoc County Office of Education $1,600 Chet Silvestri $2,000 University of California Cooperative Extension $1 ,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $368,383 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $111,521 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service $138,974 Barb Mokelstad $2,975 U.S. Bureau of Land Management $1,000 Natural Resources Conservation Service $1,000 Carey Ranches $10,573 U.S. Forest Service $102,340

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,724,044/5,843 (98) acres Fee Acquired - $1,309,878/2,080 acres Restored - $1,628,664/l,415 (2) acres Enhanced - $574,778/2,348 (96) acres Other - $40,000 Indirect Costs - $170,724

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Roxanne Hagedorn and Albert Morris/Likely Land and Livestock Company, Inc. 162 acres; California Department of Fish and Game 2,080 acres; Pit River Land and Cattle LLP 56 acres; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2,428 acres; Barb Mokelstad 13 acres; Chet Silvestri 29 acres; Carey Ranches 300 acres; and U.S . Forest Service 775 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Modoc Plateau/Pit River region is extremely important for migrating and breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds in the arid Great Basin. It provides a major wetland linkage for migratory birds between the Oregon Closed Basin to the north and staging areas in Honey Lake Valley/Big Valley and wintering grounds in the Central Valley to the south. The region is located in the Modoc/Pit River Wetland Focus Area of the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV). The Modoc Plateau/Pit River region is part of the Southern Oregon-Northeast California (SONEC) region that provides critical spring staging habitat for northern pintail. The region includes a national wildlife refuge, two state wildlife areas, two districts of the Modoc National Forest which contain more than 34,000 acres of wetlands, three Important Bird Areas (IBA's), a key shorebird area of the lntermountain West, and a Regional Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network site. The Modoc Plateau/Pit River Wetlands Project will protect, restore, or enhance 5,843 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands, palustrine forested habitat, and associated uplands. Of this total, 2,080 acres will be permanently protected. Habitat improvement work will occur on l l tracts, including a state wildlife area, a national wildlife refuge, USFS lands, and six private properties. Central Modoc Resource Conservation District (CMRCD) will deliver that work. Restoration and enhancement work will include conducting topographic surveys and preparing engineering designs; re-contouring the land; constructing swales and potholes; building levees and ditches; removing old levees to allow the Pit River to access its floodplain; stabilizing river and stream banks; installing water control structures and fences; renovating a major water diversion structure; repairing degraded dams and spillways: installing wells, pumps, and pipelines; removing invasive vegetation; and planting native vegetation. This project will improve water supply, delivery and distribution and provide proper water and vegetation management capabilities to wetlands. This will enhance production of invertebrates and aquatic vegetation that provide important food for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. Proper water delivery and supply will increase the acreage of wetlands that are available in the area during fall migration and will provide reliable wetland habitat through the nesting season. The upland work will greatly improve nesting cover for waterfowl. The riparian work will increase the amount of high-quality habitat for a variety of neotropical migratory songbirds.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFrrTING: This project will enhance or restore 3,732 acres of palustrine emergent and palustrine forested habitats and will permanently protect 40 of these acres. Both are decreasing habitat types. It will also restore or enhance 129 acres of wetland-associated uplands and will permanently protect 58 of these acres. An additional l,982 acres will be permanently protected but not enhanced or restored including 750 acres of palustrine emergent and palustrine forested habitats and 1,232 acres of uplands. Wetland and upland improvements will benefit numerous waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds that use the area for fall and spring migration or breeding habitat including northern pintail, mallard, cinnamon teal, white-fronted goose, Canada goose, black-necked stilt, American avocet, white-faced ibis, and black tern. Riparian and upland protection and improvements will benefit numerous neotropical migratory songbirds that use the area for nesting and foraging including yellow warbler, Wilson's warbler, and Bullock's oriole. This project will also benefit seven species that are state and/or federally listed as threatened or endangered; bald eagle, greater sandhill crane, willow flycatcher, Swainson's hawk, peregrine falcon, shortnose sucker, and Lost River sucker.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: Five of the 11 tracts included in the project are public lands. Uses include hunting, bird watching, photography, and nature study. This project will improve opportunities for public recreation on these tracts by improving wildlife habitat. The public will also benefit from the work to be conducted on the six private land tracts. Work on private lands will improve habitat quality for waterfowl and other wildlife that use both public and private lands in the region. Project work will improve water quality in the Pit River and its tributaries. In addition, it will allow landowners to use water more efficiently and thereby conserve the region's water.

NEW PARTNERS: This project includes 14 partners that have not previously participated in a NAWCA grant: Regional Water Quality Control Board (state agency); CMRCD (local conservation district); Likely Land and Livestock Company, Inc., PRLC, and Carey Ranches (profit-making corporations); Louis Prusinovski, Paul W. Ross, Barb Mokelstad, and Chet Silvestri (private landowners); River Center, Modoc Joint Unified School District, Modoc County Office of Education, University of California Cooperative Extension; and Paul R. Bonderson, Jr. (other partners). NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY MOUSE RIVER WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT PROJECT - V

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): The Mouse River Watershed Enhancement Project (MRWEP) area is located in Bottineau, Renville, McHenry, Pierce, and Rolette counties, ND, Congressional District l.

GRANT AMOUNT $510,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $512,891 ND Game and Fish Department $302,462 ND Natural Resources Trust $71,191 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $50,000 Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Tribe $11,288 David Bohl $5,514 Rich Brossart $14,605 Robert Brossart $2,378 Tom Bruner $2,500 Al Deck $5,901 Jim Eidman $7,012 Max Freight $6,252 David Haman $14,063 Gerald Henry $2,400 W.O. Krumwiede $1,064 Gary Ledoux $5,749 Bill Mahle $7,991 Betty Pappas $787 Larry Schatz $4 70 Tim Swearson $1,264

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $174,500 Grantee: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service $174,500

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $1,197,391123,598 (843) acres Easements Acquired - $636,378/9,751 (500) acres Leases Acquired - $315,88917,542 acres Restored - $21,046/60 acres Created - $11,288/624 acres Enhanced - $85,290/5,621 (343) acres Other Direct Costs - $127,500

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) 7,395 acres; North Dakota Natural Resources Trust (NDNRT) 3,323 (160] acres; Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Tribe (TMBCI) 624 acres; and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 12,256 [683] acres;

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Phase five of an ongoing project designed to protect, restore, and enhance wetland/grassland communities using a landscape level approach to planning. The value of perpetually protecting threatened wetlands has long been recognized. The FWS has protected many of these wetland complexes by purchasing perpetual easements. Although many of these wetlands have been protected, much of the surrounding prairie uplands have been converted to agricultural use. As a result of this habitat fragmentation, predator populations have increased. Furthermore, the concentrations of waterfowl and other migratory bird nesting in the remaining grassland cover have allowed these predators to become more successful, to the point where typical nest success rates are below levels necessary to maintain their populations. Habitat conservation objectives to meet the waterfowl production goals of the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PPJV) have been comprehensively developed for the Mouse River Wetland Enhancement Project (MRWEP). Protecting the remaining wetland­ associated uplands is a critical component toward achieving this success. Among the habitat objectives for the MRWEP is to: l) protect 839,386 acres of wetlands and associated uplands; 2) restore 86,100 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat; and 3) enhance 600,000 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat. Every aspect of this proposal will accomplish a part of these goals. Much of the remaining grassland habitats in the MRWEP are native prairie, which sustains the functions of the intermingled wetlands. Once lost, an ecologically functional prairie cannot be restored. Wetland functions and values are similarly affected. Water and wind erosion cause increased sedimentation in wetlands. Pesticides flow into wetlands from cultivated hillsides and degrade the aquatic plant and invertebrate communities and affect the ability of wetlands to sustain vertebrate species at higher tropic levels. The MRWEP landscape contains approximately 500,000 acres of native grasslands of which only approximately 30,000 acres are currently protected. Under this proposal, 6,230 acres of native grasslands will be secured by perpetual easements. In other fragmented portions of the MRWEP area with high wetland densities, which attract large waterfowl breeding populations(> 100 pairs/sq. mile), waterfowl nest success is below levels necessary to maintain populations. It has been determined to maintain breeding waterfowl populations, between 30-40% of the landscape must be in perennial grass cover suitable to nesting. In these portions in the MRWEP area, it is feasible to restore enough grassland to boost nesting success above maintenance level. In this proposal approximately 33 acres of cropland will be restored by seeding it back to native or tame grasses, accomplishing a portion of those habitat objectives. Approximately 500 wetlands in this proposal will be perpetually secured with FWS wetland easements, and another 27 acres will be restored. The activities in this grant proposal are part of an overall landscape approach and will use the latest Geographical Information Systems (GIS) information and technology to target and prioritize project sites toward the highest density wetland, waterfowl and occurrence areas, in the MRWEP area. Other indirect benefits of this project will be achieved through habitat improvement agreements with landowners by improving attitudes of farmers toward wildlife and proper land use, an increased sense of stewardship and increased opportunities for habitat protection.

WETLAND HABITAT TYPES: Wetland habitats in the MRWEP area are diverse and primarily classified as palustrihe emergent wetlands exhibiting temporary, seasonal, semipermanent and permanent water regimes. Wetlands with short hydro-periods (temporary and seasonal basins) are continuously at risk of being drained or degraded by agricultural practices. These wetland types are critical important migration and breeding habitats for many waterfowl and wetland-dependant species. Protections of uplands associated with these wetlands, as in this proposal, provide essential nesting habitat for waterfowl and other species, and minimize the influx of sediments and pesticides into these wetlands.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The wetlands and associated upland habitats on public lands in this proposal will be open to public activities such as hunting, trapping, bird watching, photography, education and hiking. Private land projects will be open to the public at the discretion of each individual landowner. Ancillary benefits include flood control, water quality maintenance, erosion control, tourism, economic diversity and infrastructure protection.

NEW PARTNERS: Being in the fifth phase most partnership have been formed in past proposals. However, this proposal includes some new members that are new to the Act's grants program: 15 private landowners, mostly farmers and ranchers, will contribute over $77,000 in matching non-federal funds. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY NORTH SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY WETLAND HABITAT PROJECT, PHASE II

COUNTY (IES), STA TE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Fresno, Madera, Merced, and San Joaquin Counties, California, District l l, 18, & 20.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,829,225 Grantee: California Waterfowl Association California Wildlife Conservation Board $2,555,000 Grassland Water District $109,340 Private Landowners $164,885

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $138,761 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service $120,219 U.S. Dept. of Ag., Natural Resources Conservation Service $18,542

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,967,986/16,304 acres Easements Acquired- $1 ,960,000/761 acres Fee Title Acquired - $235,000/120 acres Restored - $538,834/507 acres Enhanced- $1 ,189,152/14,916 acres Other Direct Costs - $45,000

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Private landowners will maintain ownership and management of 15,402 acres, California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) 867 acres and FWS 35 acres.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal covers an area that has been described by the Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) as the "most important wintering area for waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway". It is estimated that 60% of the Pacific Flyway's waterfowl population (excluding seaducks), representing 20% of the entire continental waterfowl population, either winters or migrates through the Central Valley of California. Natural wetlands in California have declined by over 90% from an estimated five million acres historically, to less than 450,000 acres at the present time. The current threats to wetland values in the project area are from an increasing human population, urban development, agriculture, and watershed and drainage encroachment. This proposal builds on the accomplishments and partnerships that have been so successful within the north San Joaquin Valley in developing and implementing the past North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects from the Phase I grant written by the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) and the contributing partners. Seventeen restoration and enhancement projects will be completed by de-leveling agricultural fields, constructing new levees, installing water control structures, improving water delivery systems, developing new water sources, rehabilitating degraded wetlands, planting of riparian trees and the seeding of upland areas. The completion of the projects will meet the goals and objectives of many partners, including 10 landowners, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), San Joaquin River Conservancy (SJRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Grassland Water District (GWD), and CWA. This proposal presents several unique features: I) It continues with the landscape based approach to acquisition, restoration and enhancement of wetlands and associated habitats established within the north San Joaquin Valley by partnering agencies; 2) It integrates 23 projects encompassing a mosaic of wetland, riparian and upland habitats over a large geographic area covering three of the nine CVJV focus areas; 3) It combines the resources of two Federal and three State agencies and 10 landowners in one of the largest multi-partner cooperatives in the CVJV; 4) It signifies a continued commitment by the State of California towards the goals of wetland protection, restoration and enhancement within the CVJV; 5) it secures 30-year management agreements between landowners and California Waterfowl Association (CWA) to insure that maintenance and management of the wetland and upland habitats will continue maximizing habitat values each year (a sample grant agreement will be provided upon request). The protection and establishment of these habitats will allow for broad landscape­ scale improvements for migratory waterbirds and other associated wetland species for decades to come. In total, the partners are investing just under $3,000,000 into these projects. These vital commitments are critical to achieving the goals and objectives of each partner involved with the grant proposal, as well as those of NAWCA, the CVJV and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP).

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITING: The proposal is landscape-based and will contribute directly and immediately to three of the nine CVJV focus areas by protecting, restoring and enhancing 16,304 acres of wetland, associated riparian and upland habitats. Under the proposal 761 acres has been protected by easements, 120 acres has been purchased in fee title, 507 acres of palustrine emergent, palustrine forested and associated upland habitats will be or have been restored, and l 4,916 acres of these same habitat types will be or have been enhanced. These accomplishments will also help to achieve objectives identified within the Southern Pacific Coast Regional Shorebird Plan, a component of the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, as well as the Riparian Bird Conservation Plan, established by the California Partners in Flight and the Riparian Habitat Joint Venture. In addition, the project area has also been designated by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) as an International Shorebird Reserve and in February of 2005 designated as a wetland of international importance by the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR) site. Migratory waterbirds are the primary beneficiaries of these proposed projects, however, neotropical migrants, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife of many species will also benefit significantly if they are dependent upon the wetlands and associated habitat involved. Restoration and enhancement projects on both private and public lands will provide protection, expansion and improvements to a diversity of palustrine emergent (decreasing), palustrine forested (decreasing) and associated upland habitats that will benefit five high priority waterfowl species, seven priority waterfowl species, and 16 other species of waterfowl. Projects will also benefit a variety of other wildlife, including 24 species of NA WCA priority birds that depend on wetlands for breeding, wintering and migrating, 13 Federal and State endangered or threatened species, 26 species of special concern and more than 225 species dependent on these habitats for survival.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: Those projects that are taking place on DFG properties are open to the public year­ round to provide outdoor recreation such as hiking, birding, hunting, fishing and research opportunities. Private land projects are improving a significant resource to wildlife that will help to maintain their populations throughout the year. Improved habitat will continue to be maintained by landowners, benefits not only wildlife populations but those people who like to partake in outdoor recreational activities involving wildlife. Increased wildlife use of these projects may ultimately lead to improved opportunities for the public to experience wildlife throughout the Pacific Flyway.

NEW PARTNERS: Of the projects receiving NAWCA funds 9 of the 10 private landowners are new participants to the ACT's grant program. In addition the San Joaquin River Conservancy is a new contributing State agency that is participating for the first time with the partners and NA WCA to undertake future riparian restoration projects and habitat conservation measures on lands that they own. Their contribution can be found within the Matching Contribution Plan. The continued support of the Grassland Water District and DFG shows that their efforts and partnership within this proposal continues to support significant benefits to California's wetland resources. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY ROANOKE RIVER MIGRATORY BIRD INITIATIVE II

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Bertie and Halifax Counties, First Congressional District, North Carolina; Southampton and Sussex Counties Fourth Congressional District, Virginia.

GRANT AMOUNT $999,920

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,735,686 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited Inc. $31,228 The Nature Conservancy $242,000 North Carolina Department of Corrections $127,255 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission $117,203 NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund $936,000 NC Natural Heritage Trust Fund $1,282,000

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $60,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service $60,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,795,606/2,159 (9,219) acres Fee Acquired - $2,635,203/115 (8,942) acres Easement Donated - $150,000/340 acres Leases Donated - $92,400/77 acres Restored - $769,328/ l, 127 (77) acres Enhanced - $50,000/500 (200) acres Indirect Costs - $98,675

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) (115 acres). Bill Owens, private landholder, Virginia (340 acres). Acreage acquired fee title and represented in the Matching Contributions Plan will be held and managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) as part of the Game Lands Program (8,942 acres). North Carolina Department of Corrections (NCDC) (77 acres) managed in partnership with WRC. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Roanoke River NWR (RRNWR), (1,350 acres).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal represents phase II of a 5-year plan to protect, restore, and enhance wildlife habitat within the vast forested wetlands draining into western Albemarle Sound (i.e., the Roanoke and Chowan River Basins). The core of this complex is the Roanoke Basin, one of the largest intact bottornland forest systems in the Southeastern United States. Both of these drainages, where the traditional land use is intensive agriculture and forestry, are now increasingly targeted for residential and industrial development. The South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative (SAMBI) has identified this new development, and the alteration of flow regimes in the lower Roanoke River caused by the operation of upstream dams as major problems facing wildlife and wetland resources within the floodplain. SAMBI recognizes that these flood plains and adjacent habitats are critically important to migratory birds and has delineated most of the region as Focus Areas for waterfowl, Neotropical land birds and colonial nesting waterbirds. The forested wetlands and adjacent rivers are also important habitat for other wildlife, and anadromous and resident fi sh. A number of these species are state and/or federally listed or species of concern. The Roanoke River Migratory Bird Initiative represents a broad partnership to focus landscape-scale conservation efforts in the region. RRI was successful in protecting 8,942 acres of wetlands and will restore and enhance 785 additional acres by summer 2005. A companion project, the Cooperative Upland-habitat Restoration and Enhancement Program (CURE) improved habitat conditions on over 5,600 acres for bird species requiring early successional habitat. This proposal (RRII) will allow the partners to protect, restore, or enhance 2, 159 (277) acres of wetlands and associated uplands. It will leverage the considerable habitat protection efforts of one agency and two conservation trust funds within North Carolina state government to enable two other partners, one federal (FWS) and one private (TNC), to accomplish shared wetland and wildlife conservation goals. It also combines the wetland restoration expertise of Ducks Unlimited Inc. (DU) with the management expertise of a state wildlife agency (WRC) to restore wetland functions to state lands not previously managed for either wildlife or wetland values. DU will also be working to restore important wetlands of the RRNWR. This bi-state proposal continues to expand the ecosystem approach to wetland conservation begun with RRI. Partner objectives are to deliver permanent habitat protection at the landscape level, reduce habitat fragmentation and facilitate movement of wildlife between this and other large wetland blocks. Another key long-term objective is to address hydrology problems within the Roanoke Basin and restore wetlands by mitigating for and/or removing adverse human impacts to hydrology. Wetland restoration and enhancement projects outlined in RRII and their adjacent uplands will provide a stable habitat base for wetland bird species, particularly waterfowl, while these difficult problems of river flows are being addressed. These efforts are also expected to improve water quality within the system and improve conditions for fish and other aquatic life. This proposal (RRII) calls for permanent protection via fee title acquisition of 105 acres of riparian wetlands and 10 acres of upland buffer on the Nottoway River, a tributary of the Chowan River in Virginia and permanent protection of an additional 340 acres via donated conservation easement. These tracts are critical to efforts to conserve two large forest patches for area sensitive Neotropical migrants. In North Carolina, a total of 77 acres of prior converted wetlands within the Caledonia State Prison Farm in Halifax County will be restored. The site receives drainage from several thousand acres of farmland, and some of this drainage will be diverted into the restored wetland. It will be managed for native vegetation and will become an important foraging area for migratory birds. Within the Broadneck Unit of RRNWR, three large, man-made canals through the natural river levee will be plugged with water control structures to restore hydrology to approximately 1,050 acres of riparian wetlands. Also, the basal area of 500 acres of mature tupelo gum stands on RRNWR will be enhanced using selective herbicide injection. This will open the dense canopy of these homogeneous stands, increasing forest diversity, improving forest structure and stimulating production of herbaceous vegetation.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The proposal largely affects forested palustrine wetlands, a decreasing wetlands type. Permanent conservation protection will make a substantial contribution to ongoing efforts in the region to reduce habitat fragmentation and restore and protect large habitat patches. This will benefit large numbers of Neotropical land birds including several species of concern, such as Cerulean and Swainson's warblers. Protecting wetlands within the Nottoway River drainage will benefit endangered fish and mussels. Restoration of prior converted wetlands will provide foraging habitat for waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds, and will provide habitat independent of river levels. This is a specific need identified by the North Carolina SAMBI working group. The man-made drainage canals in the Broadneck Unit of RRNWR amplify rapid drainage and flooding of the back swamp, intensifying the impacts of upstream dams. Removing them will restore hydrology by directing water through the natural channels, thereby, reducing the likelihood of a growing season flood. It will benefit forest regeneration, and provide habitat for waterfowl and wading birds.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The large acreage of public lands in the project area, particularly RRNWR and lands managed by WRC, attracts large numbers of people seeking wildlife-based recreation. This recreation includes hunting, fishing, birding, and other wildlife observation.

NEW PARTNERS: The Nature Conservancy, a new partner, has long been a major conservation force working to protect riparian wetlands along the Albemarle Sound tributaries and in Southeast Virginia. The North Carolina Department of Corrections (NCDC) is an important new partner because of its major land holding which is in close proximity to the Roanoke River and other major conservation tracts. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY SABINE ISLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - ACQUISITION EFFORT

COUNTY(IES), ST ATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, Congressional District 7.

GRANT AMOUNT $800,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,470,000 Grantee: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries $90,000 British Petroleum $2,380,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,270,000/600 (71,130) acres Fee Acquired - $890,000/600 acres Fee Donated - $2,380,000/(71,130) acres

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: The State of Louisiana will hold fee simple title to all acreage acquired under this proposal. The State currently owns all of the lands surrounding the acreage targeted for acquisition under this proposal.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project utilizes a match of over $2.4 million for the fee simple purchase of 600 +/- acres within and adjacent to the Sabine Island Wildlife Management Area, in southwestern Louisiana. The targeted parcel is surrounded by State ownership, and it is currently leased by the State on a year to year basis. This parcel fits within the larger WMA complex and if altered, could significantly impact the surrounding lands. The protection of this 600 +/- acre Sabine Island tract in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is a very significant land conservation effort, which will protect significant portions of the Sabine River, Sabine Lake, and the larger Chenier Plain areas.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The Sabine Island property is composed of bottomland cypress/ tupelo forested areas, with associated portions of emergent swamp areas. This property supports numerous migratory waterfowl & neotropical species. Several species supported include: Northern Pintail, Mallard, Mottled Duck, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Tricolored Heron, Red-headed woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Swainson's Warbler, and the Prothonatory Warbler.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: The acquisition of the targeted 600 +/- acres at Sabine Island Wildlife Management Area will result in the permanent protection of highly significant bottomland and coastal habitat. The property will be managed to maintain the considerable natural resource values it supports and will likely be open to the public for compatible and appropriate uses as a state wildlife management area.

NEW PARTNERS: This protection effort is a result of numerous partners working in close coordination. Several who have been involved in moving this project ahead are BP America, Inc., the State of Louisiana, the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and The Conservation Fund.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY SAN LUIS VALLEY WETLAND PROJECT - PHASE III

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Alamosa, Conejos, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties, Colorado. U.S. Congressional District 3.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $3 ,577,422 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) $52,766 Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) $565,000 Great Outdoors Colorado Trust (GOCO) $120,000 Rio Grande Headwaters Trust (RiGHT) $6,000 American Farmland Trust (AFf) $26,040 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $10,000 Dorothy Steele/Upper Wright's Ranch $898,375 Fred Bosselman/Meadow Ranch $353,520 Getz Ranch, Inc. $120,000 McNeil Ranch, LLC $329,000 Pete Atkins $225,000 Whaylan and Helen Lester $20 l ,200 John Noffsker $580,000 Gates Family Foundation (GFF) $79,000 Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) $4,999 Mineral County $2,000 Orient Land Trust (OLT) $4,000 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) $522

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS $85,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Partners for Wildlife Program (PFW) $20,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Refuges (FWS) $40,000 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) $25,000

ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,662,422/13,423 acres Easements Acquired - $4,153,640/12,303 acres Restored - $478,000/l,120 acres Other - $522 Indirect Costs - $30,260

FINAL TITLE HOLDERS/MANAGERS AND ACREAGE: Private Landowners: Getz Ranches, Inc./Wetlands America Trust (WAT) 320, McNeil 1/WAT 520, Mc Neil II/WAT 240, Lester - Owsley/WAT 783, Bosselman - Meadow Ranch/WAT 5,440, Atkins/AFf 400, Noffsker/AFf 480, Dorothy Steele- Upper Wright's Ranch/RiGHT 820, King Ranch/RiGHT 1,900, Crowther/WAT 400, DU Rio Grande Corridor CE's- Private, Landowners(s) to be determined later/WAT 1,000, Private Lands Restoration, Orient Land Trust-Everson/PFW l 00, Private Lands Restoration, Private Landowner(s) to be determined/PFW 300. Public Lands: CDOW/Russell Lakes SWA 80, CDOW/Rio Grande SWA 100, FWS/Alamosa NWR 80, FWS/Baca NWR 300, FWS/Monte Vista NWR 90, BLM/Blanca WMA 70. All public land restorations delivered by DU. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposal is the third phase of NA WCA funded wetland restoration and protection in the San Luis Valley (SLV). Phase III will continue to fulfill habitat objectives of the IWJV and NA WCA by protecting and restoring 13,423 acres of wetlands and associated uplands. Protection projects will be delivered and monitored by establ1shed conservation easement holding entities including WAT, AFf, and RiGHT (a local land trust). Public land restoration projects will be delivered by DU in cooperation with FWS, BLM and CDOW. This effort will build on and compliment previous conservation successes funded by the SLV Wetland Restoration Project - Phases I and II, five (5) phases of Colorado Wetlands Initiative, and numerous partner dollars that, to date, have conserved over 30,000 acres of SL V wetlands and associated uplands.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The San Luis Valley Wetland Project- Phase III will protect and restore 13,423 acres of wetlands and adjacent uplands with the goal of providing critical migration and breeding habitat for a variety of waterbirds. The project will benefit 18 waterfowl species, over 50 other species of wetland-dependent and wetland-associated birds, and four threatened or endangered species, including the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. The implementation of the projects described in this proposal will allow partners to protect, through perpetual conservation easements, seven (7) private properties totaling 12,303 acres and associated water rights. All of the properties targeted for protection in this proposal lie in close juxtaposition to regionally significant wetland areas and include high value wetland habitats that compliment and buffer adjacent public land parcels. Properties identified for protection in this proposal have been strategically selected for their high waterfowl and other waterbird values, excellent water rights (protected through the conservation easement), and motivated, conservation-minded owners. Eight (8) restoration projects are included in this proposal and, combined, will positively impact 1,120 acres of habitat on important wetland complexes including Alamosa, Baca and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges, the Blanca Wetland Management Area (BLM), Russell Lakes and Rio Grande State Wildlife Areas (CDOW), and a minimum of two (2) privately owned ranches located in the SLV complex. These projects will employ techniques such as contour levee and ditch construction, and the installation of water control structures to maximize water delivery and control. Similar projects delivered to date in the SLV, such as projects delivered through and used as match for the SLV Wetland Restoration Project - Phases I and II NA WCA grants, have produced top quality migration and breeding habitat resulting in tremendous waterbird responses. For example, the Monte Vista NWR Unit 7 project funded by the Colorado Wetlands Initiative (CWI) and used as match for the San Luis Valley Wetland Restoration Project - Phase I, supported daily numbers of approximately 1,000 northern pintails during spring migration prior to restoration project delivery and regularly supports spring populations of over 15,000 northern pintails post-project with a peak of 30,000 pintails observed during Spring 2000.

PUBLIC BENEFITS: Public acres account for 720 of the 13,423 acres in this proposal (5%). These public lands provide public benefits in the form of wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, and hunting. The Baca N;WR Wetland Restoration Project is the first project to be delivered on one of the nation's newest National Wildlife Refuges. The public also gains tremendous benefits through the protection of private lands via conservation easements. These properties provide important buffering of public wetland ·areas, critical waterbird production habitat, open space values, flood retention for urban areas, groundwater recharge, and limited recreational opportunities with the permission of the landowner.

NEW PARTNERS: The impressive list of partners associated with this proposal underscores the widespread and enthusiastic support that wetland conservation efforts generate in the SLV. Eighteen ( 18) non-federal partners and three federal partners are identified in this proposal, nine (9) of these are major (> 10%) partners including five (5) private landowners and two (2) corporations. Eight (8) new financial partners are welcomed into the NAWCA process through this effort representing a wide diversity of non­ profit conservation organizations, private landowners, local government, foundations and profit making corporations.