MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.

PROGRAM FOR CONSIDERATION ON

September 12, 2013

A. National Refuge System Proposals

1. San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Texas 2. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington 3. Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana 4. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland

B. North American Wetlands Conservation Act Proposals

United States Standard Grant Proposals

MEMORANDUM

A. Approval of Meeting Minutes

June 5, 2013

MEMORANDUM "A"

MEETING MINUTES JUNE 5, 2013

The minutes of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission meeting

held on June 5, 2013, have been prepared for reading by

the Commission.

It is respectfully recommended that these

minutes be formally approved.

MINUTES OF THE

MEETING OF THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Held in Washington, D.C., on June 5, 2013

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, in the Main Interior Building, Secretary's Conference Room 5160.

The following Commission members were present:

HON. SALLY JEWELL, Secretary, Department of the Interior

HON. THAD COCHRAN, Senator from Mississippi

HON. MARK PRYOR, Senator from Arkansas

HON. JOHN D. DINGELL, U.S. Representative from Michigan

HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN, U.S. Representative from Virginia

MS. ANN MILLS, Acting Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Department of , Washington, D.C.

HON. BOB PERCIASEPE, Acting Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

The following ex officio members were present:

MS. EMILY DOMENECH, Federal Liaison, Health, Energy, and Environmental Policy, Texas Office of State-Federal Relations,Washington, D.C.

MR. SPENCER GRAY, Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Max Baucus, Washington, D.C.

MR. TOMMY TUMA, Director, Habitat Stewardship, Wildlife Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The following North American Wetlands Conservation Council ex officio members were present:

MR. JEFFREY TRANDAHL, Executive Director, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington, D.C.

The Secretary to the Commission was present:

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

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council Coordinator was present:

MS. CYNDI PERRY, Chief, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

One guest from the Embassy of Canada was present: MS. SABRINA DADRIAN-KASSABIAN, Program Officer, Environment and Energy, Embassy of Canada The following persons from the U.S. Congress, the Department of the Interior, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and partner agencies and organizations were present:

MR. DANIEL ULMER, Legislative Assistant, Senator Cochran's Office, Washington D.C.

MR. KELVIN STROUD, Legislative Assistant, Senator Pryor's Office, Washington, D.C.

MS. LUCY SPEED, Press Secretary, Senator Pryor's Office, Washington, D.C.

MR. NEAL ULLMAN, Legislative Assistant, Congressman Dingell's Office, Washington, D.C.

MR. BRENT ROBINSON, Senior Assistant, Congressman Robert J. Wittman's Office, Washington, D.C.

MR. MICHAEL SCOZZAFAVA, Special Assistant, Office of the Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

MR. ROWAN GOULD, Deputy Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.

MS. CYNTHIA MARTINEZ, Deputy Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. JEROME FORD, Assistant Director, Migratory Birds and State Programs, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.

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

MS. REBECCA HALBE, National Coordinator, Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. CARLTON CHEA THAM, Visual Information Specialist, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. CHARLES PARROTT, Realty Specialist, Region 1 Realty Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon

MR. DAVID CLARK, Chief Surveyor, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. RONALD SALZ, Acting Chief Cartographer, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. SIMI BATRA, Realty Specialist, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. RENI TEJAN-COLE, Management Assistant, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia MS. NANCY UNBEHAUN, Supervisory Realty Specialist, Fish and Wildlife Service, Marble Falls, Texas

MR. BRETT HUNTER, Chief, Region 4 Realty Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia

MR. STEVEN SEIBERT, Deputy Chief, Region 4 Realty Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia

MR. GREG LANGER, Acting Chief, Region 6 Realty Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakewood, Colorado

MR. HARRIS HOISTAD, Project Leader, Sand National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Columbia, South Dakota

MR. GARY SULLIVAN, Supervisory Realty Specialist, Division of Realty, Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Falls, Montana

MS. LAURIE M. SHAFFER, Chief, Federal Duck Stamp Office, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. LEAKHENA AU, NAWCA Canadian Grant Administrator, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. DAVID BUIE, NAWCA Council Staff, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. RACHEL PENROD, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. SUZANNE FELLOWS, Federal Duck Stamp Program Coordinator, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. KIT HERSHEY, Congressional and Legislative Affairs Specialist, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. REAH REEDY, Management Assistant, Division of Information Technology and Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. DA YID WAGNER, Management Assistant, Division of Visitor Services and Communications, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. JULIE MCCANDLESS, Budget Analyst, Division of Budget, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. GREG KNADLE, Director, Congressional, Government, and External Affairs, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington, D.C.

MR. PAUL BAICICH, President, Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp, Columbia, Maryland

MS. STACY TATMAN, Permits Biologist, Division of Management Authority, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia MS. SARENA M. SELBO, Chief, Branch of Conservation Planning, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. MENDEL STEWART, Chief, Division of Budget, Performance and Workforce, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. JARED BRANDWEIN, Deputy Chief, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MR. TOM MIEWALD, Landscape Ecologist, Division of Realty and Refuge Information, Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon

MR. BRIAN CZECH, Interdisciplinary Biologist, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia

MS. MICHELE ZWARTJES, Biologist, Listing and Critical Habitat Division, Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon

MS. MIRIAM MAZEL, Realty Officer, Washington Support Office - Lands, National Parks Service, Fort Collins, Colorado

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

Secretary Jewell (Chair) called the meeting to order. She remarked that she is looking forward to working with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, a group that works regardless of borders. She commented that from Canada to , the Commission knows what matters is where the waterfowl are. She welcomed the members and thanked them for their service. She greeted other attendees, and asked all attendees to introduce themselves. She introduced Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Director, Rowan Gould, who offered his remarks. Mr. Gould mentioned today's slate of Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and North American Wetlands Conservation Act proposals, and highlighted the framed print of the winning Duck Stamp for 2013 - 2014 (a Common Goldeneye drake, painted by Robert Steiner). He introduced Harris Hoistad, Refuge Manager at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex, South Dakota. Mr. Hoistad gave a brief presentation about the widespread conversion from habitat to cropland that is sweeping through the Pothole area and the Service's response to it. Ex officio Jeffrey Trandahl complimented the Service for its quick action to put more MBCF dollars into the Prairie Pothole Region. Mr. Dingell pointed out that the Federal Duck Stamp has cost $15 for over 20 years. With land prices doubling in that time span, Duck Stamp money is now buying just 25% of what it used to. He said we have to increase the price of the Duck Stamp. Chair Jewell committed to work on this. She expressed appreciation for all the efforts of the Commission members to raise the Duck Stamp price.

Chair Jewell called for approval of the March 22, 2013, summary write-up, which the Commission approved. Chair Jewell moved to Agenda Item A.

Agenda Item A MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT PROCEEDINGS

Chair Jewell called on Commission Secretary Alvarez, who first gave a quick synopsis of total MBCF collections, disbursements, and acquired acres during FY 2012. Mr. Alvarez talked about the continuing shift in MBCF allocations - moving from a model of 50% for the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program and 50% for refuge acquisitions to 70% for SWAP and 30% to refuges. He then turned to today's three proposals, which he presented separately, as follows: TRINITY RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, LIBERTY COUNTY, TEXAS- Ex officio Commission member Emily Domenech spoke in favor of the acquisition. The Commission approved the boundary addition and fee acquisition request for 81 acres, in one ownership, at the appraised value and recommended price of $44, 700 or $549 per acre.

RED ROCK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA- Ex officio Commission member Spencer Gray supported this acquisition and pointed out that hunting is allowed on Montana School Section leases (which is what the proposed lands are). The Commission approved the boundary addition and price approval of 489 lease acres for the appraised value and recommended price of $1,750 or $3.58 per acre. The Commission also approved the price re-approval of 5,834 lease acres, in one ownership, for the appraised value and recommended price of $22,350 or $3.83 per acre.

UPPER OUACHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, UNION AND MOREHOUSE PARISHES, LOUISIANA - Ex officio Commission member Tommy Tuma opposed the acquisition, at this time, due to differences between the State of Louisiana and the Service with regard to the Service's Hunt Plan for this Refuge, and due to extreme budgetary concerns. He said the State does not support more Service land acquisition when the Service does not have enough operating and maintenance dollars to manage what it already has. Mr. Dingell led the discussion with Mr. Tuma, and eventually Mr. Wittman made a motion that the Commission approve the fee title acquisition of 3,219 acres, in one ownership, for the appraised value and recommended price of$3,763,515 or $1,169 per acre, on the condition that the State and the Service work out their differences on the Hunt Plan. Mr. Dingell seconded the motion and the Commission conditionally approved the acquisition. The Commission Secretary agreed to report out on the issue at the MBCC's September 12, 2013, meeting. (UPDATE: On July 25, 2013, Secretary Robert Barham of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries signed a statement approving the Hunt Plan at Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. A copy of this statement is in the September 12, 2013, MBCC Program Book).

Chair Jewell proceeded to Agenda Item B, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act portion of the meeting.

Agenda Item B NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

Ex officio Commission member Jeffrey Trandahl introduced NAWCA Canadian and U.S. Small Grants. Mr. Trandahl presented the Canadian slate of nine proposals and noted that the Canadian NA WCA strategy is driven by science, opportunity, and budget levels, and the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region is a priority area within this strategy. Mr. Trandahl presented the Council request that the Commission approve an annual $5 million spending limit for Small Grants, beginning in FY 2014. The Council would like the stability and funding flexibility of an annual $5 million limit. Mr. Trandahl then presented the Small Grants slate, approved by the Council during their March 2013 meeting: 46 proposals in 29 states, with just over $3 million in NAWCA funding and almost $7.6 million in partner funding. Mr. Trandahl reminded the Commission that the original goal of the Small Grants Program was to diversify the number and types of NA WCA partners. He noted that this goal has been successfully met to date.

Council Coordinator Cyndi Perry summarized the Canadian slate- nine proposals covering 12 provinces with a NA WCA funding request of $20. 7 million, partner funding of over $31 million, and more than 36,000 acres affected. Ms. Perry then presented the FY 2013 NA WCA funding summary, noting that approximately $5.5 million would be carried over to FY 2014. Mr. Trandahl explained that the Council goal is to zero out the funding each year and that the majority of the carryover is due to U.S. coastal funding. The coastal funds have specific geographic requirements and a sufficient number of eligible, high-quality coastal proposals were not submitted in FY 2013. The Commission voted to approve the Canadian slate as presented. A separate Commission vote approved the annual funding limit of $5 million for Small Grants.

Chair Jewell led the Commission and attendees in recognizing an historic event, this week. On Friday, June 7, 2013, John Dingell will pass Senator Byrd's record and will become the longest serving member of Congress in history, with 57 years and over 5 months. She noted that he has served in Congress about a month longer than she has been alive. She led the room in a standing ovation for Mr. Dingell. On behalf of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Executive Director Jeffrey Trandahl presented Mr. Dingell with a beautiful antique duck decoy. Mr. Dingell expressed his appreciation and noted that his service on this Commission is "selfish" because it is something he does for himself. He said the Commission's work may not seem that important in comparison with other happenings. However, the Commission's work ensures there is something left for his children and grandchildren. Future generations will know we did something, and what we did today makes a difference.

Chair Jewell thanked the Commission members and attendees for their participation. She noted the cooperation "across the aisle" in the service of conservation and how rare it is to see true bipartisanship, today. Chair Jewell adjourned the meeting.

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2013. Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 1875 Century Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30345 In Reply Refer To: FWS/R4/RF/RE JUL 2 5 2013

Mr. Robert Barham Secretary Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 200 Quail Drive Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Dear Secretary Barham:

As you know from previous correspondence, at its June 5, 2013, meeting in Washington, D.C., the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved a land acquisition project at the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge with the condition that the Refuge's Hunt Plan is agreed to between the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the State of Louisiana. We need to report back to the Commission at the September meeting on this subject, and want to make sure we are all in agreement on this matter. We want to confirm the enclosed letter from you dated November I 0, 201 l, approving the Hunt Plan at Upper Ouachita NWR satisfies the Commission's condition. If you are in agreement, please sign below and fax to Brett Hunter, Chief, Division of Realty, at (404) 679-7273 or send a scanned copy to brett [email protected] by July 29, 2013.

We sincerely appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to continuing to work closely with you and your staff to address any concerns regarding Hunt Plans as appropriate and consistent with Service regulations. If you need additional information, please contact me at (404) 679-4000.

Sincerely yours,

Cynthia K. Dohner Regional Director

Enclosure

ved the Hunt Plan at Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge."

Date: 'l.,i!S- 20 (J

MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION FUND Fiscal Year20l3

STATUS AS OF: August 20, 2013 Estimated RECEIPTS Received as Projected Receipts Total Receipts of 08/20/2013 Remainder of FY Available in FY FY 2012 Carryover 9,925,510 0 9,925,510 U.S. Postal Service 8,370,420 129,580 8,500,000 Import Duties 31 ,939,451 0 31 ,939,451 Misc. Duck Stamp Sales +AMPLEX 14,943,678 56,322 15,000,000 Prior Year Recoveries 133,686 66,314 200,000 Refuge Rights-Of-Way & Application Fees 102,335 47,665 150,000 Sequestration Reduction (2,397,000.00) 0 (2,397,000) Wildlife Restoration (reverted Federal Aid funds) 3,405, I 08.00 0 3,405,108 TOTALS 66,423,188 299 881 66,723,069

Estimated Estimated OBLIGATIONS Obligations as of Projected Expenditures Total 8/20/2013 Remainder of FY Oblij!ations in FY BEAR RIVER, UT 0 1,209,600 1,209,600 BLACKWATER, MD 0 811 ,313 811 ,3 13 DAHOMEY. MS 10,790 0 10,790 , CA 196,745 8,970 205,715 HALFBREED LAKE, MT 1,879 0 1,879 LACASSINE, LA 25,600 0 25,600 MONTEZUMA, NY 2,292,000 85,000 2,377,000 OURAY, UT 1,800 7,070 8,870 PANTHER SWAMP, MS 19,200 0 19,200 RED ROCK LAKES LEASE, MT 11,085 0 11 ,085 SAN BERNARD, TX 488,800 1,790,000 2,278,800 SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CA 3,576,435 0 3,576,435 ST. CA THERINE CREEK, MS 15,566 0 15,566 TRINITY RIVER, TX 302, 100 0 302,100 TUA LA TIN RIVER, OR 496 446,004 446,500 TURNBULL, WA 0 547,000 547,000 UPPER OU ACHIT A, LA 0 2,082,712 2,082,712 WACCAMAW. SC 900,000 0 900,000 WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREAS 28,144,486 11,492,963 39,637,449 TOTAL LAND PURCHASE 35,986,982 18,480,632 54,467,614

POST AL SERVICE 642,593 107,407 750,000 CAM - USER PAY COST SHARE 812,430 37,570 850,000 NATIONAL SPACE COSTS 30,561 369,439 400,000 DIRECT SUPPORT COSTS 7,347,81 I 2,484,488 9,882,299 MBCC EXPENSES 24 7,476 7,500 UNALLOCATED 0 365,656 365,656 TOTALS 44,820,401 21,852,668 66,723,069

MODIFIED 08/23/2013 RSHalbe & V Taylor

MEMORANDUM NUMBER 1

SAN BERNARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

MATAGORDA COUNTY, TEXAS

SUMMARY

TYPE OF PROPOSAL Boundary Addition and Price Approval

LOCATION Located in Southeast Matagorda County near Sargent, Texas.

PROPOSED ADDITION AND PRICE APPROVAL ACRES 2,072.31 (fee) OWNERSHIPS One APPRAISED VALUE AND $ 1,790,000 PER ACRE: $864 RECOMMENDED PRICE

PURPOSE OF ADDITION Provide wintering habitat for waterfowl, including mottled ducks, mallards, and northern pintails.

STATE APPROVAL State Approval pending.

REFUGE STATUS

Acres Cost Per Acre ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 42,733 $27,617,516 $646 ACQUIRED WITH LWCF FUNDS 4,026 $4,708,400 $1 ,169 ACQUIRED BY DONATION 6,224 ACQUIRED WITH OTHER FUNDS 3,606 $3,756,372 $1043 THIS PROPOSAL 2,072 $1,790,000 $864 REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 42,559 TOTAL 101,220

San Bernard NWR September 12, 2013 SAN BERNARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MATAGORDACOUNTY,TEXAS

HISTORY -- The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge on February 27, 1968. In 1997, the Fish and Wildlife Service approved the Austin's Woods Conservation Plan, authorizing the acquisition ofup to 28,000 acres of satellite units for the Refuge. In 2013, the Service expanded the Austin's Woods focus area up to 70,000 acres. To date, the Service has acquired a total of 56,589 acres at the Refuge, including 42,733 acres with Migratory Bird Conservation Act funds.

JUSTIFICATION -- The area proposed for acquisition is part of a rich and productive wetland complex providing wintering, migration, and resident habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, neo­ tropical migratory birds, and other wetland-dependent wildlife species. Thousands of waterfowl winter in the area, including mottled ducks, mallards, northern pintails, gadwalls, widgeons, northern shovelers, blue- and green-winged teal, black-bellied whistling ducks, and ruddy ducks. The proposed acquisition is within the Mid-Coast Initiative of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

PRESENT USE AND OWNERSHIP -- The current owner uses the subject tract for recreation, ranching, and investment. If the Service does not acquire this tract, the owner may sell it for rural recreational uses, with some development, which would negatively impact resources and programs on adjacent refuge lands and result in the loss of critical freshwater marsh, bottomland habitat, and other wetlands important for migratory birds.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT -- The Refuge would manage the tracts as habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, neo-tropical migrants, and other wildlife that depend on freshwater marsh, bottomland hardwood , and grasslands. This proposal furthers the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in assuring the future of the nation's waterfowl resource.

ACQUISITION PROPOSAL -- Boundary addition and price approval are requested for the fee title acquisition of 2,072.31 total acres, consisting of wetland habitat, for the appraised value and recommended price of $864 per acre.

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price Tract Number Per Acre

(136) 2,072.31 1,790,000 $864 Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R) U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) U.S. Representative Randy Weber (R) 14th District San Bernard NWR September 12, 2013 ~ · U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Migratory Bini Co11serw11io11 Commi.,sio11 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE San Bernard National Wild life Refuge STST•• Brazori a, Fort Bend, Matagorda and Wharton Counties , Texas

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95°10w 96°W ss 0 sow ss 0 4aw ss 0 Jow ss 0 2ow ss O 1ow ss 0 w .-::::; MBCC Approved Boundary ---. Boundary to be Approved I,. -- CJ Approved Acquisition Boundary 18 24 PRODUCED IN THE DIVISION OF REALTY 0 6 12 Focus Area Boundary Miles CJ ARLINGTON, VIRGIN IA Previously Acquired • Fee LANO STATUS CURRENT TO 5/5/13 -· ·"- MAP DATE: 8/16/1013 Kilometers Previously Acquired - Easement BASEMAP ESR I / DOE RENEWABLE ENERGY ATLAS - 0 10 20 30 WE B MERCATOR PROJECTION For Approval - Fee NAO 83 - ~ For Approval - Easement -9/12/2013 Date of MBCC Meeting

MEMORANDUM NUMBER 2

TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON

SUMMARY

TYPE OF PROPOSAL Boundary Addition and Price Approval LOCATION Southwest Spokane County, 2 miles south of Cheney, Washington, and 17 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington. PROPOSED ADDITION 39,601, of which up to 12,000 can be ACRES acquired (fee) OWNERSHIPS Many ESTIMATED COST $18,000,000; PER ACRE: $1 ,500 PRICE APPROVAL ACRES 405.38 (fee) plus 60' access (easement) OWNERSHIPS 1 APPRAISED VALUE AND $547,000; PER ACRE: $1,350 RECOMMENDED PRICE To preserve wetland and upland habitats to PURPOSE OF ADDITION benefit migrating, wintering, and breeding waterfowl.

STATE APPROVAL Pending, Jay R. Inslee, Governor, State of Washington.

REFUGE STATUS Acres Per Acre ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 13,909 $507,411 $36 ACQUIRED WITH LWCF FUNDS 1,577 $1 ,574,322 $998 ACQUIRED BY DONATION 238 ACQUIRED BY EXCHANGE 840 LEASES 2,018 AGREEMENT 58 THIS PROPOSAL 405 $547,000 $1 ,350 REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 13,595 TOTAL 32,640

Turnbull NWR September 12, 2013 TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON

HISTORY - Executive Order Number 7681 established Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge on July 20, 1937. The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved the acquisition of the first tract on September 15, 1936. The Refuge's purpose is to serve as breeding ground for migratory birds, primarily diving ducks such as canvasback and redhead. In September, 2003, the Commission approved the addition of 660 acres to the MBCC boundary. At that time, the Service was also given price approval to acquire 80 acres for the protection of waterfowl and native flora and fauna. In September, 2006, the Director approved an expansion of the Refuge boundary of 39,601 acres, with the understanding that the Service could acquire only 12,000 acres within the "Stewardship Area." The Refuge is working with partners and landowners to cooperatively protect all of the habitat and water resources within the expansion. To date, there are 18,640 acres under the control of the Refuge, of which 13,909 acres have been purchased with Migratory Bird Conservation Fund monies.

JUSTIFICATION - The Refuge contains a diverse landscape of the channeled scablands - a mosaic of ponderosa pine, wetlands, and shrub-steppe habitats. Acquisition and management of the proposed area would contribute to several ecosystem goals through the management of these various habitats for migratory waterfowl, threatened and endangered species, neotropical migratory birds, and the potential development of public access.

PRESENT USE AND OWNERSHIP - The 405-acre tract in this proposal is currently vacant but the landowner allows some . The tract contains over 57 acres of drained wetlands.

PROPOSED MANAGEMENT - The Service plans to restore the drained wetlands and manage the tract for waterfowl and other wildlife. Acquiring this tract, which is adjacent to another recently acquired tract, will enable the Service to enhance protection of the Refuge and the Channeled Scablands Partners for Fish and Wildlife Focus Area.

ACQUISITION PROPOSAL - Boundary approval is request for the expansion of the refuge by 39,601 acres, of which up to 12,000 can be acquired. Price Approval is also requested for the fee title acquisition of 405 acres, in one ownership, for the appraised value and recommended price of$547,000, or $1 ,350 per acre. The acquisition includes a 60' access easement.

TRACT SUMMARY Appraised Value and Recommended Price Tract Number Per Acre

(285) 405 $547,000 $1,350 (285,R) 60' access (included in price) Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D) U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D) U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rogers (R) 5th District Turnbull NWR September 12, 2013 ••,-:-;:::-..:.:-.:::- ' U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ~ligrutory Bini Comermtio11 Co111111i.uio11 -wNATIONAi.. WII..DLIFE REll"UGE Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge STSTSM Spokane County, washington State

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.--·--·-" MBCC Approved Boundary .:::, Boundary to be Approved CJ Approved Acquisition Boundary PRODUCED IN THE DIVISION OF REALTY 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 ~,~- Previously Acquired • Fee ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA -=-,==-•-===- Miles LANO STATUS CURRENT TO 5/5/13 ~ ~ ~:: ~ ' Previously Acquired • Easement N MAP OATE: 8/11/2013 -=-====i Kilometers BASEMAP: ESRI / DOE RENEWABLE ENERGY ATLAS 0 2 4 6 For Approval • Fee WEB MERCATOR PROJECTION ~ For Approval - Easement NAO 83 W* E 9/12/2013- Date of MBCC Meeting s

MEMORANDUM NUMBER 3

UPPER OUACHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

UNION AND MOREHOUSE PARISHES, LOUISIANA

SUMMARY

TYPE OF PROPOSAL Boundary Addition and Price Approval LOCATION Approximately 28 miles north of Monroe, Louisiana. PROPOSED ADDITION ACRES 1,356 (fee) OWNERSHIPS One ESTIMATED COST $1 ,585,164 PER ACRE: $1,169

THIS PROPOSAL (Price Approval) ACRES 2,161 (fee) OWNERSHIPS One APPRAISED VALUE AND RECOMMENDED PRICE $2,526,291 PER ACRE: $1,169

PURPOSE OF ADDITION To protect and restore bottomland hardwood forest habitat for wintering waterfowl, including mallards, northern pintails, and wood ducks.

STATE APPROVAL State Approval pending.

REFUGE STATUS

Acres Cost Per Acre ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 44,844 $27,530,802 $614 ACQUIRED WITH LWCF FUNDS 1,350 $3 ,388,148 $2,510 ACQUIRED BY DONATION (EASEMENT): 6 0 $0 ACQUIRED BY EXCHANGE 641 0 $0 THIS PROPOSAL 2,161 $2,526,291 $1,169 REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 14,021 TOTAL 63,023

Upper Ouachita NWR September 12, 2013 UPPER OUA CHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE UNION AND MOREHOUSE PARISHES, LOUISIANA

HISTORY -- The Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge was established on November 9, 1978, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. §715d), to preserve, protect, and restore 36,630 acres of wintering waterfowl habitat. The refuge acquisition boundary was expanded by 19,809 acres on September 2, 1997; 4,300 acres on July 12, 1999; 7 acres on August 17, 2005; and, 1,356 acres on July 2, 2013. The current approved refuge acquisition boundary is approximately 63,023 acres. The Refuge encompasses bottomland hardwood forest, pine and pine/hardwood mixed forests, shrub-scrub habitats, moist soil areas, and open water. The purposes of the Refuge are to preserve wintering habitat for mallards, pintails and wood ducks, and to contribute to the goals of the Lower Mississippi River Valley Joint Venture, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan. To date, 44,844 acres have been acquired in fee title with Migratory Bird Conservation Funds.

JUSTIFICATION -- Part of the proposed boundary addition and the proposed price approval property are a portion of a larger property known as the "Beanfield Tract." The Beanfield Tract has been a high priority for acquisition since Refuge establishment. The Service's interest in acquiring this property heightened as it acquired nearby large tracts. This left the Beanfield Tract as the final large inholding east of the river. Acquisition of the property will incorporate a portion of this large inholding into Refuge ownership. Thousands of waterfowl winter in the area, including mottled ducks, mallards, northern pintails, gadwalls, widgeons, northern shovelers, blue- and green-winged teal, black-bellied whistling ducks, and ruddy ducks. The proposed acquisition is within the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

PRESENT USE AND OWNERSHIP-A real estate investment company bought the subject tract in 2007 with plans to resell it. Currently it leases the property for recreational hunting. If the Service does not acquire the property, the company will likely sell it to a private party or sub­ divide and sell it to multiple private parties.

PROPOSED MANAGEMENT-- Management of this property will focus on protecting habitats for waterfowl, wading birds, neo-tropical migrants, and other wildlife that depend on bottomland hardwood forests, and providing opportunities for compatible environmental education, interpretation, and wildlife-oriented recreation, including quality hunting and fishing opportunities.

ACQUISITION PROPOSAL-- We request boundary addition of 1,356 acres, in one ownership, and price approval for the fee title acquisition of 2,161 acres, in one ownership, for the appraised value and recommended price of $2,526,291, or $1,169 per acre.

Upper Ouachita NWR September 12, 2013 UPPER OUACHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE UNION AND MOREHOUSE PARISHES, LOUISIANA

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price

Tract Number Per Acre

(34b) 2,161 $2,526,291 $1,169

Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D) U.S. Senator David Vitter (R) U.S. Representative Rodney Alexander (R) 5th District

Upper Ouachita NWR September 12, 2013

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BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

SUMMARY

TYPE OF PROPOSAL Price Approval LOCATION Approximately 14 miles south of Cambridge, Maryland, in south central Dorchester County.

PRICE APPROVAL ACRES 201.32 (fee) OWNERSHIPS One APPRAISED VALUE AND $1,005,000 PER ACRE: $4,992 RECOMMENDED PRICE

PURPOSE OF REFUGE To preserve marsh, shoreline, wooded swamp and forested upland habitat for migratory waterfowl.

August 13, 2009, John R. Griffin, STATE APPROVAL Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, Mary land.

REFUGE STATUS

Acres Cost Per Acre ACQUIRED WITH MBCC APPROVAL 20,266 $11 ,990,184 $592 BACQUIRED WITH L WCF FUNDS 5,344 $6,509,147 $1 ,223 3ACQUIRED WITH NA WCF 856 ACQUIRED BY DONATION 1,371 THIS PROPOSAL 201 $1,005,000 $4,992 REMAINING TO BE ACQUIRED 15,758 TOTAL 43 ,796

Blackwater NWR September 12, 2013 BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1932 as a waterfowl sanctuary. Blackwater NWR is part of the Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex, which also includes Martin NWR and Susquehanna NWR. The Director approved the Land Protection Plan, as part of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan, for the Complex on July 19, 2006. To date, the Service has acquired 20,266 acres with Migratory Bird Conservation Act funds.

Before it became a refuge, past owners managed the marshland along the central portion of the Blackwater River as a fur farm. The Refuge and its adjacent marshes and waters are one of the Chesapeake Bay's most important and productive estuarine assets that support a wide diversity of sub-aquatic and emergent plant communities. This aquatic vegetation, in turn, provides optimum habitat for large concentrations of waterfowl.

This long-time high priority inholding consists of approximately 80% forested wetland, 10% brackish/impounded marsh, 7% freshwater impoundments, and 1% open water ponds. The tract includes brackish and freshwater marsh, scattered ponds, and forested wetland, dominated by water-tolerant oaks, sweetgum, black gum, red maple, and loblolly pine. It receives freshwater from Greenbriar Swamp and contains an existing dike system and numerous impoundments managed for waterfowl. The current owner co-managed the subject tract, together with a southern portion, for private recreational hunting. With Commission approval, the Service acquired that southern portion earlier this year from a separate landowner. Acquisition of Tract (159) will give the Refuge complete control of the dike system and its associated network of roads, feeder ditches, tide gates, and water control structures. Thousands of staging teal and wigeon use the impoundments on this parcel as resting and stopover sites in the spring and fall. Wood ducks, black ducks, and mallards frequent the freshwater ponds in the wooded areas. Acquisition will also allow the Refuge staff to develop public access and evaluate the potential for public hunting. We request price approval for the fee title acquisition of 201 acres, in one ownership, at the appraised value and recommended price of $1,005,000 or $4,992 per acre.

TRACT SUMMARY

Appraised Value and Recommended Price Tract Number Acres Land Total Per Acre (159) 201.32 $1,005,000 $4,992

Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D) U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D) U.S. Representative Andy Harris (R) 1st District

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MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSALS

September 12, 2013

U. S. PROPOSALS (TITLE, LOCATION):

1. Bottomlands of the Great Rivers Illinois, Missouri

2. Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands III Iowa

3. Cobscook Bay - Bold Coast Project Area Phase III Maine

4. Connecticut Coastal Initiative Connecticut

5. Heads of Estuaries Phase III Maine

6. Lahontan Valley - Western Nevada Wetlands Project Nevada

7. Lower Grand River Basin Missouri

8. Mississippi Wetlands Conservation Initiative Mississippi

9. Missouri Coteau Habitat Conservation Project- XII North Dakota

10. Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland IV Montana

11. North Dakota Drift Prairie Project - IV North Dakota

12. North Sacramento Valley Wetland Habitat Project Phase VI

13. Without Borders Phase IV Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota

14. Sears Point Tidal Restoration California

15 . South Carolina Coastal Refuges Partnership South Carolina

16. South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative IV South Carolina

17 . South Dakota Habitat Legacy Project South Dakota

18. Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative New Jersey

19. Southeastern North Carolina Wetlands Initiative IV North Carolina

20. Texas Gulf Coast XI Texas

21. Upper Iowa Prairie Pothole Partnership - Phase III Iowa

DRAFT In Reply Refer To: FWS/AMBS/DBHC/DCN------

DECISION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY

To: Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

From: Director

Subject: Real Property Interests That Should Not Be Included in the National Wildlife Refuge System per North American Wetlands Conservation Act

I. INTRODUCTION The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission) is tentatively scheduled to meet on September 12, 2013, at which time the North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) will recommend 21 proposals for funding under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (Act).

The Commission has the authority to approve project funding under the Act.

II. BACKGROUND Section 6(a)(2) of the Act states that property interests acquired in the United States using Act funds shall be included in the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). However, at his discretion, the Secretary of the Interior (or delegated authority) may determine that Act funds can be used to acquire property interests that are excluded, either partially or in full, from the NWRS. These property interests will be managed in accordance with the conservation objectives of the Act.

III. POSITION OF INTERESTED PARTIES On Julyl0, 2013, the Council agreed to recommend 21 U.S. Standard Grant proposals for funding under the Act in the first funding cycle in Fiscal Year 2014. Of the 21 proposals, the eight proposals listed below would use Act funds to acquire property partially or completely outside the NWRS. Four of the remaining 13 proposals involve properties that will be acquired for the NWRS. Seven proposals will not use Act funds for proposed acquisitions. Two proposals do not involve acquisition.

IV. DECISION OPTIONS We have determined that the eight proposals with property acquisitions outside the NWRS will be managed in accordance with the conservation objectives of the Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has cooperative working relationships with the partners in these proposals and we share similar conservation goals. The Service can take action if a grantee fails to manage property acquired with Act funds in accordance with the grant agreement. Actions that may be taken 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) transferring the title to the interest in real property to the Federal Government or 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 these actions.

V. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that all acquired property interests be excluded from the NWRS for the following proposals:

Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands III, IA Cobscook Bay - Bold Coast Project Area Phase III, ME Connecticut Coastal Initiative, CT Heads of Estuaries Phase III, ME Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland IV, MT South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative IV, SC Southeastern North Carolina Wetlands Initiative IV, NC Upper Iowa Prairie Pothole Partnership - Phase III, IA

VI. SECRETARY'S DECISION

---APPROVE

---DISAPPROVE

---COMMENTS

A copy of this memorandum will be provided to the Secretary of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, A. Eric Alvarez, so that he may enter this document into the records of the Commission. Please contact Jerome Ford, Assistant Director for Migratory Birds, at (202) 208-1058 if you have any questions. North American Wetlands Conservation Act U.S. Proposals September 12, 2013 (numbers correspond to table)

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NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT SUMMARY

September 12, 2013

U. S. Proposals

Map NAWCA Partner Grant Funds Coastal Number Title (MBCC rank) State Request Match Acres forUSFWS Project Bottom lands of the Great Rivers (7) IL,MO $1,000,000 $2,085,093 2,890 No 2 Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands III (5) IA $1,000,000 $3,908,183 3,070 No 3 Cobscook Bay - Bold Coast Project Area Phase III (15) ME $947,500 $1,959,260 1,001 Yes 4 Connecticut Coastal Initiative (19) CT $985,857 $3,722,005 884 Yes 5 Heads of Estuaries Phase III (11) ME $1,000,000 $2,026,500 1,002 Yes 6 Lahontan Valley - Western Nevada Wetlands Project (4) NV $1,000,000 $2,300,000 8,780 No 7 Lower Grand River Basin (9) MO $1,000,000 $2,141,230 2,590 No 8 Mississippi Wetlands Conservation Initiative (6) MS $876,479 $2,117,537 4,436 No 9 Missouri Coteau Habitat Conservation Project - XII (1) ND $2,000,000 $2,102,918 11,478 No 10 Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland IV (8) MT $938,232 $938,232 11,629 $938,232 No 11 North Dakota Drift Prairie Project - IV (10) ND $1,000,000 $1,033,979 22,695 $1,000,000 No 12 North Sacramento Valley Wetland Habitat Project Phase VI (2) CA $1,000,000 $2,255,687 5,196 No 13 Prairies Without Borders Phase IV ( 18) MN,ND,SD $1,000,000 $1,029,188 1,987 No 14 Sears Point Tidal Restoration (16) CA $1,000,000 $2,037,000 1,135 Yes 15 South Carolina Coastal Refuges Partnership ( 17) SC $1,000,000 $1,688,000 2,301 $1,000,000 Yes 16 South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative IV (12) SC $1,000,000 7,825,465 1,852 Yes 17 South Dakota Habitat Legacy Project (3) SD $780,000 $1,205,019 21 ,266 No 18 Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative (14) NJ $1,000,000 $2,506,315 5,940 Yes 19 Southeastern North Carolina Wetlands Initiative IV (21) NC $1,000,000 $3,354,940 1,504 Yes 20 Texas Gulf Coast XI (20) TX $992,051 $999,495 2,612 Yes 21 Upper Iowa Prairie Pothole Partnership - Phase III (13) IA $1,000,000 $2,825,000 1,216 No Totals: $21,520,119 $50,061,046 115,464

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Bottom lands of the Great Rivers, Illinois, Missouri

COUNTIES, STATES, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRJCTS: Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, and Johnson, Illinois; St. Charles, Missouri; Congressional District(s): Illinois #12 & 15, Missouri #9.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc (DU) $1,000,000

MATCIDNG PARTNERS $2,085,093 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) $ 7,617 Wetlands America Trust (WAT) $2,000,000 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) $ 18,000 Shawnee Resource Conservation & Development (SRCD) $ 33,800 Friends of the Cache River Watershed (FC) $ 4,000 Bill Kuhnert (BK) $ 8,800 Grand Tower Drainage and Levee District (DLD) $ 1,284 Forrest-Keeling Nursery (PKN) $ 11,592

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,085,093/2,676 (214) acres Fee Acquired $ 4,000/ 80 acres Restored $ 89,800/ 837 acres Enhanced $ 925,374/ l,759 (214) acres Grant Administration $ 40,000 Indirect Costs $ 25,919 Other $2,000,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This proposal marks the beginning of a coordinated, multi-year effort to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on public land within a four-county focus area of the overall proposal area. Located within the region of the Midwest where the Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Wabash, Ohio, and many other rivers join together as one, this proposal achieves wetland habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement in the Mississippi River watershed and floodplain, with a specific focus on the Big Muddy River Bottoms and Cache River Basin areas of southern Illinois. It targets protection, restoration, and enhancement of waterfowl migration and wintering habitat within the largest river corridor in Illinois and the Midwest. This effort supports the habitat goals of the Illinois portion of North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) Implementation Strategy (1998- 2013). The proposal area is located within two of the "areas of greatest continental significance to North American ducks, geese, and swans" as identified in the NAWMP: Central Rivers and Mississippi Alluvial Valley. It also helps meet Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wetland conservation goals defined by the "Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy," which is the Wildlife Action Plan for the state of Illinois. The proposal area is in a primary wetland conservation focus area of the Central Hardwoods Joint Venture (CH N). Agriculture development dominates the landscape and has resulted in drained wetlands, loss of historic deciduous forest and prairie, eroded banks, nutrient loading in waterways, and general habitat destruction. This proposal is focused on the protection, restoration, and enhancement of emergent, forested, and scrub-shrub wetlands for waterfowl, other migratory birds, other wildlife, fish, and society.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Until very recently, the proposal's four-county focus area was located within the administrative boundary of the Upper Mississippi River/Great Lakes Region Joint Venture (UMR/GL N). At the time this proposal is being written, the CH N's Science Team is currently refining their implementation plan to all-bird and acreage by habitat type scales. Therefore, for the purposes oflandscape-level habitat planning the UMR/GL N 's 2007 Implementation Plan will be used to identify acreage goals for the purposes of this proposal. Encompassing the CH N portion of Illinois, the UMR/GL N's 2007 Implementation Plan combines the habitat needs of four bird­ groups (waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and landbirds) into one comprehensive all-bird habitat conservation plan, and identifies the acreage goals of specific habitat types for the purpose of sustaining and increasing priority bird species populations within each bird-group. Through planned protection, restoration, and enhancement actions, this proposal contributes to achieving the acreage goals of four habitat types identified in the 2007 Implementation Plan: shallow semi-permanent marsh/hemi-marsh (hemi-marsh), wet mudflat/moist soil plants (mudflat), forested wetland, and marsh with associated shrub/forest. Specifically, the UMR/GL N has identified the need to maintain/protect 29,640 acres and restore/enhance 14,820 acres of forested wetlands within the Illinois portion of Bird Conservation Region 24 (BCR 24). This proposal will address this acreage need by protecting, restoring, and enhancing more than 2,500 acres of forested wetlands. The conservation of this habitat-type is the main component of this proposal. The UMR/GL N has identified the need to maintain/protect 33,901 acres and restore/enhance 2,831 acres of both hemi-marsh and mudflat within the Illinois portion of BCR 24. This proposal will address this acreage need by protecting, restoring, or enhancing more than 100 acres of hemi-marsh and mudflat. The UMR/GL N has identified the need to maintain/protect 5,765 acres and restore/enhance 1,153 acres of marsh with associated shrub/forest within the Illinois portion of BCR 24. This proposal will address these acreage needs by conserving over 15 acres of this habitat type.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: A strong coalition of conservation partners has pooled resources to accomplish the habitat work identified in this proposal. The acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements on USFS and FWS properties will be open to a variety of different public recreational uses, including hiking, birding, camping, fishing and hunting. The USFS properties are all included as part of the Shawnee National Forest and the FWS properties are all included as part of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. This proposal will provide important migration, wintering, and breeding areas for waterfowl, benefit rare and endangered species of wildlife and fish associated with large river ecosystems, improve water quality, help to stimulate local economies through recreation on project lands, and offer a host of other benefits to society.

NEW PARTNERS: This proposal has been prepared by a new NAWCA partnership for this four-county region of Illinois. Five of the ten partner organizations, SRCD, FC, BK, DLD, and FKN, are new to standard NAWCA. This reflects an increased support of migratory bird conservation in southern Illinois. DU, WAT, NWTF, USFS, and FWS are the only partners to have been involved to some varying degree with previous standard NAWCA proposals and grants.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: We are not aware of any other NAWCA proposals being funded for the proposal's four-county focus area (hereafter referenced for simplicity's sake as "focus area").

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: This area faces continuing danger of new agricultural development and/or the conversion of farmland to residential areas. Land prices continue to escalate in this region of Illinois which will impact the future ability to conserve important habitats. If this proposal is not funded, we will lose approximately two millions dollars ($2,000,000) of match committed by WAT to this proposal. In the event that this proposal is not funded, the ability of the USFS and FWS to restore and enhance properties identified in this proposal will be negatively impacted since alternate funding sources are limited. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands Ill, Iowa

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Iowa counties include: Mitchell, Howard, Floyd, Chickasaw, Franklin, Butler, Bremer, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware, Benton, Linn, Jones, Cedar, Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine. The project area also includes portions of Iowa Congressional Districts 1, 2, and 4.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Iowa Department of Natural Resources $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $3,908,183 Grantee: Iowa Department of Natural Resources $1 ,462,098 Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation $ 504,707 The Nature Conservancy $ 438,360 Bremer County Conservation Board $ 296,700 Guy and Shirley Grover $ 279,000 Linn County Conservation Board $ 145,400 Butler County Conservation Board $ 138,118 Buchanan County Conservation Board $ 108,600 ASC, L.L.C. $ 69,000 Clinton County Conservation Board $ 53,000 Black Hawk County Conservation Board $ 52,500 Allan and Fayette Meyer Trust $ 50,000 Pheasants Forever, Iowa State Council $ 40,000 Pheasants Forever, Linn County Chapter $ 35,000 Pheasants Forever, Clinton County Chapter $ 31,000 Lowell E. Walters Trust $ 29,500 Pheasants Forever, Buchanan County Chapter $ 23,500 Young Family Foundation $ 20,000 Jerry Slattery $ 16,500 Richard S. "Sandy" Rhodes II Fund $ 15,000 Waterfowl USA, Mississippi Valley Chapter $ 10,000 National Wild Turkey Federation, Red Cedar Chapter $ 10,000 John S. Lowenberg Fund $ 10,000 Buchanan County Wildlife Association $ 8,100 Friends of Black Hawk County Conservation $ 8,000 National Wild Turkey Federation $ 7,500 Whitetails Unlimited, Iowa State Chapter $ 6,600 Whitetails Unlimited, Cedar Wapsi Chapter $ 6,000 Whitetails Unlimited, Clinton County Chapter $ 6,000 Pheasants Forever, North Butler Chapter $ 5,000 Pheasants Forever, South Butler Chapter $ 5,000 Pheasants Forever, Jones County Chapter $ 5,000 Pheasants Forever, Delaware County Chapter $ 3,000 Pheasants Forever, Scott County Chapter $ 3,000 Whitetails Unlimited, National $ 2,500 Whitetails Unlimited, Jackson County Chapter $ 2,000 Audubon Society, Prairie Rapids Chapter $ 1,500 Whitetails Unlimited, Wapsi Bottoms Chapter $ 1,000 GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,908, 183/3,064 (6) acres Fee Acquired $4,888,183/3,064 acres Enhanced $ 20,000/ (6) acres

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This project focuses on wetland protection and restoration through public land acquisition within the floodplains of the Cedar and Wapsipinicon Rivers in northeastern Iowa. These rivers are considered to be among the best remaining examples of major interior rivers in the entire Upper Mississippi River Basin. These rivers are characterized by broad floodplains which contain little development and consist of an extensive series of old river oxbows, channel off-chutes, and other forested wetlands.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The project area is an important part of a major migration corridor for waterfowl, including Lesser Scaup, and other wetland dependent migratory birds moving between the Central Mississippi River and the Prairie Pothole Region which are both continental priority areas identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. This proposal conserves a diverse set of palustrine herbaceous and forested wetlands that will serve as important spring and fall migration habitats.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: This proposal highlights our efforts to assist flood-affected landowners in shifting their agricultural operations to less flood-prone areas following major flood events in 2008 and 2010. The projects serve as demonstration sites for using wetland and restoration on frequently flooding agricultural lands as a cost effective alternative to recurring disaster payments and agricultural infrastructure repair. These restorations provide significant improvements in flood control and water quality and will mitigate damages resulting from future flood events providing benefits locally, regionally (through floodwater attenuation), and nationally (by working to reduce the gulf hypoxic zone).

NEW PARTNERS: This proposal includes 14 first time NAWCA partners providing more than $500,000 in matching funds. New partners include 2 state/national non-governmental conservation organizations, 6 local non-governmental conservation organizations, 3 private landowners (including a 10% partner), 2 local trusts, and 1 estate. With this grant proposal, 80 matching partners have participated in one of the NAWCA grants within the current project area and more than 300 matching partners have participated in Iowa NAWCA grants overall.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: The Upper Wapsi Wetlands NAWCA grant funded in 2000 was the first NAWCA grant focused on conservation of wetland habitats along the Wapsipinicon River. Conservation efforts were expanded to include the Cedar River with the Cedar-Wapsi Valley Wetlands NA WCA project funded in 2007. The Cedar-Wapsi Valley phase II NAWCA project was funded in 2012. This is phase 3 of 4 anticipated NAWCA proposals under the Cedar-Wapsi Valley series ofNAWCA grants and represents the bulk of our work dedicated to conserving production and migration habitats on the Cedar and Wapsipinicon Rivers.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Major factors contributing to declining migratory bird populations across Iowa include alteration of hydrology, loss of habitat, and continued disturbance and fragmentation of existing habitats. Land acquisition and habitat restoration is targeted to river corridor projects where habitat additions contribute to large areas of contiguous habitat. Acquisition and long­ term active management of these areas by public land management agencies will result in more diverse bottomland hardwood forest and tallgrass prairie stands and improved aquatic vegetation and invertebrate communities in wetland habitats. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Cobscook Bay - Bold Coast Project Area Phase III, Maine

COUNTY, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Washington County, Maine, District 2.

GRANT AMOUNT $947,500 Allocation: Maine Coast Heritage Trust $ 947,500

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,959,260 Grantee: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) $1,445,760 Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) $ 5,000 The Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew) $ 298,121 Elmina B. Sewall Foundation (Sewall) $ 73,939 Open Space Institute (OSI) $ 127,940 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $ 5,000 Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation (PRWF) $ 2,500 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) $ 500 Passamaquoddy Tribe, Sipayik Environmental Department (SED) $ 500

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,906, 760/1,001 acres Fee Acquired $1,446,000/779 acres Conservation Easements Acquired $ 200,000/222 acres Previously approved MCP funds $1,220,760 Other (transaction costs) $ 40,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: The Project Area is part of the Cobscook Bay and Downeast Coast Focus Areas, on the Downeast coast of Maine. Cobscook Bay has been the highest priority focus area in Maine under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), the Maine Wetlands Protection Coalition (MWPC) and the ACJV. This proposal was developed by the MWPC- a partnership established in 1988 of federal and state conservation agencies, statewide conservation organizations, local land trusts and private landowners to support the NAWMP in Maine. This project will permanently protect 1,001 acres of high value wetland and adjacent upland buffer habitat in the Cobscook Bay- Bold Coast Project Area -- in direct support of the goals of all current national and regional migratory bird conservation plans. This proposal is part of a larger, ongoing coordinated effort by project partners to protect important habitats at a landscape scale. These include a significant proposed expansion of the Moosehom NWR acquisition boundary that could help link conservation lands in the Project Area with other large blocks of conservation land along river corridors, near Grand Lake Stream, and federal lands on Moosehom's 17,200-acre Baring Unit.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Habitat Types: Coastal intertidal wetlands, interior freshwater wetlands, and associated upland buffers. Waterfowl: The Project Area contains relatively undisturbed and exceptionally productive habitat for at least 29 species of waterfowl, including NAWCA's high priority American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Mallard, Greater Scaup, and priority species Atlantic Brant, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Common Eider and American Widgeon. Shorebirds: Cobscook Bay boasts some of the highest shorebird abundance and diversity on the eastern coast of the USA, with as many as 150,000 shorebirds passing through Cobscook Bay annually. Thirty­ four species of shorebirds have been documented within the Project Area, including regular use by several declining species, such as Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot and Dunlin. PIF species, federally-listed TIE species and other waterbirds: The coastal embayments and upland buffer in the Project Area provide exceptionally high value habitat for high priority (rare, declining, threatened or endangered) trust species that regularly inhabit the region. The Project Area supports a large year­ round population of American Black Duck, a globally vulnerable Watch List species considered one of the highest priority species in the ACN. A habitat analysis conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Gulf of Maine Coastal Program for the U.S. portion of the Gulf of Maine watershed, documents that forest, freshwater wetland and intertidal estuarine/marine habitat contained in project tracts are high value (within the top 25%), based on their value for rare or declining species of birds and fish.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Conservation of key parcels will benefit the people of the area by preserving the region's scenic beauty as well as its wildlife habitat, water quality and - where feasible - potential for low-impact recreation and other public uses. Seven of 8 proposal tracts will be owned and managed by project partners, affording the greatest degree of management control to ensure appropriate public use. MCHT and DCC have upheld a longstanding Maine tradition of allowing legal hunting on their properties, subject to limitations or seasonal closures to facilitate habitat and wildlife management

NEW PARTNERS: The Sipayik Environmental Department of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, and the Open Space Institute all join as new NA WCA partners since the last proposal submitted in 2010.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: This high priority conservation focus area received the state's first two NAWCA grants in 1992 and 1995. In 2008, project partners received and closed out another $1,000,000 NA WCA grant for the same project area described in this proposal. A $1,000,000 Phase II project was funded in the project area in 2010, with protection goals for that phase scheduled to be achieved or exceeded by May 2013.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Despite the downturn in the housing market several years ago, there is still demand for relatively large, unique coastal properties within the project area, especially for second homes. The resulting threat of development and habitat loss is very real. The most marketable coastal lands with deep ocean frontage and entire islands have either been bought or priced out of range of most NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Connecticut Coastal Initiative, Connecticut

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: New Haven, Middlesex, Tolland, and New London Counties, CT, Congressional Districts 2 and 3.

GRANT AMOUNT $985,857 Allocation: CT DEEP $ 335,857 Town of Branford $ 50,000 Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center $ 600,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $3,722,005

Grantee: CT DEEP $1,604,900 Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) $1,114,135 Town of Branford (BRANFORD) $ 121,470 Town of Tolland (TOLLAND) $ 270,000 Trust for Public Land (TPL) $ 469,200 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $ 117,300 Branford Land Trust (BLT) $ 25,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,707 ,862/884 acres Fee Acquired $4,307,305/614 acres Restored $ 400,557/270 acres

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This project will protect and restore critical wetland habitats in coastal Connecticut, an area recognized for having one of only 3 5 RAMS AR wetlands of International importance in the United States, and one of only nine RAMSAR wetlands on the East Coast. The complex is essential habitat for numerous regionally, nationally, and globally rare or otherwise significant species and forms an extensive biological corridor that links marine and estuarine waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The project area and immediate offshore environment within this proposal regularly harbors up to 20% of the states wintering waterfowl population. Both the protection and restoration activities we propose will result in progress towards achievement of North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NA WMP), Partners in Flight (PIF), US Shorebird Conservation Plan, and North American Waterbird Conservation Plan population objectives for a number of priority species. All tracts associated with this project fall within the National Priority Wetland Areas for the NAWMP, PIF, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, and all coastal tracts lie within Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV) Waterfowl Focus Areas.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The proposed activities will restore salt marsh habitat in an ecologically important area of the Long Island Sound estuary. This restoration will benefit many priority species. The proposal is located within the most important area of Connecticut for migratory shorebirds and long-legged wading birds. Regionally significant numbers of semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla), sanderling (Calidris alba), dunlin (Calidris alpine), and black-bellied plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) utilize the sandy spits and marshes in and around Silver Sands. The mouth of the Housatonic River and the surrounding marshes harbor the largest concentration of migrating shorebirds in the state, often numbering over 15,000 at peak. Additionally, piping plovers that nest on the sandy spit adjacent to the restoration will likely benefit through enhancement of foraging areas. Restoration will benefit both salt marsh sparrows and seaside sparrows that occur and nest in the marsh. PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The acquisitions will provide public access for hunting, hiking, and educational opportunities.

NEW PARTNERS: Town of Tolland, Town of Branford, Branford Land Trust, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS: Two of the match properties (Tolland-Luce and the TNC CT River restoration) occur adjacent to previously funded NAWCA Small Grant (Charter Marsh Restoration Tolland CT-2012) and NAWCA Standard Grant (Great Island Old Lyme CT-2000) projects.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Over the last century sea level has risen-2 mm/year, however, most projections indicate that sea level rise in Long Island Sound and the northeastern US as a whole can be expected to be of a greater magnitude and accelerated relative to other systems on the Atlantic Coast. Four of five well-monitored Spartina marshes of high conservation value from Virginia to New England have lost 10-20% of their area due to increasing hydro-period that has increased to the extent that saltmarsh is being converted to intertidal mudflats or subtidal habitat (0 .2-0.7% per year). Sea-level rise is projected to accelerate over the next century with predicted annual tidal marsh losses of 0.5-1.5%. Acquiring parcels that will facilitate marsh migration is a key strategy towards the long-term conservation of our salt marsh bird assemblages. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Heads of Estuaries Phase III, Maine

COUNTY, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Washington County, Maine, ME-002.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation (PRWF) $1 ,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,026,500 Grantee: Pleasant River Wildife Foundation (PRWF) $ 735,000 Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) $ 425,000 Robert B. Brack (BRK) $ 250,000 Roger and Judy Clapp (CLPF) $ 225,000 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (l\1DIFW)/ Land for Maine's Future Program $ 200,000 Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) $ 120,000 John and Anne Marshall (MARS) $ 28,000 Clark Family (CLKF) $ 25,000 Elmina B. Sewall Foundation (SWLF) $ 16,5 00 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $ 1,000 Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) $ 500 Sandy and Jeremy Dickson (DCK) $ 500

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,026,500/l,002 acres Fee Acquired $2,924,500/945 acres Easement Donated $ 100,000/ 57 acres Project Expenses $ 2,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This is the Heads of the Estuaries Phase III NAWCA grant. Since 2008 The Heads of the Estuaries Partnership (HEP), a consortium of government agencies, regional conservation organizations and local land trusts, has worked towards the protection of 25 miles of coastline and 7,500 acres of coastal wetlands and upland buffer along the estuaries ofDowneast Maine. Stretching northeastward from the Corea Peninsula to Machias Bay, this is a region of concentrated, high value wetland habitat for BCR 14 waterfowl and shorebirds. Because Coastal BCR 14 is adjacent to and shares many important habitat types with the New England coastal part of BCR 30 this HEP III project also supports many priority BCR 30 bird species.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Waterfowl: Undisturbed and expansive intertidal wetlands and shallow adjacent coastal waters provide exceptional migratory and wintering habitat for at least 28 species of waterfowl, including four BCR 14 and one BCR 30 Highest Priority (HH), one BCR 14 and four BCR 30 High Priority (H) and six BCR 14 and seven BCR 30 Moderate (M) species. Large assemblages of migratory and wintering Black Ducks (BCR 14 and 30 HH) are noteworthy, as are thousands of year round Common Eider (BCR 14 HI-I, 30 H). Shorebirds: The HEP Focus Region provides internationally significant and l\1DIFW mapped roosting and feeding areas for tens of thousands of migrating shorebirds. USFWS Gulf of Maine Coastal Program GIS and other studies indicate that at least 37 shorebird species use HEP III Tracts. Annual l\1DIFW surveys indicate that HEP wetlands provide important habitat for some of the largest populations of Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, Black-bellied Plovers, Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and White-rumped Sandpipers observed in Maine. BCR 14, BCR 30, Partners in Flight and Waterbird Conservation Plan species: The HEP Region provides habitat for 163 species identified in BCR 14 and for many others in neighboring and closely related BCR 30, for 41 of 42 priority species identified in the Partners in Flight Plan, Physiographic Region 28, and habitat for 24 of 30 priority waterbird species identified in the Mid Atlantic/New England/Maritimes Waterbird Conservation Plan. The HEP Region also supports nesting seabirds, wading birds and Bald Eagles on 81 nationally significant islands. As of 2011 , 29 of these islands remain unprotected. Most of the species cited here can be found on one or more of the nine HEP III Tracts. Federal TIE species: T/E species nesting in the HEP Region and known foraging in or near HEP III Tracts include Roseate Tern (E) (one current and one historic nest island), recently de-listed Bald Eagle (198 nests, 70 identified as "Important Nest and Buffer Areas"). State Endangered and recently federally de-listed Peregrine Falcon have one current and two historic nest sites in the HEP Region and nest just outside in Acadia NP, regularly foraging in the Region. Red Knot, a federal Candidate Species, is a regular visitor, recently photographed on a HEP project. State TIE species on HEP III Tracts include Least Bittern, Sedge Wren, Upland Sandpiper (all State E), and Harlequin Duck, Purple Sandpiper, Short­ eared Owl and Barrows Goldeneye (all T).

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Low-impact traditional public uses such as birding, hunting, fishing, clamming and worming, hiking, kayaking, environmental education and biological research will be guaranteed on all acquisition Tracts consistent with the purposes of the NAWMP. Public use may be restricted during periods when certain species are most sensitive to disturbance. Conservation will also benefit the Downeast Coast by preserving scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, water quality, Native American artifacts, and eco-tourism potential.

NEW PARTNERS: There are six partners new to NAWCA: two landowners making bargain sale gifts (CLPF, CLKF), one making a major cash contribution (BRK), the Dicksons (DCK), neighbors of the MCS Tract, Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) and the Sewall Foundation (SWLF), a major philanthropy.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: The Tracts in this HEP III grant protect 1,002 acres of high value habitat on Maine's "Downeast" coast including 313 acres of tidal and wetlands. Supporting the long term goal of the MWPC to implement the NAWMP in Maine, HEP III builds directly on four previous NAWCA Standard Grants in the HEP Focus Region: Greater Pleasant Bay I and II and HEP I and II that together have protected 4,358 acres, as well as on three Coastal Wetlands and several state and NGO grants.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Wetlands and associated upland buffers are still largely undisturbed within the HEP Region. However, this situation is changing rapidly. Four of the Tracts presented in this grant are currently being promoted for sale for development. In response to local waterfront values that remain reasonable compared with coastal areas farther south, developers and home buyers have discovered the "Downeast" area's affordable home sites. Farther from more crowded southern Maine, such properties offer privacy and a rare natural feel. Already much of the deep water frontage has been developed; the next frontier is along the sensitive intertidal zone, where waterbirds are most vulnerable to encroachment. Local wetland values are also increasingly threatened by the expansion of intertidal rockweed harvest, blueberry farming and timber harvest. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Lahontan Valley- Western Nevada Wetlands Project, Nevada

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, and Lyon Counties, Nevada, Congressional Districts 2 and 4.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,300,000 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 49,183 Carson City Department of Parks and Recreation: $1,675,853 Nevada Land Conservancy: $ 370,000 Bently Family Limited Partnership: $ 100,000 Canvasback Club: $ 7,125 Fallon Paiute - Shoshone Tribe: $ 6,800 Six Man : $ 2,043 Nevada Department of Wildlife: $ 3,600 Desert Gun Club: $ 4,000 Honker Ranch: $ 17,000 Troubadour Land Surveying: $ 1,200 Incline Village General Improvement District: $ 57,996 Jim Woods: $ 1,000 The Nature Conservancy: $ 4,200

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,300,000/8,780 acres Fee Acquired $2,145,853/ 917 acres Restored $ 197,617/ 226 acres Enhanced $ 839,64217,637 acres Other $ 40,000 Indirect Costs $ 76,888

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This proposal presents Ducks Unlimited, Inc.'s (DU's) first long-term comprehensive effort to conserve wetlands and wetland-dependent migratory bird populations within the Intermountain West Joint Venture's (IWN) Lahontan - Carson Valley Wetlands Focus Area. The proposal focuses on permanent protection, restoration, and enhancement of 7,693 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands (PEM) due to its very high value to spring migrating waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds in the region. These same wetlands also support large populations of breeding waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebird, and provide molting habitat. Over 92% of all project work will occur on federal, state, or local government -owned lands managed specifically for wetlands and the wetland-dependent migratory birds they support, or as public open space. DU will deliver all habitat restoration and enhancement work. The Lahontan Valley ecosystem is one of the most important wetland complexes for waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds in North America. It corresponds to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's (NA WMP) Southern Oregon Northeast California (SONEC) Wetland Basins and Carson Sink, one of 43 areas of greatest continental significance to North American ducks, geese, and swans. Lahontan Valley is also designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site due to the abundance of migrating shorebirds it supports. The region also supports large numbers of waterbirds.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: This project includes permanent protection of 105 acres of gallery cottonwood and willow-dominated riparian habitat along 6 miles of the Carson River, 6 acres of semi-permanent wetlands, and 806 acres of Great Basin sage steppe uplands; these habitats support a variety of important neotropical migratory birds during spring and fall migration, the breeding season, and in winter. A major focus of new project work includes restoring and enhancing 7,693 acres PEM wetlands because this wetland type provides critical migration habitat for millions of migratory waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds. Much of this habitat in the Lahontan Valley - Western Nevada region has been lost or severely degraded due to conversion for agricultural activities. In addition, intense competition for water has left many marshes dry at critical times, and water quality and quantity in many areas has been severely impacted from intense agricultural pressures. The project will improve water conveyance and distribution and provide proper water and vegetation management capabilities to wetland managers fostering improved management of the 7,693 acres of PEM that are included in the project.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: A total of 8,078 acres on seven of the eleven tracts are open to public access (92% of proposal acres), with five providing public hunting on 7,008 acres (80% of proposal acres). On the publicly accessible tract lands not open for hunting, 1,070 acres are open for non­ hunting pursuits (12%). The remaining 702 acres (8%) are on four private land tracts managed for wetlands and waterfowl hunting and are generally available to paying members and guests only.

NEW PARTNERS: This project includes ten partners that have not previously participated in a NAWCA grant: Nevada Land Conservancy (non-governmental conservation organizations); Carson City Department of Parks and Recreation (CCDPR) and Incline Village General Improvement District (local governments); Canvasback Club, Six Man Ranch, Desert Gun Club, and Honker Ranch (private landowners); Bently Family Limited Partnership (profit-making corporations); and Jim Woods (other partner groups).

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS: No previous NAWCA standard grant proposals have been submitted for the Lahontan Valley - Western Nevada region. Since the mid 1990s, DU and IWJV have been looking for opportunities to develop a large-scale wetland conservation project for the Lahontan Valley and Western Nevada region. This region overlaps the NA WMP-designated Southern Oregon Northeast California (SONEC) Wetland Basins and Carson Sink, one of 43 areas of greatest continental significance to North American ducks, geese, and swans, and also falls within IWJV's Lahontan - Carson Valley Wetlands Focus Area. Until now, there have not been sufficient non-federal match dollars and enough partners available to develop a regional wetland conservation project for this area. However, the CCDPR-led acquisition of key Carson River riparian and floodplain properties provides a major portion of the necessary non-federal match dollars and partners needed to develop such a project. This has culminated in the first NAWCA standard grant proposal to be submitted for the Lahontan Valley- Western Nevada region. Because of the value of the acquisitions, a portion of the match will be included in a proposed Matching Contribution Plan that would contribute toward two subsequent NA WCA proposals for the region to be developed within the next five years.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: This proposal is the firstNAWCA standard grant proposal submitted for the IWJV's Lahontan - Carson Valleys Wetlands Focus Area, and will be the first regional-scale wetlands conservation effort undertaken in the Lahontan Valley - Western Nevada region. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Lower Grand River Basin, Missouri

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Chariton, St. Charles; Missouri; District 2, 6.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,141,230 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 33,530 Wetlands America Trust, Inc. $2,000,000 Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation $ 100,000 Missouri Department of Conservation $ 5,000 Agri Services of Brunswick $ 500 Walsworth Publishing $ 500 City of Sumner $ 500 RDMFarms $ 300 Yellow Creek Ducks Unlimited $ 300 Chariton County Commission $ 300 Friends of Swan Lake NWR $ 300

GRANT AND MATCH-ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,141,230/2,590 acres Easements Acquired $2, 110,000/ 700 acres Restored $ 905,044/ 780 acres Enhanced $ 104,895/1,l 10 acres Indirect Costs $ 21,291

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: Swan Lake NWR is the core component of a wetland complex within the Lower Grand River Basin of north-central Missouri that includes over 22,000 acres of state and federal lands and 16,000 acres of privately owned United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wetlands Reserve Program easement properties. Together, these wetlands and associated uplands provide vital habitat for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and many other wetland dependent species, representing some of the most premier wetland habitat in the Midwest. Habitat restoration in this region provides a national showcase of what is possible for landscape/wetland restoration when local, state, and federal government and nongovernment partners work together. This project will affect 1,890 acres of habitat on Swan Lake NWR. This includes restoration of 780 acres (487 acres of wetlands and 293 acres of native grasslands) and enhancement of 1, 110 acres of existing wetlands. The restoration and enhancement activities being proposed here are based in part upon results of a Hydrogeomorphic Modeling (HGM) evaluation that describes historical habitat conditions within the lower Grand River Basin, how these habitats were formed, and changes that have occurred, resulting in current habitat conditions. This project is the first of two planned projects designed to improve water flow patterns and habitat conditions within Swan Lake NWR, to improve water management capabilities on managed units, and to convert existing agricultural fields into wetlands or upland grassland habitats. The long-term result will lead to improved habitat conditions and food resources for a number of priority wildlife species of the UMRGLRN.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The refuge, located in north-central Missouri, contains five major habitats: wetlands/moist-soil units, open water, bottomland hardwoods, croplands, and grasslands. Conversion of much of the agricultural land to seasonal wetlands and wet prairie will greatly increase the number of wildlife species that benefit. Over 200 species of migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds utilize wetland habitats at Swan Lake NWR. Swan Lake NWR has been designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) site ofregional importance due to its ' exceptional concentrations (30,000-40,000 annually) of shorebirds during migration. The refuge is subject to periodic flooding as a result of being situated in the Grand River floodplain near its confluence with the Missouri River, and having the Yellow Creek as its southern border. I addition to shorebird congregations, the refuge can host up to 100,000 ducks, mostly dabblers, during fall migration. During the summer, Mallards and Wood Ducks are regular breeders at the refuge. During mild winters, ducks as well as Canada Geese and Bald Eagles often winter on the refuge. The work described in this proposal will benefit the above species.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The refuge is open to the public, and in many ways is the heartbeat of the two nearby communities of Sumner and Mendon, Mo. Although the combined population of these two small communities is less than 300, more than 500 people have attended the refuge "Last Friday" event which includes an educational and social theme. The refuge is a well-known birding "hotspot" in Missouri and is a popular destination for visitors who come to observe the abundant and diverse birdlife in the area. A managed goose hunt is conducted during the waterfowl season, and there are plans to expand the managed hunt to include ducks and upland game by 2014. Managed deer hunts are conducted annually. Fishing is also a very popular activity on the area. Portions of the refuge are seasonally closed to public entry based on peak waterfowl use. Guided tours are provided for school, scout, and other educational groups. The public will benefit from the opportunity to view greater numbers and a more diverse wildlife community.

NEW PARTNERS: In 2011 , a Hyrdogeomorphic (HGM) Evaluation was completed for the Swan Lake NWR and the Lower Grand River Ecosystem through a partnership with the Lower Grand River Conservation Opportunity Area. In addition to this partnership, new partners include the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Agri Services of Brunswick, Walsworth Publishing, City of Sumner, RDM Farms, Yellow Creek Ducks Unlimited, Chariton County Commission, and Friends of Swan Lake NWR.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: This work complements a previous NAWCA project (Lewis & Clark Floodplain Heritage Partnership III) a portion of which was accomplished on the nearby Fountain Grove Conservation Area, which is also located within the Lower Grand River Basin. This project included levee renovation, spillway construction, and pump replacement.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The refuge is located in a rural area that is intensively farmed. As commodity prices have raised, more land that has been in set aside programs such as CRP have been turned back to row crops. In fact, more than 3 million acres of CRP lands expired during 2012, nationwide. The 158,493 acres which expired in Missouri was the i 11 highest total in the nation. Converting agricultural land on Swan Lake to native wetland vegetation and grassland, and enhancing existing wetlands will help offset the above trend at least within the Lower Grand River Basin. In addition, match for this proposal will be lost if not used by December of 2013 . NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Mississippi Wetlands Conservation Initiative, Mississippi

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Issaquena, Sunflower, Warren Counties, Mississippi, District 2.

GRANT AMOUNT $ 876,479 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited $ 876,479

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,117,537 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited $ 13,200 Wetlands America Trust $2,000,000 Walker Foundation $ 100,000 MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks $ 1,518 Cypress Brake Tree Farm $ 250 Brian Campbell $ 2,000 Audubon Society, Mississippi $ 569

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,994,016/4,256 (180) acres Acquired $2,002,000/3,465 acres Restored $ 137,687/ 412 acres Enhanced $ 806,605/ 379 (180) acres Indirect Costs $ 47,724

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: The Mississippi Wetlands Conservation Initiative is the first in a new series of proposals designed to bring partners and resources together to protect, restore and enhance important wetland habitats in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) with a focus on public lands and strategic conservation easement on private lands. Wetlands in the LMAV support a rich diversity of wildlife species. This proposal partnership combines the fish and wildlife management and land protection capabilities of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) with the wetland restoration and enhancement experience of Ducks Unlimited (DU), the land protection expertise of Wetlands America Trust (WAT) and the commitment to stewardship of private lands in the LMA V by a private landowner. Match partners, the Walker Foundation, Cypress Brake Tree Farm and Audubon Mississippi are contributing new match to support the proposal as part of their long-term commitment to wetlands conservation on the LMA V. Grant funds will be combined with match and federal non-match funds from 7 partners to complete protection, restoration and enhancement of 4,256 ( 180) acres on 3 proposal sites in LMAV in Mississippi.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: This proposal will protect, restore and enhance 4,256 (180) acres on state and private lands. The ecologically diverse habitats conserved through this proposal include: 839 (180) acres of palustrine emergent wetlands, 2,843 acres ofrestored and protected palustrine forested wetlands, 341 acres of protected palustrine scrub/shrub wetlands, 155 acres of protected lacustrine habitat and 78 protected acres of uplands. Upon completion, enhancement and restoration activities will provide approximately 1,828,393 duck-use-days of foraging capacity and important habitat for pair isolation, thermal refuge and roosting for 6 NAWCA Priority waterfowl species, 5 NAWCA Other Priority waterfowl species, and 11 other species of waterfowl. Additionally, 20 NAWCA Priority Species of wetland-dependent migratory birds from Bird Conservation Region 26 will benefit from increased foraging, nesting or roosting habitat. Over 50 other species of wetland­ dependent/wetland associated migratory birds will also benefit from this work. Numerous federal and state listed endangered/ threatened species will also benefit from the projected projects when completed. PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Public access will be available on two of the three proposal tracts providing 791 (180) acres of restored and enhanced wetlands. Match partner MDWFP acquired Indianola WMA in December 2011 and began to restore and enhance wetlands habitat there to prepare it for its future public uses (hunting with emphasis on migratory waterfowl, wildlife viewing, hiking and other nature-based, compatible activities). Proposal work to enhance 180 non-add acres for moist soil and agricultural wetlands within this WMA will improve water management capabilities to enhance habitat for migratory birds commensurate with its public use. This is a new WMA that will be open to the public in 2014. The restoration and enhancement work at Mahannah WMA will also improve public use, by restoring bottomland hardwood and emergent wetlands for public uses similar to Indianola WMA. Some areas may be closed during the winter to provide sanctuary for migratory birds. Each of these public wildlife areas was set aside for protection and management of wildlife habitat, with an emphasis on waterfowl and wetland-dependent wildlife habitat. Additional public benefits are related to ecological goods and services provided via enhanced wetland functions and values on all private and public tracts described in this proposal that contribute toward a sustainable LMA V.

NEW PARTNERS: Two new partners are included in this proposal: Private landowner Brian Campbell whose stewardship donation for the conservation easement is being contributed as match, and Audubon Mississippi. Both are pleased to be a part of this new series ofNAWCA proposals.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: While this proposal is the first in a series of at least two planned by DU for the LMAV in Mississippi, the proposed work builds on the success of several previously-funded NAWCA projects implemented by DU and partners in the LMAV. Specifically, it complements the Indianola WMA Wetlands Enhancements (NAWCA July 2012) project that supported the acquisition and enhancement work on Indianola WMA and established the foundation for the enhancement work in this proposal. Also, the Lower Mississippi Valley Wetlands (NAWCA March 2012) project included the contribution of a conservation easement on Davis Island, called Hurricane Plantation, as a match tract. Hurricane Plantation is immediately adjacent to Brierfield Plantation and together the two properties create a 6,090 acre protected area under NAWCA. Collectively, these and other NA WCA projects in the LMAV are protecting, restoring and enhancing wetland values and functions that drive the LMAV towards a sustainable future and fulfill the goals and objectives of the four international major migratory bird conservation plans.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: NAWCA funding for this work is essential to enable DU and its partners to respond to the needs of migratory birds and other wildlife in the Uv1A V and to increase compatible public use. Match partner and land manager MDWFP is working to open the newly acquired Indianola WMA for public use, and must complete the planned wetland enhancement work on the North Pond Complex before making this new WMA accessible to the public. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Missouri Coteau Habitat Conservation Project - XII, North Dakota

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: The Missouri Coteau Habitat Conservation Project (MCHCP) encompasses 7.7 million acres within 15 counties in the Missouri Coteau physiogeographic sub region of central North Dakota. Congressional District 1.

GRANT AMOUNT $2,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $2,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,102,918 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 827,493 John Childs $ 221,700 James Kennedy $ 755,025 Steve and Margot Roberts $ 298,700

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,102,918/1 l,478 acres Easements Acquired $4,087,259/1 l ,478 acres Indirect Costs $ 15,659

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This is phase twelve of an ongoing project designed to protect wetland and grassland communities using a landscape level approach to planning and targeting. Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and its partners along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) is proposing to use $2,000,000 in grant funds and $2,102,918 in match funds to acquire grassland and wetland easements in the Missouri Coteau Region of North Dakota to protect 11,720 acres of grassland and wetland habitat for migratory birds. The easements will become part of the National Wildlife Refuge System under the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Wetland habitats in the MCHCP area are diverse and primarily classified as palustrine emergent wetlands exhibiting temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent and permanent water regimes. Wetlands with short hydroperiods (temporary and seasonal basins) 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, as provided for in this proposal, will provide essential nesting habitat for waterfowl and other species, but will also minimize the influx of sediments, herbicides and pesticides into these wetlands. This project is a landscape level approach to retain some North America's best breeding bird habitat to sustain healthy native bird populations.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: 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 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. Ancillary benefits include flood control, water quality maintenance, erosion control, tourism, economic diversity and infrastructure protection.

NEW PARTNERS: All the partners in this proposal have been partners in the past.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: The MCHCP I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX grants are complete. To date, these nine grants have protected over 280,000 acres of prairie wetland and grassland habitats. The MCHCP X grant is being obligated and will be completed in 2013. MCHCP XII is awaiting a grant agreement. This project will increase those accomplishments by 11,720 acres and contribute significantly to the goals stated above.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: There is no time to waste. Long-term land cover trends from North Dakota indicate that recent grassland conversion represents a persistent shift in land use rather that short-term variability in crop rotation. Their results also showed the conversion rates were similar to the deforestation rates in Brazil, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is a "Chronic Problem" needing a long-term solution. As commodity prices increased so has the value of land. The North Dakota farm managers and appraisers 2012 report indicated a 46% increase in land values in 2012. Land values have doubled from 2009 to 2012. As land prices increase the amount of habitat that can be protected decreases due to the decrease in buying power. The only way to keep pace with the conversion is an increase in funding to protect this valuable migratory bird habitat. All the reasons stated above justify the request in this proposal for $2 million in grant funds. There is also $1,670,975 in match that will be lost if this proposal is not funded in 2013. Ducks Unlimited, Inc. through its Grasslands for Tomorrow program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with its Small Wetland Acquisition program built the capacity to handle a larger volume of easements but are urgently seeking the funding needed to handle the demand. Currently, North Dakota law prohibits the USFWS from spending Migratory Bird Conservation Act funds to acquire perpetual grassland easements. Only funds obtained by non-profits, corporations, private individuals, Land and Water Conservation Funds and NA WCA can be used for this work. Consequently, the number of landowners interested in selling grassland easements exceeds the funds that are available. There are 440 landowners in North Dakota waiting for funding to protect over 79,360 acres of native grassland and wetland. Over $36 million dollars are needed to secure the habitat being offered and funding of this proposal would provide for $2.0 million of the funding needed. This further underscores the unique opportunity that currently exists to perpetually protect these critically important prairie habitats. The battle to preserve our capability to produce waterfowl, grassland birds, shorebirds and wading birds is here. As we continue to lose grassland and wetlands for agricultural production our production potential for birds dependent on this ecosystem becomes worse. Modeling completed by USFWS Habitat and Population Evaluation Team indicates that for every one percent decline in priority grasslands there will be a decrease of 25,000 fewer ducks in the fall flight. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland IV, Montana

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Sheridan, Roosevelt, Daniels, Valley, Phillips, Blaine, Hill, Liberty, and Toole, Montana, Montana Congressional District 1.

GRANT AMOUNT $938,232 Allocation: USFWS $938,232

MATCHING PARTNERS $938,232 Grantee: USFWS $ 0 Ducks Unlimited (DU) $280,000 Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) $402,232 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) $256,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $1,876,464/11,008 (621) acres Easements Acquired $1,785,302/8,955 acres Enhanced $ 91,162/2,053 (621) acres

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland IV, is within the PPJV, and continues conservation efforts by many partners in north-central and northeast Montana. For 27 years, a core group of partners (DU, FWP, TNC, and USFWS) have been actively working with ranchers and farmers throughout the project area on conservation issues, and this proposal continues that effort - 99% of the acres impacted are or will be on private land. Through this collaborative initiative, local attitudes toward sound land stewardship and perpetual conservation protection are improving. This project area like much of the country is rapidly losing CRP grassland acres. Grassland and wetland conservation easements are becoming more popular (some landowners are trying to keep their CRP acres in grass by placing an easement on it). This proposal, when implemented, will: 1) protect some of the most productive wetland and associated grassland habitat within the Hi-Line through acquisition of perpetual conservation easements (8,955 acres); 2) enhance nesting cover on a wildlife management area through irrigation (50 acres); 3) enhance existing grassland and wetland habitat, primarily by developing rotational grazing systems (2000 acres); and 4) enhance Piping Plover nesting beaches (3 acres). These conservation actions, in a biologically sound and cost-effective manner, will greatly benefit populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, other wetland-associated birds, and threatened and endangered species, and will contribute towards the waterfowl and all-bird conservation objectives of the NA WMP, PPJV, PIF, USSCP, and WBCP.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland IV project area lies within the Prairie Pothole Region and encompasses a diversity of habitats and wildlife. From the Missouri Coteau in the east, through the Milk River Valley in the central portion, to the Sweet Grass Hills in the west, the project area includes large areas with high densities of wetlands and intact grasslands. The depressional wetlands of north-central and northeast Montana are extremely valuable habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland-dependent species. NAWCA high priority Mallards and Northern Pintails are two of the most abundant waterfowl species breeding in the project area, and to a slightly lesser extent, Lesser Scaup. The highest density of breeding Northern Pintails was recently documented within our project area. Many other species of waterfowl use this portion of the Prairie Pothole Region for breeding including other NAWCA priority species Redheads, Canvasbacks, Ring­ necked Ducks, and American Wigeon. These wetlands also provide important migration habitat for these species, and occasionally Greater Scaup and American Black Ducks. Two core partners, FWP and TNC, have made easement acquisition along the Milk River corridor a priority. Cottonwood galleries along the Milk River and Missouri River within the project area provide breeding habitat for Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, and Red-headed Woodpeckers. Fresh, brackish and alkali wetlands within the project area are heavily utilized by breeding and migrating shorebirds (Marbled Godwit, Willet, Wilson's Phalarope, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, and others), waterbirds (American Bittern, Black Tern, Franklin's Gulls, and others), and songbirds (Nelson's Sparrow, Sedge Wren, and others). The federally endangered Whooping Crane occasionally uses wetlands within the eastern portion of the Hi-Line for migration. Two large White Pelican nesting colonies and over 90% of Montana's breeding population of threatened Piping Plovers occur within the project area. Native mixed grass prairie and CRP grasslands of the area provide large tracts of crucial habitat for a variety of wetland-associated species including upland nesting ducks, nesting and foraging shorebirds, and a host of grassland birds that have experienced dramatic continental decline including Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit, and Chestnut-collared Longspur. However, the project area's wetland/grassland complexes continue to be lost or degraded by wetland drainage, continuous season-long grazing and conversion of surrounding grasslands to small grain farming with the consequential runoff of sediments, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Throughout the project area, landownership is a mixture of public and private. The eastern and western portions are mostly privately owned, whereas approximately 50% of the central portion is publicly owned (primarily BLM). Three U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges (Medicine Lake, Bowdoin, and Charles M Russell), several USFWS Waterfowl Production Areas, and several FWP Wildlife Management Areas are located within the project area. Public access for recreational use is allowed on these areas. Public access will be allowed on lands protected by conservation easements if acquired by FWP and fee title tracts. The number of people and season of access may be limited on these properties, with actual individual numbers and seasons defined within the easement document. Private landowners will control access on properties for which USFWS or TNC easements have been acquired or restoration, establishment, and enhancement projects have been constructed. The vast majority of privately owned land across the Hi-Line is still truly working-ground, with landowners earning their living through ranching and farming operations. Access on private lands is still very high within the project area when permission is asked.

NEW PARTNERS: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: The core group of partners (DU, FWP, TNC, USFWS) have been actively working on conservation projects throughout the project area for nearly 27 years. Partners have completed 4 previous NAWCA grants, and we are near completion of our fifth grant. Habitat protection through easement acquisition has been a priority for all the proposals we have submitted, and these grants have helped perpetually protect over 83,000 acres of wetland and grassland habitat. USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program biologists, FWP biologists, and DU biologists have worked with many landowners across the Hi-Line, and NAWCA funds have been used to restore, establish, and enhance over 140,010 acres of wetland and grassland habitat. This proposal is complementary to previously funded NA WCA proposals as it continues wetland and grassland conservation efforts within northeast and north central Montana.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Although much of the project area remains in grassland, a considerable portion (39%) has been broken and farmed. The project partners currently have a backlog of willing sellers, wanting to complete conservation easements on their land. High commodity prices coupled with advances in agricultural technology, crop genetics (drought resistant corn and soybeans), and growing demand for organic crops and bio-fuels, prairie sites that once were considered marginal for farming are now being broken as a means of increasing land values and cash flow. This is especially true when parcels of land change ownership. Wetland/grassland complexes in the project area are vitally important breeding and migration habitat for a variety of wetland and grassland species, many whose populations are declining due to habitat loss. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY North Dakota Drift Prairie Project - IV, North Dakota

COUNTIES, ST ATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: The North Dakota Drift Prairie Project (NDDP) area is located in Wells, Eddy, Foster, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Stutsman, Barnes, Cass, LaMoure, Ransom, Dickey, Sargent, Richland, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Walsh, Nelson and Grand Forks Counties, ND, Congressional District 1.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: USFWS $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,033,979 Grantee: USFWS $ 0 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 418,697 North Dakota Game and Fish Dept. $ 350,996 Jim Kennedy $ 154,700 North Dakota Natural Resources Trust $ 31,985 Crosslands Inc. $ 41,793 Jerry Klipfel $ 13,636 Dean Haberman $ 7,172 Private Landowners $ 15,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,033,979/22,695 acres Easements Acquired $1,545,453/ 2,343 acres Leases Acquired $ 207,981/18,614 acres Restored $ 162,601/ 238 acres Enhanced $ 105,000/ 1,500 acres Indirect Costs $ 12,944

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: The North Dakota Drift Prairie Project (NDDPP) is the 4th phase and continuation of an ongoing implementation plan designed to protect, restore, and enhance wetland/grassland communities using a landscape level approach to planning. The NDDPP encompasses more than 16.7 million acres within 22 counties in the Drift Prairie Coteau physiographic sub-region of eastern North Dakota in the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture. The NDDPP lies in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region and Prairie Pothole Joint Venture area. This landscape contains some of the most numerous, productive and diverse wetland communities in the world with wetland densities oftentimes exceeding 100 basins per square mile. The FWS has long recognized the values of perpetually protecting threatened wetlands. The FWS has protected many of these wetland complexes by purchasing perpetual wetland easements. Although many of these wetlands have been protected with easements, much of the surrounding prairie uplands have been converted to agricultural use. Approximately 75% of the NDDPP landscape is cultivated cropland and less than 7% remains in grass cover that is suitable for waterfowl and other upland nesting migratory birds. As a result of this habitat fragmentation, predator populations have increased. Furthermore, the concentrations of waterfowl nests 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 waterfowl populations. This proposal's projects will secure fee title acquisition and conservation easements to perpetually secure the wetland and adjacent grassland complexes. The easement acquisition in this proposal will be selected and located in the highest wetland density areas in this region. Specific locations of the conservation and wetland easements in this project are not known at this time but will be selected using the "Waterfowl Breeding Pair Distribution" maps developed by the USFWS Habitat Population Evaluation Team in Bismarck, ND. Conservation (grassland and wetland) easements will be held, managed and enforced in perpetuity by the USFWS. The public will benefit greatly from protection of these habitats because of the overall effect it will have on a whole host of migratory birds that depend upon this valuable resource for breeding and migration. Grassland easements are becoming popular with landowners and the opportunity to sell easements is growing in local communities. Grassland easements offer an attractive and effective approach to conserving habitat in perpetuity while keeping the land in private ownership. Currently, North Dakota law prohibits the USFWS from spending Migratory Bird Conservation Act funds to acquire perpetual grassland easements. Consequently, the number of landowners interested in selling grassland easements exceeds the funds that are available. This further underscores the unique opportunity that currently exists to perpetually protect these critically important prairie habitats.

HABIT AT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Wetland habitats in the NDDPP area are diverse and primarily classified as palustrine emergent wetlands exhibiting temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent and permanent water regimes. This proposal will exclusively target palustrine emergent wetlands and the adjacent native-grassland uplands which are critically important migration, breeding and nesting habitat for many waterfowl and wetland-dependant species.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The uplands and wetlands protected, restored, or enhanced by the fee acquisition will be managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and will be open to public activities such as hunting, trapping, bird watching, photography, education, and hiking. The Conservation and Wetland Easements in this proposal do not require public access, are on private lands and will be open to the public use at the discretion of the landowner.

NEW PARTNERS: Jim Kennedy joins as a new partner in the NDDPP area. Being in the 4th phase most partnerships have been formed in past proposals.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: The programmatic grant NDDPP-I and NDDPP-II are 100% completed. NDDPP-III proposal is 76% completed and scheduled for completion in 2013 .

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Since European settlement, more than 60% of the prairie pothole wetlands in North Dakota have been drained, filled or degraded, due largely from agricultural practices. Most of the acres of native prairie in the NDDPP area have been converted to cropland or hay land. Much of the remaining grassland habitats in the NDDPP 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. These habitat losses have resulted in declines of many grassland and wetland-dependent birds that depend upon the Prairie Pothole Region for breeding and migratory. Several species of grassland and wetland-dependent birds as well as plants and insects in the NDDPP area are now listed as federally or state endangered, threatened, proposed, candidate or watch species because of habitat loss. Remaining native prairie and wetland habitats must be protected now to ensure that an adequate habitat base remains to sustain populations of North American waterfowl and other wetland/grassland dependent wildlife. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY North Sacramento Valley Wetland Habitat Project Phase VI, California

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter Counties, California, Congressional Districts 02.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: California Waterfowl Association $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,255,687 Grantee: California Waterfowl Association $ 623,000 California Department of Fish and Wildlife $ 650,000 Gray Lodge Farms $ 150,712 Paulo Ranch $ 28,000 The Sanctuary $ 20,000 Shoveller's Duck Club $ 35,475 Smith Farms $ 30,000 White Mallard $ 32,750 Wildlife Conservation Board $ 675,000 The Wing Setter Duck Club $ 10,750

GRANT AND MATCH-ACTIVITIES, COSTS & ACRES $3,255,687/3,721 (1,475) acres Restoration $1,711, 18 8/2,221 acres Enhanced $ 886,499/l,500 (1,475) acres Other $ 623,000 Other Direct Costs $ 35,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This proposal covers an area that has been described by the Central Valley Joint Venture as the most important wintering area for waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway. Results of the 2012 Winter Waterfowl Survey conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife in January counted more than 5.33 million waterfowl present in a 5 day period. 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. In addition, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds also visit throughout the year. 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. However, with the guidance and support of the Central Valley Joint Venture, NA WCA and all the partners involved, the ability to develop successful collaborative projects is accomplishing great things for wildlife. The projects within this proposal will help to re-establish NAWCA priority habitats and increase resources for populations of NAWCA priority species, thus contributing directly to the goals and objectives of the Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) and NA WMP. The partners have developed strategies to create new habitats and improve on existing ones by expanding and enhancing habitat diversity, increasing water supplies and creating infrastructure that will allow for intensified habitat management capabilities. All of these benefits will develop high quality habitats for migrating, wintering and breeding waterbirds.

HABITAT TYPE AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The Central Valley Joint Venture's 2006 Implementation Plan (Plan) was developed to implement NAWMP goals as they relate to the Central Valley. The proposed projects fall within two (Butte and Colusa Basins) of the nine CVJV priority basins strategically addressing habitat needs. Goals were identified to meet waterfowl energy requirements, assuming that waterfowl populations are at NAWMP goals. The Plan established a restoration objective of 19,000 acres of new palustrine emergent wetlands and set an enhancement objective of nearly 4,000 acres annually for these two basins. Enhancement goals were designed to maintain the highest possible production of moist soil seed producing plants, and to ensure the long-term viability of wetland habitats through improved management capabilities. Proposed projects will directly contribute to these identified needs by restoring 1,458 acres ofpalustrine emergent habitat and 763 acres of associat~d uplands. Enhancement efforts on 1,463 acres ofpalustrine emergent and 37 acres of associated uplands will improve the ability for managers to effectively and efficiently supply and manipulate water regimes using designed infrastructure to maximize moist soil management capabilities. Project benefits will be contributing directly to the CVJV and NAWMP goals by providing long term protection, expansion and enhancement on both private and public lands that will benefit six high priority waterfowl species (Tule Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Canada Goose, Northern Pintail, Mallard, Lesser and Greater Scaup), seven priority waterfowl species (Pacific Greater White-fronted Goose, Wrangel Island Snow Goose, Wood Duck, Redhead, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon), and 16 other waterfowl species. Projects will also benefit numerous NAWCA priority birds, ten federal and state listed species and numerous species of concern.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The US Fish and Wildlife Service' s Colusa and Delevan National Wildlife Refuges and California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Upper Butte Basin and Gray Lodge Wildlife Areas projects are taking place on properties that are open to the public year-round. These federal and state owned properties provide public outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, birding, hunting, fishing, and research opportunities. Private land projects are improving significant wildlife resources and will help to maintain and increase wildlife populations throughout the year. Improved habitat conditions will be maintained by the landowners and agencies for the long term. These improvements will benefit not only wildlife populations, but those people who like to partake in outdoor recreational activities involving wildlife. Increased wildlife use on all these projects may ultimately lead to improved opportunities for the public to experience wildlife throughout the Pacific Flyway.

NEW PARTNERS: NAWCA has always promoted the development of strong and diverse partnerships to allow for collaboration and successful completion of projects through combined efforts. The partnerships that were originally developed well over a decade ago between landowners, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Wildlife Conservation Board and California Waterfowl Association, are a result of NAWCA. These strong partnerships have allowed for the continued development of habitat programs and projects throughout the state of California. The proposed North Sacramento Valley Wetland Habitat Project, Phase VI is a result of these long standing efforts and the development of new partnerships.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: This proposal intends to build on the success and partnerships developed over the last 10 years. The measure of success is reflected in the numbers of acres benefited during the past five phases. In total, NA WCA and participating partner's match dollars have restored 8,890 acres of palustrine and associate habitats and a staggering enhancement of 38,709 acres. These previously funded grants have been successful due to dedicated partners and a great willingness to accomplish the goals set out within each grant. The intent of this grant is to continue building upon previous successes and bring awareness for the need to carry on efforts to improve habitat resources within the north Sacramento Valley. By striving to contribute to the goals of the CVJV and NAWMP, improvements to wetland resources in the region will continue to benefit waterbirds and hundreds of wetland dependent species.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The north Sacramento Valley's wetland habitats have been adversely affected by alterations to the natural hydrology over the last 150 years. Threats to habitats within the project boundary and most of California include: expanding human population, water shed encroachment, increased agriculture, invasive plant species, increasing costs of water, lack of water supplies, the inability to efficiently manage and maintain the area's existing wetland habitats. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Prairies Without Borders Phase IV, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota

COUNTIES, STATES, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: The Prairies Without Borders IV consisting of 23 counties in eastern South Dakota and 51 counties in Minnesota; and 9 counties in North Dakota. The focus area will be in the counties of Roberts, Grant and Deuel in South Dakota, 1st Congressional District, and the Counties of Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle in Minnesota, 7th Congressional District.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Northern Prairies Land Trust $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,029,188 Grantee: Northern Prairies Land Trust $ 0 The Nature Conservancy $ 537,910 Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources $ 184,953 Herb and Beverly Hamann $ 206,325 Ducks Unlimited, Inc $ 100,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,029,188/l ,987 acres Fee Acquired $ 722,863/ 827 acres Easements Acquired $1 ,256,325/ l,160 acres Direct Costs (administration) $ 50,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: The PWB goal is to use multiple NAWCA grants, to protect 26,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands in the eastern regions of the PPR. This phase of Prairies Without Borders IV (PWB IV) is to perpetually protect an additional 1,000 grassland easement acres. All of the actions forwarded in this proposal are consistent with the long term implementation strategies of the PPJV. The long term benefits of these actions are primarily accomplished through perpetual conservation easements and the promotion of sustainable grassland ranching. This project is based on landscape wide protection of grassland and wetland habitats, but focuses primarily on the recognition of the quality of habitat remaining on the northern portions of the Prairie Coteau landscape in northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. At almost 2.3 million acres, the Prairie Coteau region is one of the largest landscapes within the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion. The landscape also harbors over 1 million acres of native northern tallgrass, making it the largest remaining area of northern tallgrass prairie in the United States. Most estimates indicate that less than 5% of North America's tallgrass prairie remains.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Wetland habitats in the PWB area are primarily classified as palustrine emergent wetlands exhibiting temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent and permanent water regimes. In addition, Great Plains calcareous fens, although a rare community type, regularly occur within the wetland complex of the focus area. 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. The 1,987 acres of habitat preserved by this proposal will provide direct benefits to waterfowl and to numerous species of shorebirds, wading birds, marsh birds, other wetland­ dependent wildlife speci es, grassland songbirds and other grassland-dependent wildlife species. Valuable breeding, migration and, for some resident species, wintering habitat will be protected by this project. Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Wigeon and other upland nesting waterfowl will benefit from the protection of grassland adjacent to palustrine wetlands. US F&WS surveys show over 60 nesting pairs of waterfowl per square mile is prevalent in the PWB focus area. Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Greater Prairie Chicken, Wilson's Phalarope and grassland passerine birds will benefit as well. Lesser Scaup, Redheads, Canvasbacks, ruddy duck, and Ring-necked Ducks will benefit from the protection and enhancement of diverse wetland types in the proposal. Other wetland birds, including shorebirds, herons, terns, American Bittern, White Pelicans, and Tundra and Trumpeter Swans will also benefit. Critical habitat for endangered species such as the Whooping Crane, Topeka Shiner, Western prairie fringed orchid, and American Burying Beetle and candidate species Dakota Skipper are present in the focus area. Clean and native sod protection will benefit these species. There are over 250 species of flora in the Prairie Coteau area of the prairie pothole region.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: At very tangible levels, the public will benefit from this project by the protection of habitat and by meeting the needs of various wildlife species. It will also provide some ranchers with the financial means to help them stay in the ranching business and preventing grassland from being converted to cropland. This proposal will simultaneously provide benefits to the landowners and landscapes of the PPN. These benefits will go well beyond the project area boundaries in the form of cleaner water, more abundant wildlife and a grassland/wetland legacy for future generations. This project will help protect the remaining grassland vistas that the early pioneers witnessed.

NEW PARTNERS: One new NA WCA partner will be contributing to Prairies Without Borders Phase IV. Private landowners Herb and Beverly Hamann have donated a 160 acre wetland and grassland perpetual easement.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: The initial Prairies Without Borders Phase I, approved in 2009, protected 2879 acres of grassland. PWB Phase II, approved in 2010, protected 3,028 acres of grassland. PWB III approved in 2011 will protect 2660 acres of grassland. The goal of Prairies Without Borders IV is to provide additional perpetual protection of 1,000 acres of grasslands. This project will build on 50 years of grassland and wetland easement acquisition by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service' s Small Wetland Acquisition Program (SWAP). It will solidify the recognition and commitment by federal, state, and private conservation organizations across three states to work together with a landscape level approach. PWB brings together partners that are experienced in conservation work, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, Minnesota DNR, The Nature Conservancy, Northern Prairies Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Region 3 and Region 6 have a long standing positive relationship. PWB is unique and a first, where grassland protection is of the highest priority for all of the partners regardless of state and regional boundaries. This project is supported by two state agencies, two US FWS Regions and NGOs that realize the significance of preserving these grasslands regardless of where they are geographically located ..

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Wetland and grassland habitat loss to row crop agriculture production continues to be a primary concern throughout the project area. Most recently the loss of native grasslands has begun to expand into formerly secure portions of the PWB focus area. Specifically, local managers are observing increased rates of tillage across the project area as well as in the core focus area. In addition to tillage, large-scale drainage practices utilizing 'pattern' tiling are increasingly observed. Continued conversion (due to high com prices and com ethanol production) threatens the remaining unprotected habitat base, increasing the importance of acquiring that habitat now. Rapidly increasing land values are driving up the costs of acquisitions. By acting now, more acres can be permanently protected with the same funding level. Actions forwarded in this proposal are designed to provide a timely opportunity to those private landowners that wish to ensure their properties remain as grasslands and those who strive to promote wetland and grassland conservation in the region. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Sears Point Tidal Restoration, California

COUNTY, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Sonoma County, CA, Congressional District 5.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Sonoma Land Trust $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,037,000 Grantee: Sonoma Land Trust $ 10,000 Ducks Unlimited $ 27,000 Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria $ 800,000 CA State Coastal Conservancy $ 605,000 CA Wildlife Conservation Board $ 595,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,037,000/l,135 acres Fee Acquired $ 805,000/180 acres Restored $2,204,000/955 acres Indirect Costs $ 28,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: The Sears Point Tidal Restoration project will permanently protect 7 acres of emergent palustrine wetlands and 173 acres of associated uplands and restore 955 acres of emergent tidal wetlands on Sears Point2.The Sears Point Tidal Restoration project is located in the (SPB). SPB is one of four large bays that comprise the Estuary (SFBE). This is one of the most important andthreatened areas for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland-dependent wildlife on the Pacific coast. More than 80% of the historic tidal wetlands and 70% of seasonal wetlands surrounding the SFBE have been developed, filled, or converted for agriculture. Despite considerable habitat loss, SFBE is widely recognized for its importance to resident and migratory bird species. It is recognized as a Site of Hemispheric Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, it has recently received RAMSAR designation as a Wetland of International Importance, and it is also recognized as an Area of Continental Significance for ducks, geese, and swans by the North American Waterfowl Conservation Plan. SPB is the most northern bay in the SFBE. The marshes surrounding SPB, as well as the lands that would be marsh were it not for dikes, are known as the San Pablo baylands and referred to as the greater project area within this proposal.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: This project will preserve 7 acres of palustrine emergent wetland habitat, preserve 173 acres of associated upland habitat, and restore 955 acres of emergent tidal wetland habitat. Both of these wetland habitat types are nationally decreasing. The proposed acquisition and restoration activities will benefit numerous waterfowl, shorebird, and other wetland-associated species that use the project area during breeding, migration and wintering seasons. High-priority species to benefit include mallard, northern pintail, and lesser and greater scaup. Among other priority and wetland-associated species to benefit are redhead, canvasback, ring-necked duck, American wigeon, cinnamon teal, gadwall, northern shoveler, ruddy duck, bufflehead, San Pablo song sparrow, red knot, tricolored blackbird, whimbrel, long-billed curlew, marbled godwit, and short-billed dowitcher. Threatened and endangered species to benefit include California clapper rail, salt marsh harvest mouse, chinook salmon, green sturgeon, and California red-legged frog.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Sears Point will provide Sonoma County' s premier point of public access to the shoreline of San Pablo Bay. A 2.5-mile trail will be built on the crest of the tract's new levee allowing members of the public to witness the evolution of the site as it progresses toward a fully vegetated tidal marsh. The new trail will connect to several miles of existing and planned trails at neighboring sites. When the restoration is complete, SLT plans to transfer the land to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW will allow hunting. Alternatively, if CDFW opts not to take the site due to staffing shortages, SLT will transfer title to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge and hunting may be permitted by boat while the site transforms from open water to emergent marsh. In addition to public access, numerous other public benefits will be realized by this project including improved water quality in the Bay, buffering against storm surges, carbon sequestration, and expanded nursery habitat for commercially important fish .

NEW PARTNERS: The Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria (FIGR) and the Association of Bay Area Governments-Bay Trail (ABAG) are both new partners.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: In 2008 the Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) was awarded a $1 ,000,000 NAWCA grant for the Sonoma Baylands Wetlands Restoration Project I. The proposal included $750,000 for work at Sears Point and $250,000 for work at nearby Tolay Lake Regional Park. Included in the Sears Point work was the same acreage of tidal marsh restoration as described under this current proposal. While the work at Tolay Lake will be completed this year, the Sears Point work cannot be completed within the term of the previous award. This is due to a protracted environmental compliance process that delayed the project by several years. Although all environmental compliance was completed in mid-2012, NAWCA staff felt that the award could not be extended beyond what it already has been. As such, SL T is returning the funds intended for Sears Point and submitting this proposal with environmental compliance and design complete and all permits expected by early summer 2013 . Other nearby NAWCA projects include San Pablo Bay Tidal Wetlands Habitat Restoration Project I, Completed (9/04); San Pablo Bay Tidal Wetlands Habitat Restoration Project II, Completed; San Pablo Bay Tidal Wetlands Habitat Restoration Project III, in progress; Bahia NAWCA, Acquisition, Completed; Rush Creek, NAWCA Small Grant, Completed; and Triangle Marsh, NAWCA Small Grant, Completed. Adjacent NA WCA proposals currently under consideration include Sonoma Creek

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Tidal marshes within the San Francisco Bay Estuary (including San Pablo Bay) face threats from many of the usual sources: development, invasive species, and pollution. However, two primary threats given far greater attention today are sea level rise and reduced sediment supply. Sea level is predicted to rise up to 16 inches by 2050 and up to 55 inches by 2100. This raises the question of whether existing and restored tidal marshes can keep pace. A key factor is whether there is adequate sediment in the system 1) to bring subsided sites to marsh plain elevation and 2) to maintain existing marshes at a rate exceeding sea level rise. Modeling efforts indicate that Sears Point is in a particularly favorable location for access to sediment because of its juxtaposition between the , Sonoma Creek, and large mudflats with easily suspended sediment. Nonetheless the advice of scientists is to initiate restoration as soon as possible to maximize the time before the rate of sea level rise increases. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY South Carolina Coastal Refuges Partnership, South Carolina

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: South Carolina counties include: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, Williamsburg; □ Congressional District(s): 1, 2, 5 and 6.

GRANT AMOUNT $1 ,000,000 Allocation: USFWS $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,688,000 Grantee: USFWS $ 0 South Carolina State Conservation Bank $ 281,000 The Nature Conservancy $ 727,000 Pee Dee Land Trust $ 180,000 Wetland America Trust approved MCP funds: $ 500,000

GRANT AND MATCH-ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,688,000/2,3 01 acres Fee Acquired $1,000,000/ 754 acres Easements Donated $ 907,000/ 191 acres Easement Purchased $ 281,000/l,356 acres Other $ 500,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This proposal represents the first of a three-phase project to permanently protect strategic tracts, consisting of forested palustrine wetlands, tidal freshwater marsh, salt marsh and associated uplands, including maritime forest, mixed pine hardwood forest, managed pine, and early successional habitat, in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Specifically, this proposal seeks to leverage partnerships and conservation easement lands to acquire strategic parcels for the USFWS Lowcountry Refuge Complex that will advance adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change. The project is located in the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture's (ACN) Southern Lowcountry, ACE Basin, Santee, Lynches and Upper Pee Dee, Upper Waccamaw, Winyah Bay and Little Pee Dee-Lumber River Waterfowl Focus Areas and significantly contributes to the goals of the national and regional bird conservation plans. Phase I will protect six tracts, totaling 2301 acres, including 1551 wetland acres and 750 acres of associated uplands to benefit breeding, migrating, and wintering birds in accordance with the recommendations of South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative (SAMBI).

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The South Carolina Lowcountry wetland complex plays an important role for many species of migrating waterfowl by having the most extensive, intact wetlands in the southeastern United States. Priority waterfowl species that will benefit from this project include: American Black Duck, Mottled Duck, Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, and Wood Duck. The project will also support neotropical migratory birds during the breeding and migration seasons, such as Swallow-tailed Kite, Prothonotary Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Swainson's Warbler, and Wood Thrush. Of 39 species of shorebirds present in the Atlantic Region of North America, 29 of these occur in the project area and depend upon salt marsh habitat and tidal flats as well as emergent freshwater wetlands such as those protected on the Hobonny Plantation ricefields. Additionally, four federally listed species would benefit from the habitats being protected by this project. The project will benefit numerous plants and animals that form an integral part of the ecological functions and productivity of the landscape. Cumulatively, the six project tracts protect a variety of wetland habitats including 950 acres of palustrine forested wetlands comprised of mature bottomland hardwood forests (783 acres) and scrub shrub bottomland hardwoods (167 acres); 538 acres of tidal freshwater marsh; and 63 acres of ponds, open water and riverine habitat. These project tracts also protect 750 acres of diverse upland habitats including, 27 acres of mixed pine hardwood and deciduous forests, 665 acres of managed pine, and 5 8 acres of open habitat. Grants tracts were selected to protect tidal freshwater wetland habitat within the Refuges' boundaries in upstream areas that are not currently vulnerable to salinity intrusion due to drought, sea-level rise, and storm events. The South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex and TNC are working closely to incorporate climate adaptation into conservation planning and land acquisition. Ultimately, both grant tracts contribute substantially to a landscape collaboration that seeks to protect and steward an ecologically significant, interconnected land base for long-term conservation for multiple target species.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Funds acquired through this grant will allow the purchase of two strategic tracts which have been priorities for the SC Lowcountry Refuge Complex. The RMS Waccamaw River Tract is a strategic acquisition within the Waccamaw NWR and meets priorities for management and public access. Just across the Waccamaw River from the historic City of Conway, the RMS Waccamaw River Tract is a target for the Waccamaw NWR, Waccamaw River National Blueway partnership, and the City of Conway. Access from the Waccamaw River frontage and logging roads on the tract offer excellent opportunities for compatible public uses described in the Refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan including environmental education, fishing, bird watching, hiking, nature photography, kayaking, and canoeing. Funds acquired through this grant will allow the purchase of a second strategic property for inclusion in the Earnest F. Hollings ACE Basin Refuge.

NEW PARTNERS: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS: This project will complement a growing protected landscape where substantial federal investments including eleven standard NAWCA grants in the past ten years have created and expanded public ownership, restoration, and management: Santee Delta and Winyah Bay Protection Project I and II (TNC 2011 , 2012; South Carolina Lowcountry Wetland Initiative I, II, III (DU 2009, 2011 , 2012; ACE Basin: Edisto River Corridor Protection Project: Phase I,II, III, VI (Audubon SC, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010); Winyah Bay Protection Project: Phases I, II and III (TNC, 2008, 2009, and 201 O); South Carolina Pee Dee River Conservation Initiative: Woodbury Tract (SC DNR, 2006).

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Census data of SC's Coastal Plain counties reported a population of 2.5 million, nearly 63 percent of SC' s total population. Projections show that the coastal population may increase by 13 .2 percent by 2020. Despite the growing population and increasing pressure on natural resources, a unique collaboration of conservation partners spanning several decades have placed approximately 0.5 million acres of coastal habitats, and the ecosystem services they provide, within the project area into public protection. Grant tract, RMS Waccamaw River Tract, is located in Horry County, South Carolina, which is a densely populated and fast growing region. The second grant tract, Ho bonny Plantation, located in the ACE Basin, is a strategic inholding with the Refuge. Both tracts are currently on the market. Additionally, both tracts represent the upstream extent of the Refuges' acquisition boundaries and will help meet climate adaptation objectives by protecting freshwater wetlands that are not vulnerable to salinity intrusion. By selecting strategic protection tracts such as the RMS Waccamaw River Tract and Hobonny Plantation, particularly during an economic recession, USFWS and the larger conservation community can work together to build upon a significant corridor of protection within the USFWS Waterfowl Task Force areas. USFWS is in the unique position to steward these properties to allow public recreation and access, to promote research and management, and to abate threats, such as invasive species, which can alter habitat composition and quality in wetland systems. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative IV, South Carolina

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Berkeley (1), Charleston (1), Clarendon (6), Georgetown (1), South Carolina.

GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS: $7,825,465 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited $ 1,500 Wetlands America Trust $2,500,000 Santee Cooper $ 101,965 South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources $ 262,000 Charleston County Greenbelt Program $4,075,000 Charleston County Park and Recreation Com. $ 885,000

GRANT AND MATCH-ACTIVITIES, COSTS AND ACRES $8,825,465/l,778 (74) acres Fee Purchase $5,074,603/ 531 acres Enhanced $1,198,769/l,247 (74) acres Other $2,500,000 Indirect Costs $ 52,093

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: Over 27 percent of South Carolina's wetlands have been lost. In response, Ducks Unlimited (DU) established the South Carolina Lowcountry Initiative (SCLCI) over 20 years ago to curtail the continuing loss of important wetland habitat. The Lowcountry Initiative has become a nationally recognized wetlands conservation effort that encompasses 3 million acres across 14 coastal counties in support of the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This SCLCI seeks to protect, enhance and restore important wetlands and uplands located in six identified Focus Areas. SCLCI partners have worked together to protect over 120,000 acres of habitat on private lands through conservation easements. The perpetual protection of large, undeveloped, privately owned upland and wetland ecosystems benefits waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and other native species and also protects the natural landscapes and the outdoor heritage that is part of the Lowcountry way of life. This South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative IV (SCLCWI IV) NA WCA proposal builds on the successes of three previous NAWCA projects by continuing to leverage the financial contributions, expertise and management skills of seven partners including state and federal government agencies such as South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), county government agencies such as Charleston County Greenbelt Program (CCGP) and Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), non-government project partners DU and Wetlands America Trust (WAT) and Santee Cooper (SC) (electric and water utility) with grant funds to support the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative (ACN SAMBI). This proposal includes a strategic combination of wetlands protection and enhancement projects on six tracts encompassing 1,778 acres in two Lowcountry focus areas. The four enhancement projects and two fee acquisitions will permanently protect 531 acres of important wetland and associated upland habitats on public land through conservation easements and will enhance managed wetlands of 1,247 acres on local, state and federal lands. The long-term strategy of this proposal is to build on the network of conservation lands within the key watersheds of the SCLCI Area that provide critical wetland and upland habitat for waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, landbirds and other wetland dependent wildlife and plants. Tracts are:

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: This project will protect and enhance 1,778 (74) acres of diverse wildlife habitat in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Upon completion, this project will provide increased foraging capacity and important habitat for pair isolation, thermal refuge and roosting for four NA WCA High Priority waterfowl species, five NAWCA Other Priority waterfowl species and seven other species of waterfowl. Additionally, ten NA WCA Priority Species of wetland-dependent migratory birds from BCR 27 will benefit from increased foraging, nesting or roosting habitat. At least 50 other wetland-dependent or wetland associated species will also benefit directly, including five federally listed, threatened or candidate species and four state-listed endangered or species of concern.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: All proposal sites and all 1,778 acres are or will become public lands (NWR, WMA, HP, CP) managed for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species habitat and for wildlife-oriented recreation and education consistent with habitat conservation efforts. Additional public benefits are related to ecological goods and services provided via enhanced wetland functions and values that contribute toward a sustainable ecosystem.

NEW PARTNERS: This proposal includes two new partners, CCPRC and CCGP who are donating old match for the acquisition of Tract 5 (332 acres) Bulow County Park and new match for the enhancement of 3 0 acres of bottomland hardwoods.

RELATION SHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: Three standard grants were awarded for SCLCWI I, II and III in 2009, 2011 and 2012. Work on SCLCWI I is complete and SCLCWI II and III are underway. This Phase IV proposal builds on the accomplishments of the previous projects by protecting and enhancing habitat on areas adjacent to many of the first proposal sites (e.g. enhancement work on Santee NWR was included in SCLCWI II and work on Bonneau Ferry was included in SCLCWI III). This project also complements several small grant projects recently completed by project partners. These project areas do not overlap, but are in close proximity and demonstrate the ability of partners to successfully implement diverse wetland conservation projects in the region.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In addition to the critical need to complete the proposed enhancement work, if NAWCA funds are not awarded in 2013, the opportunity to use the match contributions donated by SC, $825,000 of the contribution by CCPRC and $4,075,000 from CCGP will be lost. Approval of the modification to the MCP submitted in this proposal will allow both DU and TNC to utilize match in the March 2013 round. The proposed work is urgent and necessary to ensure these managed wetlands function properly to provide seasonal water, particularly for early fall migrants and shorebirds, to support colonial nesting waterbird colonies and to reverse the deterioration of these emergent, forested and tidal wetlands. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY South Dakota Habitat Legacy Project, South Dakota

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: The South Dakota Habitat Legacy Project consist of 37 counties in the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota- Campbell, Walworth, Potter, Sully, Hughes, McPherson, Edmunds, Faulk, Hyde, Hand, Brown, Spink, Beadle, Marshall, Day, Roberts, Grant, Codington, Clark, Hamlin, Deuel, Kingsbury, Brookings, Buffalo, Jerauld, Brule, Aurora, Douglas, Charles Mix, Sanborn, Davidson, Miner, Hanson, Lake, McCook, Moody and Minnehaha. South Dakota, 1st Congressional District.

GRANT AMOUNT $780,000 Allocation: Pheasants Forever $780,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $1,205,019 Grantee: Pheasants Forever $ 66,000 South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks $441,019 Brule-Buffalo Conservation District $130,000 Day County Conservation District $ 50,000 203 Private Landowners $508,000 Ducks Unlimited $ 10,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $1,985,019/21,266 acres Fee Acquired $ 301,019/ 166 acres Restored $ 248,000/ 1,100 acres Enhanced $1,300,000/20,000 acres Indirect Costs $ 136,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: Wetland and grassland restoration and enhancement completed via this proposal will be used to complement the recent acceleration of perpetual easement acquisition in the project area. On March 7, 2012, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) formalized an increased allocation of Migratory Bird Conservation Funds (MBCF) to the U.S. portion of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). In a related action on July 16, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) adopted a new strategic approach for allocating MBCF funds within the PPR. A primary benefactor of these actions will be the South Dakota Habitat Legacy project area which is projected to receive over $15,000,000 in MBCF funds for the acquisition ofUSFWS grassland and wetland easements over the next three years. Pheasants Forever will work closely with the USFWS Private Lands Program to utilize grant and match funds to enhance and restore private lands habitats in a manner that compliments the current acceleration of easement work in the project area. The strategically integrated use of grant and match funds to compliment USFWS easement efforts has a demonstrated record of success within South Dakota.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The South Dakota Habitat Legacy project will use grant and match funds to restore and enhance wetland and grassland habitats on 203 tracts of private and tribal land throughout the project area. Specifically, 1,000 cropland acres will be restored to grassland, 1,400 wetland acres will be enhanced with beneficial grazing systems, 100 acres of drained wetlands will be restored and 18,600 grassland acres will be enhanced with beneficial grazing systems. In addition, two tracts totaling 166 acres will be afforded fee-title protection. The 21,266 acres of grassland and wetland conservation completed through this proposal will be strategically targeted to some of the highest quality and most threatened grassland and wetland habitat remaining in the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PPN). Recent strategic planning exercises and GIS assessments confirm the ecological importance of this project area to the entire or partial life cycle of over 50 bird species. The project is estimated to provide direct breeding benefits to a wide range of waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds and passerines including 478 mallard pairs, 1,021 blue-winged teal pairs, 128 marbled godwit pairs, 444 upland sandpiper pairs, 90 black tern pairs and 2,174 grasshopper sparrow pairs.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The proximate public benefit of this proposal is to the 203 private and tribal landowners who will participate directly in the various habitat actions offered by NA WCA and matching partners. By working on conservation matters of mutual concern, this proposal will simultaneously provide benefits to the landowners and landscapes of the PPN. These benefits will go well beyond the project area boundaries in the form of cleaner water, more abundant wildlife and a grassland/wetland legacy for future generations. In addition, this proposal includes two tracts totaling 166 acres that are owned in fee-title by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. These tracts are open to the public for a wide range of recreational uses including hunting and bird watching.

NEW PARTNERS: The most unique aspect of this proposal is that it will introduce 203 new landowners and tribal operators to the grassroots philosophy of NAWC A-based partnerships. This business model has been cited as the most effective way to conserve the remaining habitats of the western PPN. This type of voluntary, incentive-based, private lands conservation strategy is exactly what will be implemented via the South Dakota Habitat Legacy project.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: This project will build upon the success of five previous NA WCA grants implemented in South Dakota from 2001-2013 that utilized grant funded restorations and enhancements to compliment USFWS perpetual easement programs. All tract selection criteria, easement coordination and cost rates will be identical to the protocols used in the five previously approved grants. As with the five previous grants, all participating landowners will sign a USFWS Wildlife Extension Agreement (WEA) describing the site-specific details of each project. USFWS WEAs will be 10 years in length; however, if a USFWS conservation easement is also signed, the applicable provisions of the easement will supersede the WEA. In all cases, the voluntary incentive­ based nature of WEAs and/or perpetual easements has proven to be very popular among landowners, particularly grassland ranchers.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The project area is widely recognized as the portion of the PPN undergoing the most rapid transformation from an expansive mosaic of native grasslands and wetlands utilized for livestock ranching to a landscape dominated by tillage agriculture. A 2013 publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently documented a disproportionately high concentration of grassland loss in the eastern Dakotas and noted that comparable grassland conversion rates have not been seen in the combelt since the 1920s and 1930s. Likewise, recent data indicates that interest in drainage activity in the project area has also increased by over 300% since 2007. For example, in 2012, there was over 1.73 million feet of new drainage tile installed in just one county in the project area. For over a decade, NAWCA-funded restorations and enhancements have played a critical conservation role in South Dakota by complimenting wetland and grassland easement acquisitions. The South Dakota Habitat Legacy project builds upon this foundation and can play a vital role in implementing the MBCC' s and USFWS 's recent decisions to accelerate habitat work in this unique portion of the PPN. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative, New Jersey

COUNTIES, STATES, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Atlantic, Cape May Counties; New Jersey; Congressional District 2.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $1,000,000

MATCHING PARTNERS $2,506,315 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 4,315 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection $2,250,000 The Nature Conservancy $ 250,000 Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control $ 2,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3 ,506,315/5,940 acres Fee Acquired $2,515,000/4,999 acres Enhanced $ 921 ,944/ 941 acres Other (Administration) $ 50,000 Indirect Costs $ 19,371

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This proposal launches a multi-phase initiative to protect, restore, and enhance critical wetland habitat in southeastern New Jersey's coastal region. The state of New Jersey is heavily urbanized and continues to feel the pressures of commercial and residential development, which threatens the State's remaining wetlands. Many native remnant emergent wetland plant communities have been replaced with expansive stands of invasive species, including non-native Phragmites. In addition, the continued, severe damage to coastal habitats from natural disasters will have an impact on natural resources for generations to come. Despite these increasing losses of habitat, southeastern coastal New Jersey remains a critical and significant wetland resource for North America's waterfowl and other wetland-associated migratory birds. To combat the threats on these already altered environments, this initiative will conserve critical habitat in southeast New Jersey. Partnerships in this proposal will focus on important wetland ecological areas for migratory birds and wetland dependent species in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties surrounding the Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Estell Manor, NJ. This region is within the South Atlantic Focus Area identified in the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACN) Mid-Atlantic Plan. This area is historically well­ known as a migration stopover for numerous bird species and is also located within the Pinelands National Reserve. This first phase of the Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative focuses on improvements to the Tuckahoe WMA, one of the premiere habitats for wildlife in the region. This project will provide protection and enhancement for a variety of declining wetland habitat types that will meet different life cycle requirements for numerous birds and other wildlife species. The protection of a nearly 5,000 acre property adjacent to Tuckahoe WMA adds to the vast wetlands that the WMA has under protection and open to the public. This impressive conservation achievement links together more than 56,000 acres of previously existing state wildlife management areas, plus thousands of additional acres of county parkland. The protected wetland component is significant with over 40 percent of the tract being made up of wetlands that are in decline including forested, scrub-shrub, and emergent wetlands.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: With the protection and enhancement done through this project, approximately 206 acres ofpalustrine emergent vegetation, 1,388 acres of forested wetland, 199 acres of scrub-shrub wetlands, 404 acres of estuarine emergent vegetation, 760 acres of open water, ten acres of palustrine unconsolidated bottom, and 2,971 acres of upland pine-oak forest will be impacted. This area is ecologically important to protect because it is one of the remaining wetland areas that are still dominated by native vegetation. The protection of 4,999 acres in this proposal protects a transition zone from the Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey to a coastal estuary system. The upland component of the protected tract is made up of a pine-oak forest with intermixed wildlife openings adjacent to a vast expanse of forested wetlands and estuary habitat. This protection will provide nesting, foraging, and migrating habitat for number of waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, and songbirds such as American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Forester's Tern, Gull-billed Tern, American Woodcock, Black Rail, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Eastern Kingbird. The enhancement portion of this proposal will allow New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to manage water levels on six impoundments that are currently functioning as a large lake system without any management capabilities. This management ability will allow for a significant increase in available forage habitat for wildlife by converting these impoundments into palustrine emergent wetlands that can be managed as moist soil impoundments and not a large lake system.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: This proposal will support all of the benefits that healthy ecosystems provide to the public. The habitat protected and enhanced through this work will provide critical breeding and migration areas for waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, and numerous upland bird species. In addition, this work will provide several ecosystem services such as storm water retention, flood abatement, ground water recharge, as well as increase recreational opportunities that will bring along jobs associated with ecotourism and project construction. The protection of almost 5,000 acres of wetland and associated uplands will become part of the Tuckahoe WMA that will be open to public access year round and will be managed and maintained by NJDEP. Opportunities for the public include outdoor activities such as: hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and research. This project will go a long way to providing ample recreation opportunities and hopefully increasing the numbers of hunters and outdoors enthusiasts in southeast New Jersey.

NEW PARTNERS: DU and Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control (CMCDMC) recently partnered together with others on a small NAWCA at Cox Hall Creek near North Cape May, New Jersey. However, this is the first opportunity for the CMCDMC to partner on a standard NAWCA proposal. Their contribution to this proposal to assist with construction at Tuckahoe WMA is an important aspect of the project. CMCDMC is committed to their role in conservation and a key partnership in southeast New Jersey.

RELATION SHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS: This proposal will be the start to an initiative in southeastern New Jersey for DU, who will then build upon and secure future NAWCA funding for continued protection, restoration, and enhancement work within the region. Future NAWCA proposals will build upon the success of this project.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The constant threat of development and coastal habitat loss place a significant threat to wetland and associated upland habitat in southeastern New Jersey. Once development occurs, it is usually cost-prohibitive to restore those sites and lands that are developed are unlikely to provide future habitat for wildlife. Partners feel that opportunities lost to protect and enhance wetlands due to a lack of funds are opportunities that are unlikely to present themselves again in the future. It is critical that these habitats be conserved before the opportunity is forever lost. If NAWCA funds are not awarded, the opportunity to use the match contributions from NJDEP and TNC could be lost. The proposed work is urgent and necessary to ensure these managed wetlands function properly to provide critical resting and foraging habitat for migratory birds. Currently, these deteriorated impoundments are providing a limited amount of forage and habitat in an area that is important to migrating waterfowl, water birds, and shorebirds. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Southeastern North Carolina Wetlands Initiative IV, North Carolina

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRJCT: Columbus, Pender; NC; District 7.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: The Nature Conservancy $1,000,000

MATCIDNG PARTNERS $3,354,940 Grantee: Clean Water Management Trust Fund $ 600,000 The Nature Conservancy $ 100,000 Ducks Unlimited $2,654,940

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,3 54,94011,504 acres Fee Acquired $1,689,299/l,504 acres Other $2,654,940 Indirect Costs $ 10,701

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This proposal is the fourth phase of the Southeastern North Carolina Wetlands Initiative (SENCWI) that began in 2008. It is a continued effort to permanently protect, restore and enhance palustrine wetlands as well as associated uplands in the Southeastern Coastal Plain of North Carolina. This region of North Carolina incorporates the southern half of the coastal plain physiographic region in the state and contains a wide diversity of wetland habitats including coastal salt marsh, semi-permanently flooded gum-cypress swamps, seasonally flooded bottomland hardwoods, Carolina Bay lakes, pocosin and beaver ponds. However, like other parts of the state, this region is experiencing unprecedented growth and development, and the threats to wetlands loss, degradation and fragmentation increase each year. Over 50 percent (6 million acres) of North Carolina's original wetlands have been lost. Most acreage in southeast North Carolina is in private ownership and no federal wildlife refuges exist in the region. Therefore, state-owned lands and private conservation initiatives have become vital to conserving and protecting wetlands and wildlife habitat in the area. Phase IV of the SENCWI continues to combine the funding and expertise of the ongoing partnership between Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (eventual recipient of fee title to the Riverstone Tract) The first three phases of the SENCWI initiative have been successful in its NAWCA proposals by supporting the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative (ACN SAMBI) within North Carolina. Phase IV will continue this work through additional wetland acquisition and enhancement. Areas to be funded by this NA WCA application fall within the Lumber River Basin and within the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's Waccamaw River Area. Phase IV will both protect and enhance wetlands. Three areas totaling 1,503.95 acres are planned for permanent protection. 1,497 of these acres have been designated as Nationally Significant Heritage Areas and 1.46 acres have been designated as State Significant Heritage Areas by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. These acres include 1,498.46 wetland acres and 5.49 upland acres that will benefit breeding, migrating and wintering birds. Non-match partner USFWS is funding habitat enhancement work on 103 acres of a 377 acre private landholding in the proposal area. A non-match component of this application consists of a Partners for Fish and Wildlife grant awarded to TNC by the USFWS to enhance 103 acres of upland longleaf pine and strearnhead pocosin on a 377 acre tract in Pender County, NC. The Williams Burton tract was acquired by TNC in the 1990s to protect the upland bluffs adjacent to the palustrine and riverine wetlands of the Black River. The Black River is home to 1, 700-year-old bald cypress trees.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Conservation measures associated with this NAWCA application will protect a total of 1,5 03.95 acres of wetlands and uplands in the southeast coastal plain of North Carolina. The Riverstone II tract consists of 829 acres, of which all of the acres are palustrine forested wetlands; the Reaves tract is 6.95 acres with 1.46 acres classified as palustrine forested wetlands; match tract Riverstone I is 668 acres, with all acres classified as palustrine forested wetlands .. These tracts contain habitat vitally important to multiple priority species including 10 NAWCA Priority Species of wetland-dependent migratory birds from Bird Conservation Region 27. At least 36 other species of wetland-dependent or wetland associated species will also benefit directly from this work, including four federally listed, threatened or candidate species and three federally-listed species of concern. The proposal will enhance other wetland values and functions by improving local and regional water quality and enhancing soil conservation by reducing sediment in precipitation runoff.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS : All areas associated with this NAWCA application will have both public benefit as well as public access opportunities. The Riverstone I and II tracts will eventually be conveyed to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for inclusion into their Game Lands program, allowing for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Reaves Tract will be conveyed to a yet to be decided entity to be included in the Waccamaw River Blue Way, whose ultimate goal is to create a publicly accessible river trail that will provide access for passive canoe and kayak opportunities as identified by its inclusion in the America's Great Outdoors Initiative.

NEW PARTNERS: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: This proposal complements previous work accomplished through the three preceding SENCWI NAWCA projects. Those projects successfully protected and/or restored 11 tracts of land totaling 24,041 acres in the same initiative area. The tracts included in this 2013 NA WCA proposal are within the same focal areas defined in that application. Tracts Riverstone I and II will build upon the habitat linkage that the Phase I, II and III projects established.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Riverstone I and II tracts are currently owned by the same landowner. The landowner's overall holdings in the immediate area total more than 18,000 acres, on which timbering has occurred in the palustrine forested wetland. It is assumed that the current owners or future owners will continue to extract timber, impacting existing habitat and water quality. Successful acquisition of the two tracts will build a relationship between the landowner and TNC that will hopefully forestall land conversion and allow for additional funds to purchase more acreage. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Texas Gulf Coast XI, Texas

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, and Willacy; Texas; Congressional Districts: 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 18, 22, 25, 27, 28, and 29.

GRANT AMOUNT $992,051 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $992,051

MATCIDNG PARTNERS $999,495 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 17,260 Coastal Conservation Association $200,000 Private Landowners $400,000 Private - V.F. Family Partners $182,235 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department $100,000 Futch Foundation $100,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $1 ,991,546/2,612 acres Restored $ 560,000/l,040 acres Enhanced $1,326,844/l,572 acres Indirect Costs $ I 04, 702

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: Collectively, this proposal continues a 20-year partnership of private landowners, a private foundation, state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations partners committed to the long-term support of wetlands conservation on the Texas Gulf Coast, and will include projects across each of the three initiative areas within the Texas portion of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture (Chenier Plain Initiative Area, Texas Mid-Coast Initiative Area, and Laguna Madre Initiative Area). This proposal will restore, and enhance an additional 2,612 acres of wetland and upland habitat on public and private lands. Grant funds will be used to complete restoration and enhancement of 2,500 acres of moist-soil units and seasonally flooded rice fields on private lands that will provide important migration, wintering, and breeding habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and neo-tropical migrant songbirds. Old Match funds will be used to enhance 72 acres of moist soil units on private land within Tract B (VF Family Properties, L.P.), a new NAWCA partner. The Texas Gulf Coast has experienced tremendous wetlands loss due to urban and commercial development, reduction of rice acreage, altered hydrology, and saltwater intrusion. The remaining wetland habitats continue to support a rich diversity of wildlife species, but further conservation efforts are needed to ensure that the Texas Gulf Coast continues to fulfill its historical role as one of the most important wintering and migration habitats in North America for continental populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and other wetland wildlife.

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: These projects will partially compensate for the region' s continued loss of fresh / intermediate marsh, wet prairie habitat, and riparian habitat and will provide semi-permanent and seasonal wetland habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife by collectively protecting, restoring, and enhancing 2,500 acres of decreasing palustrine emergent wetlands, 72 acres of decreasing palustrine emergent wetlands and 40 acres of estuarine intertidal vegetated wetlands that will collectively provide habitat for over 304 bird species. Habitat diversity and geography in the Gulf Coastal Prairies make it an important area to wintering, migrating, and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. This region winters 52% of the Central Flyway waterfowl population and hosts ducks and/or geese from major breeding locations in North America. Accomplished proposal objectives will contribute to foraging, habitat, and species objectives for waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and landbirds, as identified in many national and regional bird plans. This proposal will provide breeding habitat for mottled ducks, black-bellied and fulvous whistling ducks, as well as provide wintering/migration habitat for 6 high priority (mottled duck, northern pintail, mallard, lesser scaup, greater scaup, and Cackling Canada Goose) and 5 other priority waterfowl species (redhead, canvasback, American wigeon, wood duck, and ring-necked duck), and over 30 NAWCA priority waterbird and landbird species, and many other wetland-associated species. Six (6) federal and 16 state listed endangered/threatened species will benefit from proposal activities. The proposal will enhance other wetland values by improving water quality and increasing natural flood storage and soil conservation.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The public will receive significant benefits as a result of this project. One tract is located within the portion of the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge that lies within Matagorda County and is owned and managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Project activities will help protect a managed wetland complex that provides for public hunting opportunities on the San Bernard NWR. San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is located within 45 miles of the greater Houston metropolitan area, which is the 3rd largest city in the United States, with a population of over 3 million.

NEW PARTNERS: The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and VF Family Properties, L.P., are two new NA WCA partners.

RELATIONSHIPS TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: This proposal directly complements several previous NA WCA proposals (Texas Gulf Coast V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X) which have provided NAWCA and partner funds for the restoration and enhancement of public and private lands on the Texas Coast through the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project. Within the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project, over 65,000 acres have been restored and enhanced.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: As a special consideration, successful funding of this proposal will continue a unique and successful 20-year partnership among state, federal, NGO, and private landowner partners, which to date has restored an enhanced over 65,000 acres on the Texas Gulf Coast. The continued restoration and enhancement of private and public lands is critical to maintain habitat levels to support wintering waterfowl objectives of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The Texas Prairie Wetlands Program represents the single largest private landowner program in Texas designed to assist private landowners with wetland restoration and enhancement. With 95% of Texas being privately owned, working with private landowners is critical strategy pri,oritized by the Gulf Joint Venture as being necessary to accomplish habitat objectives for wintering waterfowl. NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Upper Iowa Prairie Pothole Partnership- Phase III, Iowa

COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Winnebago, Worth and Wright County, Iowa; Congressional Districts: 1 and 4.

GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000 Allocation: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $1,000,000

MATCHlNG PARTNERS $2,825,000 Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $ 159,000 The Nature Conservancy $1,100,000 Iowa Department of Natural Resources $ 545,000 O'Brien County Conservation Board $ 440,000 Clay County Conservation Board $ 224,000 Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation $ 140,000 Dickinson County Conservation Board $ 100,000 O'Brien County Sportsman's Club $ 32,500 Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation $ 30,000 Little Sioux Valley Conservation Assoc. $ 30,000 Pheasants Forever $ 22,500 Millboro Seeds, Inc. $ 2,000

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,825,000/l,206 (10) acres Fee Acquired $2,039,000 /720 acres Restored $ 177,000 I 43 (10) acres Enhanced $ 545,000 /443 acres Other $1,000,000 Other Direct Costs $ 40,000 Indirect Costs $ 24,000

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: This Phase III proposal represents an ongoing multi­ million dollar conservation partnership aimed at protecting, restoring and enhancing more than 1,206 acres of critical wetland and migratory bird habitat throughout Iowa's northern Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). This area is considered a "geographic priority wetlands area" and region of "continental significance to North American ducks, geese and swans" as part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Over the past 4 years, significant conservation planning and coordination efforts have been invested by a diverse group of private, county, state, federal and non-government conservation organizations to leverage our collective resources and achieve mutual habitat conservation goals. This proposal represents Phase III of the Upper Iowa Prairie Pothole Partnership launched in 2009 and builds on a long-term partnership forged nearly 30 years ago to conserve critical wetland and associated upland habitat within Iowa' s PPR for the benefit of migratory waterfowl and other high priority shorebird, waterbird and landbird species. Specifically, our Phase III proposal will: (1) continue The Nature Conservancy, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, County Conservation Board and other local partners' land protection efforts along the Little Sioux River Valley in northwest Iowa; (2) restore high quality wetland complexes of formerly drained prairie pothole wetlands on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Waterfowl Production Areas; and (3) continue Ducks Unlimited and the Iowa DNR's Living Lakes Initiative efforts to enhance critical waterfowl migration and breeding habitat on a state-owned Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in northwest Iowa. HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: A diversity of habitat types will be restored (43 acres), enhanced (443 acres) and protected (720 acres) as a result of this project, including a variety of decreasing wetland types ( 403 acres), stable riverine and lacustrine wetlands (3 07 acres) and native tall grass prairie and oak savannas communities ( 495 acres). More than one-third of the wetland acres and nearly all of the prairie and savanna habitats contained in this project are considered decreasing types. Significant grant and partner investments will help restore and enhance high quality waterfowl breeding and migration habitat on public wildlife management areas located on county, state and federal lands. Less than 0.5% oflowa's original native tall grass prairie remains intact, but this project will help protect and enhance some of those remnant tracts. Rare calcareous fens and sedge meadow wetlands will also be protected in this proposal as part ofTNC's Little Sioux River Valley conservation initiative. Fens represent some of the rarest wetland types in the North America and contain plant remains dating back over 5,000 years. Over 200 different plant species can be found in fens, including 20 that are rare, endangered or threatened in Iowa.

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The public will realize significant environmental, recreational and cultural benefits as a result of this project. All tracts (1,206 acres) protected, restored and enhanced in this proposal will be managed to optimize migratory bird habitat and maximize public recreational opportunities. County, state and federal lands will be positively impacted and public access for hunting, hiking, bird-watching, photography, education and other compatible uses will be allowed.

NEW PARTNERS: This project includes three new NAWCA partners: Andrea Waitt Carlton Family (A WCF) Foundation, Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association and Millbom Seeds, Inc. The A WCF Foundation has invested significant financial resources in the Iowa Great Lakes complex of Dickinson County to provide critical wildlife habitat, water quality benefits and enhanced public recreational opportunities. The Little Sioux Valley Conservation is a non-profit organization formed in 1994 that works closely with O'Brien County Conservation Board to promote land conservation and environmental education. Millbom Seeds, Inc. has provided important environmental services and products to restore diverse native upland and wetland plant communities on several Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) sites throughout northern Iowa.

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NA WCA PROPOSALS: Phase III continues a science­ based, strategic habitat conservation effort launched by a diverse group of partners back in 2009. Thanks to the generous matching contributions provided by The Nature Conservancy, the project partners have been able to develop a 5-year, multi-million dollar conservation plan for strategic habitat investments across north-central Iowa. This Phase III project complements at least 17 other completed or ongoing standard NA WCA grants that have occurred in portions of the proposed project area. DU and the Iowa DNR have been major contributors and have served as the grantee on virtually of all of these projects. DU has also administered and successfully completed three other NAWCA small grants in the general project area.

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Iowa's PPR is one of the most altered landscapes in all of North America, yet still provides some of the most continentally important breeding and migration habitat for migratory birds. Iowa's conservation partners are faced with increasing habitat threats and challenges including rapidly escalating land values, deteriorating wetland conditions and a lack of adequate infrastructure to effectively manage many of Iowa's public wetland complexes. As land prices continue to soar and the health of Iowa's wetlands further deteriorate, future habitat needs will only become increasingly more difficult and costly. In order to address these challenges head on, we must embark on an aggressive conservation delivery strategy. Federal programs like NAWCA and the Wetlands Reserve Program have been instrumental in helping Iowa achieve these goals.