Ducks Unlimited Inc

CANADIAN PRAIRIE POTHOLE & WESTERN BOREAL HABITAT PROGRAM (2020-2)

CANADIAN PRAIRIE POTHOLE & WESTERN BOREAL HABITAT PROGRAM 2016-2

PHJV CANADIAN PRAIRIE, PARKLAND, & WESTERN BOREAL HABITAT PROGRAM 2012

F19AC00073

EASTERN HABITAT JOINT VENTURE CONSERVATION PROGRAM (2020-2)

THE WETLAND RESTORATION ON UPPER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (UKNWR) BARNES UNIT, AGENCY LAKE UNITS, AND ADJACENT LANDS PROJECT IS LOCATED IN SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON IN KLAMATH COUNTY IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THEKLAMATH BASIN. THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF RESTORING 14,356 ACRES OF VARIOUS WETLAND HABITAT TYPES. THIS PROJECTWILL HELP UKNWR FULFILL ITS MISSION OF RESTORING AND MAINTAINING THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF EXISTING ANDHISTORIC WETLAND COMMUNITIES OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE. THIS PROJECT WILL BE IMPORTANT IN RESTORING HABITAT FORWATERFOWL, AND OTHER WETLAND-ASSOCIATED BIRD SPECIES FOR LOST RIVER AND SHORTNOSE SUCKERS (FEDERALLYENDANGERED) FOR OREGON SPOTTED FROGS (FEDERALLY THREATENED) AND FOR REDBAND TROUT AND POTENTIALLY CHINOOKSALMON (SENSITIVE SPECIES IN OR). ADDITIONALLY, THIS PROJECT WILL IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND IMPROVE WATERSTORAGE. UKNWR HAS CHOSEN TO PARTNER WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. (DU) TO ASSIST WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANENGINEERED RESTORATION DESIGN (PHASE 1) AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE (PHASE 2) FOR THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FROMTHEIR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT FOR WORK ON THE BARNES AND AGENCY UNITS WITHIN UKNWR. PHASE 3 HASPROVIDED FUNDING TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON WORK WITHIN THE BARNES AND AGENCY UNITS, AS WELL AS PROVIDED FUNDINGFOR ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE SERVICES FOR THE EISENBERG UNIT AND ADJACENT PRIVATE LANDS. PHASE 4WILL BE FOR ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION WORK TO COMPLETE THE RESTORATION WITHIN THE BARNES AND AGENCY LAKE UNITS.

PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION LANDSCAPES

1. PURPOSE: THIS PROJECT WILL INCREASE THE WATER SUPPLY TO THE SUTTER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, DURING THE LATE SUMMER AND EARLY FALL, WHICH PROVIDES THE NECESSARY HABITAT FOR MIGRATING WATERFOWL AND OTHER WETLAND DEPENDENT WILDLIFE. THE PROJECT CREATES AN ALTERNATE FEEDING AREA, REDUCING CROP DAMAGE BY DEPREDATION BY WATERFOWL ON ADJACENT FARMLAND. THE IMPROVED HABITAT INCREASES THE RECREATION USES BY THE PUBLIC AS WELL.2. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED INCLUDE INSTALLING A LIFT STATION AND ACCOMPANYING FISH SCREEN ON THE EASTSIDE BORROW CANAL THAT WILL ALLOW LEVEL 2 AND INCREMENTAL LEVEL 4 WATER TO BE CONVEYED TO THE SUTTER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.THE CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY (CNRA) AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) ARE ALSO FUNDING PORTIONS OF THIS PROJECT. THIS AGREEMENT AND SCOPE OF WORK COVER TASK 4, CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIFT STATION. THE OTHER TASKS ARE BEING FUNDED BY AND WERE COVERED UNDER AGREEMENTS ISSUED TO THE RECIPIENT BY CNRA AND USFWS.3. DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP A NEW WATER CONVEYANCE FACILITY THAT WILL PROVIDE IMPROVED INTERIM DELIVERY OF EXISTING WATER RIGHTS, AND ULTIMATELY IMPROVE THE CAPACITY AND RELIABILITY OF CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ACT (CVPIA) LEVEL 2 AND INCREMENTAL LEVEL 4 WATER SUPPLY. THIS WILL IMPROVE HABITAT CONDITIONS FOR WATERFOWL AND AL THE OTHER MAJOR BIRD GROUPS.4. INTENDED BENEFICIARY(IES): THE PUBLIC AND WATERFOWL AND OTHER WETLAND DEPENDENT WILDLIFE

DUC EASTERN HABITAT JOINT VENTURE HABITAT PROGRAM 2016-2

MARSH RESTORATION ON ANAHUAC NWR AND MCFADDIN NWR

FLYWAY FORESTS HABITAT RESTORATION

PURPOSE: DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL RESTORE SWAN COVE, THE SOUTHERNMOST IMPOUNDMENT AT CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ON ASSATEAGUE ISLAND IN VIRGINIA. THE WORK WILL RESTORE AND PROTECT VALUABLE SALT MARSH HABITAT ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA AND SUPPORT SEVERAL IMPORTANT FISHERIES. IT WILL ALSO HELP IMPROVE COMMUNITY AND ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE IN AN AREA THAT IS VULNERABLE TO SEA-LEVEL RISE, BY REESTABLISHING A PROTECTIVE DUNE SYSTEM, INCREASING THE ELEVATION OF THE MARSH BEHIND THE DUNE SYSTEM, AND ENHANCING TIDAL EXCHANGE.

PURPOSE: DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL RESTORE THE LOWER DARBY CREEK WETLAND COMPLEX IN JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, AN URBAN WILDLIFE REFUGE LOCATED IN PHILADELPHIA. THEY WILL PROVIDE HABITAT FOR NUMEROUS SPECIES THAT DEPEND ON WETLANDS BY INCREASING TIDAL CONNECTIVITY TO THE 150-ACRE HENDERSON MARSH. THEY WILL ALSO COMPLETE DESIGN AND PERMITTING TO REINTRODUCE A NATURAL TIDE INTO AN ADJACENT MAN-MADE IMPOUNDMENT. INSTALLATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF A KAYAK LAUNCH, OBSERVATION TOWER, INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE, AND THE SURROUNDING TRAIL SYSTEM WILL EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO ACCESS AND EXPERIENCE THESE NATURAL AREAS.

RESTORING TIDAL WETLANDS IN AMERICAN CANYON, CALIFORNIA

EHJV WETLANDS CONSERVATION 2012

THE WETLAND RESTORATION ON UPPER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (UKNWR) BARNES UNIT, AGENCY LAKE UNITS, AND ADJACENT LANDS PROJECT IS LOCATED IN SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON IN KLAMATH COUNTY IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE KLAMATH BASIN. THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE PLANNING PHASE TO COMPLETE THE RESTORATION DESIGN AND PERMITTING AND TO RESTORE 14,356 ACRES OF VARIOUS WETLAND HABITAT TYPES. THIS PROJECT WILL HELP UKNWR FULFILL ITS MISSION OF RESTORING AND MAINTAINING THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF EXISTING AND HISTORIC WETLAND COMMUNITIES OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE. THIS PROJECT WILL BE IMPORTANT IN RESTORING HABITAT FOR WATERFOWL, AND OTHER WETLAND-ASSOCIATED BIRD SPECIES FOR LOST RIVER AND SHORTNOSE SUCKERS (FEDERALLY ENDANGERED) FOR OREGON SPOTTED FROGS (FEDERALLY THREATENED) AND FOR REDBAND TROUT AND POTENTIALLY CHINOOK SALMON (SENSITIVE SPECIES IN OR). ADDITIONALLY, THIS PROJECT WILL IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND IMPROVE WATER STORAGE. UKNWR HAS CHOSEN TO PARTNER WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. (DU) TO ASSIST WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENGINEERED RESTORATION DESIGN (PHASE 1) AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE (PHASE 2) FOR THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FROM THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT FOR WORK ON THE BARNES AND AGENCY UNITS WITHIN UKNWR. PHASE 3 WILL NOW PROVIDE FUNDING TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON WORK WITHIN THE BARNES AND AGENCY UNITS, AS WELL AS PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE SERVICES FOR THE EISENBERG UNIT AND ADJACENT PRIVATE LANDS.

ARMY COMPATIBLE USE BUFFER (ACUB) FT. DRUM. THIS MODIFICATION IS ISSUED TO OBLIGATE FUNDS

THE PROJECT ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN WILL USE NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS (NBS) TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE MARSH HEALTH AND INCREASE THE RESILIENCY AND CAPACITY OF THESE COASTAL MARSHES TO WITHSTAND STORMS AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY SUCH STORMS. THE MCFADDIN BEACH BERM PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2016 RESULTED IN A 17.6 MILE EARTHEN BERM TO REPLACE THE PROTECTIVE FUNCTION OF THE NATURAL BEACH RIDGE WHICH WAS LOST FROM LONG TERM EROSION AND HURRICANES. THE BEACH BERM IS AN IMPORTANT FEATURE FOR THE REFUGE AND THE SALT BAYOU MARSH ECOSYSTEM LIMITING SALTWATER INUNDATION OF MARSHES FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO DURING NON STORM EVENTS. IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NBS PROJECT IS NEEDED TO REMEDIATE DAMAGE TO THE MCFADDIN BEACH BERM CAUSED BY HURRICANE HARVEY AND OTHER RECENT TROPICAL STORMS THAT HAVE ERODED PORTIONS OF THE EXISTING BERM FORMING CUTS FOR SALTWATER TO ENTER THE BACK MARSHES DURING HIGH SEASONAL TIDES. DUCKS UNLIMITED PROPOSES TO COMPLETE PROJECT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION TO RESTORE THE BERM AND RETURN ITS IMPORTANT FUNCTION BENEFITING COASTAL HABITATS AND WILDLIFE ON THE REFUGE.

THIS PROJECT AIMS TO BENEFICIALLY USE DREDGE MATERIAL TO HELP FIX EROSION CONCERNS IN THE MARSH ON THE REFUGE AND PROTECT SAV BEDS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA AND THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF SEVERAL BREAKWATERS TO FURTHER PROTECT THE MARSH FROM EROSION

TO PROVIDE THE TECHNICAL CAPACITY NEEDED TO ASSIST NRCS, ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES, TO SUPPORT VARIOUS CONSERVATION EFFORTS.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD ARE TO BE USED TO HURRICANE IRMA HIT THE FLORIDA COAST ON SEPTEMBER 10 AND 11, 2017. HIGH WINDS, RAINFALL, AND RESULTING STORM SURGE IMPACTED THE PEACOCKS POCKET T-24D IMPOUNDMENT LEVEE ROAD AND WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES ON MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (MINWR). THE U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE (SERVICE) WILL PARTNER WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED (DU) TO PROTECT THE REFUGE SHORELINE AND RECONSTRUCT WATER MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE HARDENED SO THEY ARE PROTECTED FROM FUTURE STORMS.

TEXAS MID-COAST COASTAL MARSH RESILIENCY PROJECTS

THE SERVICE WILL PROVIDE FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF PARTNERSHIP WITH DU FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF WETLAND AND GRASSLAND ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION PROJECTS IN THE PPR OF NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, AND MONTANA. ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION ACTIVITIES WILL OCCUR ON WPA, CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, REFUGES, AND STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS WITHIN THAT GEOGRAPHIC AREA. THE SERVICE WILL PROVIDE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR EACH PROJECT AND DU WILL SUPPORT PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ON-THE-GROUND RESTORATION WORK. COLLECTIVELY, THESE PROJECTS ARE INTENDED TO RESTORE AND IMPROVE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT BREEDING AREAS FOR GRASSLAND BIRDS, WATERFOWL, POLLINATORS, AND THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES. ADDITIONALLY, ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION EFFORTS WILL PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE PROPERTIES INCLUDING SOCIETAL BENEFITS OF FLOOD RESILIENCE, WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION.

BRITISH COLUMBIA PCJV & CIJV CONSERVATION PROGRAM 2012

BRITISH COLUMBIA PACIFIC COASTAL AND CANADIAN INTERMOUNTAIN CONSERVATION PROGRAM 2016-2

EXPANDING CONSERVATION CAPACITY THROUGH COLLABORATION - PHASE III

BRITISH COLUMBIA PACIFIC COASTAL & CANADIAN INTERMOUNTAIN CONSERVATION PROGRAM

THROUGHOUT THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM AND PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN THERE IS INCREASING NEED TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN RESILIENT HABITATS AND INFRASTRUCTURE THAT IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE AS WEATHER AND CLIMATE VARIABILITY INCREASES. FEDERAL AND STATE LANDS ALONG THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI AND ILLINOIS RIVERS ARE EXPERIENCING A VARIETY OF CHALLENGES DUE TO CHANGING CLIMACTIC TRENDS AND CHANGES IN SURROUNDING LAND USE. THOUGH THE PROXIMATE CAUSES ARE SIMILAR THE SOLUTIONS NECESSARILY VARY DUE TO LOCATION GEOGRAPHY SITE HISTORY AND PUBLIC USE.PROPOSED PROJECTS INCLUDE HABITAT RESTORATION INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL CLIMATE RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AND PROJECTS THAT REDUCE SEDIMENT LOADING. THE PROPOSED PROJECTS TAKE PLACE ON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS OR ON STATE LANDS THAT ARE OTHERWISE IMPORTANT TO THE REFUGE SYSTEM IN MORGAN AND CASS COUNTIES IL LOUISA COUNTY IA HOUSTON COUNTY MN LA CROSSE COUNTY WI STODDARD AND WAYNE COUNTIES MO PIKE COUNTY IL SCOTT COUNTY IA AND JERSEY COUNTY IL. IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE DELIVERY OF THESE PROJECTS AND IMPROVE OUTCOMES AT THESE SITES DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL DEPLOY OUR ENGINEERING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO IMPROVE CLIMATE RESILIENCY ON 8124 ACRES. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE WORK AND PLANNING DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL WORK WITH THE NWR TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE PROJECTS THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT AND URGENT AND THAT PROVIDE THE GREATEST BENEFIT AS IT RELATES TO THE NWR SYSTEM. DUCKS UNLIMITED IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED THROUGH ITS EXISTING ENGINEERING AND BIOLOGICAL WORK FORCE TO DELIVER THESE OUTCOMES.THE WORK PROPOSED HEREIN IS A CONTINUATION OF A DECADES LONG PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE USFWS DU AND OTHERS TO HELP ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND MEET MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES AT WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN.

THE UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER RESTORATION IS LOCATED ON THE KLAMATH MARSH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (KLAMATH MARSH NWR) IN KLAMATH COUNTY OREGON IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE KLAMATH BASIN. THIS PROJECT WILL HELP THE REFUGE AND THE KLAMATH TRIBES FULFILL THEIR GOAL TO RESTORE THE WILLIAMSON RIVER TO ITS HISTORIC FORM AND FUNCTION. THIS WILL BENEFIT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE. THE KLAMATH TRIBES HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT A PORTION OF PHASE 1 RESTORATION ACTIVITIES. THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) AND KLAMATH TRIBES HAVE CHOSEN TO PARTNER WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. (DU) TO ASSIST WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 1, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF A CONTRACTOR, AND TO DEVELOP ENGINEERING DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE FOR PHASE 2. THIS FUNDING REQUEST WILL PROVIDE THE REMAINING FUNDS NEEDED TO CONSTRUCT PHASE 1 AND PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE SERVICES FOR THE PHASE 2 RESTORATION ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE SECTION OF THE WILLIAMSON RIVER BETWEEN BALL DAM AND MILITARY ROAD CROSSING.

GLRI

DUCKS UNLIMITED (DU) IS SUBMITTING THIS PROPOSAL REQUESTING FUNDING FROM THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (FWS) GULF RESTORATION OFFICE (GRO) TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COASTAL MARSH RESTORATION AT DRESSING POINT, PART OF THE BIG BOGGY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (NWR). THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO INSTALL A ROCK BREAKWATER AROUND THE ISLAND TO REDUCE LOSS OF AREA DUE TO EROSION. DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL PARTNER WITH THE TEXAS MID-COAST NWR COMPLEX, FWS COASTAL PROGRAM, AND GRO STAFF TO ACCOMPLISH THE PROJECT OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED BELOW FOR DRESSING POINT ISLAND. SERVICES PROVIDED BY DU WILL INCLUDE PROJECT PLANNING ACTIVITIES, SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

THIS AWARD WILL ALLOW DUCKS UNLIMITED TO PARTNER WITH THE NOAA DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, REMEDIATION, AND RESTORATION PROGRAM (DARRP) TO IMPLEMENT PRIORITY RESTORATION ACTIVITIES RELATED TO NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGES, SUCH AS OIL SPILLS AND RELEASES OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. BASED ON ASSESSMENTS AND ANALYSIS BY TRUSTEE COUNCILS, THE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES ARE INTENDED TO COMPENSATE FOR NATURAL RESOURCE INJURIES AND LOST USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES DUE TO THOSE INJURIES.

ASSESSING THE CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION POTENTIAL OF WETLAND RESTORATION IN THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAMS.

PROVIDING ASSISTANCE NECESSARY TO PLAN DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT ACEP WRE AND WRP RESTORATION OR REPAIR PLANS TO IMPROVE HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE AND IMPROVE WETLAND FUNCTIONS IN KENTUCKY

WE REQUEST 100,000 FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND DELIVERY OF CONSERVATIONACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE WETLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND RECREATION GOALSESTABLISHED FOR BLANCA BLANCA HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNIZED AS AN IMPORTANTMIGRATORY BIRD PRODUCTION AREA FOR THE STATE OF COLORADO THE WETLANDS FOUNDON THE SITE PROVIDE VALUABLE PRE BREEDING, FORAGING, AND STAGING AREAS FORPOPULATIONS OF DUCKS, GEESE, WADING BIRDS, SHOREBIRDS, AND OTHER AVIANSPECIES THAT RESIDE IN THE SAN LUIS VALLEY DURING THE BREEDING SEASON AS WELLAS SPRING AND FALL MIGRATION THE INTENT OF THE PLAN IS TO EXAMINE THECONTRIBUTION OF WETLAND HABITATS TOWARDS THESE BREEDING AND MIGRATIONEFFORTS LIMITING HABITAT FACTORS FOR AVIAN SPECIES WILL BE IDENTIFIED, ANARRAY OF HABITAT RESTORATIONS OR ENHANCEMENTS PRESCRIBED, AND A SET OFPRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION PLANS WILL BE DRAFTED THE INTENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE WETLANDS CONSERVATION PLAN IS TO ESTABLISH, FORA GIVEN WETLAND COMPLEX, HABITAT GOALS AND TO IDENTIFY THE CONSTRAINTS ANDOPPORTUNITIES THAT PREVAIL UPON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THOSE GOALS THE PLANPRESENTS A PRACTICAL AND PRIORITIZED LIST OF PROXIMATE CONSERVATION TASKSTHAT ALONE OR IN CONCERT WITH OTHER WORK WILL ACCOMPLISH OBJECTIVESDERIVED FROM THE OVERARCHING CONSERVATION GOALS CONSTITUTED IN THE PLAN THEEXPLICIT PURPOSE OF ALL OF THIS IS TO PROVIDE A STRONG BASIS FOR AN IMMEDIATEAND SUSTAINED PROGRAM OF CONSERVATION DELIVERY ON THE WETLAND COMPLEX THEFOLLOWING WORK WILL BE PERFORMED AS PART OF OUR WETLAND CONSERVATION EFFORTS PROJECT RECONNAISSANCE AND FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT, PROJECT GEOTECHNICALSURVEYS, PROJECT DESIGN AND DRAFTING, PROJECT PERMITTING, ANDPROJECT ADMINISTRATION, ACTUATION, AND EVALUATION FURTHER, DU WILL DELIVER ASET OF HIGH PRIORITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE PLAN WE WILL DELIVER A COMPREHENSIVE WETLANDS CONSERVATION PLAN COMPOSED OF THEFOLLOWING ELEMENTS SITE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES DESCRIPTION OF SITE WETLANDAND WATER RESOURCES TOPOGRAPHIC MAP AND OTHER SURFACE MODELLING OF IMPORTANTAREAS ON THE SITE IDENTIFICATION, CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND PRIORITIZATION OFWETLAND RESTORATION PROJECTS IDENTIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TOACHIEVE PRESCRIBED HABITAT CONDITIONS A SET OF PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTIONPLANS ILLUSTRATING THE REQUIRED ACTIVITIES FOR RESTORATION REGULATORY REVIEWOF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES DESCRIPTION OF OPTIMAL WETLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN SCHEDULE OF EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND CONTRACTOR EXPENSES FOR EACH IDENTIFIEDTASK IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES OF FUNDS AVAILABLE TO COST SHARE IDENTIFIEDIMPROVEMENTS EXPLANATION OF FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR ACTIVITIES ON THE PROJECTTRACT RECOMMENDED FIRST STEPS TOWARDS FUNDING HIGHEST PRIORITY ACTIVITIES ONTHE PROJECT TRACT DRAFTING OF 30 CONSTRUCTION PLANSETS FOR THE HIGHESTPRIORITY HABITAT PROJECTS AND, WETLAND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS INADDITION TO THE PLANNING EFFORT DESCRIBED ABOVE, DU PROPOSES TO IMPLEMENTPRIORITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED AS IMMEDIATELY BENEFICIALTO BLANCA WETLANDS AND ITS WETLAND RESOURCES THE WORK PROPOSED HERE WILL BENEFIT THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES WHOWILL BE ASSURED OF A SET OF FUNCTIONING WETLAND COMPLEXES ON PUBLIC ANDPUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE LANDS PARTICULAR BENEFICIARIES WILL BE FEDERAL, STATE,AND PARTNER WETLAND AND MIGRATORY BIRD MANAGERS INTERESTED IN MAINTAINING THEEXTENT AND QUALITY OF WETLAND HABITATS IN COLORADO FURTHER, THE PUBLIC WHOENJOY USING THESE BLM LANDS, INCLUDING RANCHERS, WATERFOWLERS AND BIRDERS,WILL BENEFIT FROM THE ACHIEVEMENT OF WETLAND HABITAT GOALS EXPRESSED IN THE PLAN THERE WILL BE NO SUBRECIPIENTS OF THIS AWARD

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE TO EFFICIENTLY OBTAIN QUALITY RESTORATION OF ACEP-WRE AND WRP EASEMENTS.

ASSESSING THE CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION POTENTIAL OF WETLAND RESTORATION IN THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAMS.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE TO EFFICIENTLY OBTAIN QALITY RESTORATION OF ACEP-WRE AND WRP EASEMENTS.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,124 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE 2,745 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ALONG COASTAL HABITAT OF TEXAS. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 3,869 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE. THIS PROPOSAL WILL ENHANCE AND PERPETUALLY PROTECT 3,869 ACRES (INCLUDES 1,759 NON-ADD ACRES) OF DECREASING WETLAND TYPES AND OTHER CRITICAL WETLANDS AND COASTALHABITATS IN THE TEXAS CHENIER PLAIN INITIATIVE AREA OF THE GULF COAST JOINT VENTURE. THESE HABITATS AREIMPORTANT FOR MIGRATING, WINTERING AND RESIDENT BIRD POPULATIONS ON THE WESTERN GULF COAST OF MEXICO.THE ACTIVITIES PROPOSED HEREIN WILL SUPPORT MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF MULTIPLE HABITATS THATSUPPORT FORAGING, ROOSTING RESTING, PAIR BONDING, NESTING, REARING OF YOUNG, AND MOLTING FOR MULTIPLESPECIES OF BIRDS. LANDS BENEFITING FROM THE ACTIVITIES PROPOSED HEREIN INCLUDE STATE LANDS THAT PROVIDEPUBLIC ACCESS FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES.

THIS PROJECT WILL BENEFIT FIVE TRACTS TOTALING 4000 ACRES OF COASTAL WETLANDS IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA. TRACT 1 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 750 ACRES OF BRACKISH MARSH IN JEFFERSON PARISH BY CONSTRUCTING AND PLANTING EARTHEN TERRACES. TRACT 2 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 800 ACRES OF SALINE MARSH IN LAFOURCHE PARISH BY CONSTRUCTING AND PLANTING EARTHEN TERRACES. TRACT 3 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 1200 ACRES OF BRACKISH MARSH IN IBERIA PARISH BY REPLACING A WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE. TRACT 4 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 600 ACRES OF SALINE MARSH IN LAFOURCHE PARISH BY CONSTRUCTING AND PLANTING EARTHEN TERRACES. TRACT 5 IS THE RESTORATION OF 650 ACRES OF BRACKISH MARSH IN JEFFERSON PARISH THROUGH MARSH CREATION VIA HYDRAULIC DREDGING. ALL OF THIS WORK IS WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER COASTAL WETLANDS INITIATIVE AREA OF THE GULF COAST JOINT VENTURE. THIS AWARD WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND WAS APPROVED BY THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 360 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 9,067 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN KANSAS. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT 9,427TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 24 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 460 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND ENHANCE 2380 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY. THEREFORE THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 2840 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

HURRICANE LAKE WMA GLAISE CREEK ENHANCEMENT

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 964 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE AND 2,560 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND ENHANCE 365 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE MID-ATLANTIC REGIONS, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND POCOSIN LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 3,889 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

TO ESTABLISH A PHRAGMITES CONTROL ACTION PLAN AND IMPLEMENT NON-NATIVE, INVASIVE CONTROL OF PHRAGMITES WITHIN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED TO IMPROVE WILDLIFE HABITAT AND WETLAND RESILIENCY.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,790 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, 175 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND ENHANCE 1,650 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ACROSS PRIORITY WATERSHEDS IN COASTAL NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 3,615 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 7, 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 2,516 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 267 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND ENHANCE 110 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN OHIO. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCE, 2,893 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.A SEPARATE AGREEMENT WILL BE MADE WITH FWS PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE 110 ACRES OF HABITAT ACCORDING TO THE PROPOSAL.

EXPANDING CONSERVATION CAPACITY THROUGH COLLABORATION

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTHE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 7, 2025 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY RESTORE 2,934 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN SOUTH FLORIDA FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 340.5 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS THROUGH FEE ACQUISITION, AND 1,106 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS. THE AWARD WILL ALSO RESTORE 480(53) ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS AND ENHANCE 1,790.5(316) ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS FOR A TOTAL OF 4,086 ACRES AFFECTED.

DU IS REQUESTING 2761000 TO COMPLETE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CAT ISLAND FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT. THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT IS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS AT THE SITE FOR THE PRIORITY HABITATS AND POPULATIONS OF TARGETED FISH SPECIES TO SUPPORT THE REMOVAL OF LOSS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND DEGRADATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS BUI. THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE WILL REESTABLISH SPAWNING AND NURSERY HABITAT FOR SHORELINE FISH TARGET SPECIES MUSKELLUNGE AND CENTRARCHIDS AND CONSTRUCT THE APPROVED DESIGN TO PROVIDE DIRECT BENEFITS TO SHORELINE FISH ANURANS COASTAL WETLAND AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES COLONIAL WATERBIRDS MARSH BREEDING BIRDS MIGRATORY WATERFOWL AND BREEDING AND MIGRATING SHOREBIRDS.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 2,103 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE 107 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE REGION OF NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCE 2,210 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THE PROJECT TEAM OF U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. INTEND TO IMPLEMENT A PLAN TO RESTORE THE HYDROLOGY TO 150 ACRES OF HYDRAULICALLY IMPAIRED TIDAL MARSH HABITAT IN THE USFWS S TIDALLY RESTRICTED HENDERSON MARSH AT JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (REFUGE). THE REFUGE, NESTLED WITHIN THE URBAN SETTING OF PHILADELPHIA, IS AMERICA S FIRST URBAN REFUGE AND WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1972 FOR PRESERVING, RESTORING, AND DEVELOPING THE NATURAL AREA KNOWN AS TINICUM MARSH. THE REFUGE PROVIDES A THRIVING SANCTUARY TEEMING WITH A RICH DIVERSITY OF FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PLANTS NATIVE TO THE DELAWARE ESTUARY. THE PROJECT TEAM WILL PLAN TO EXCAVATE 13,073 LINEAR FEET OF TIDAL CHANNELS, AS WELL AS, DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT METHODS FOR IN SITU FRESHWATER MUSSEL RESTORATION WITHIN THE IMPOUNDED TIDAL MARSH. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO CONSTRUCT A NEW OPENING IN THE SURROUNDING DIKE AND RESTORE 16 ACRES OF EARLY SUCCESSIONAL FOREST HABITAT. THE IMPROVED HYDRAULIC FUNCTION WITHIN THE WETLANDS WILL ALLOW A HEALTHIER ECOSYSTEM (ESPECIALLY FOR ANADROMOUS FISH) TO BE ESTABLISHED, IMPROVE MARSH FUNCTION AND RESILIENCE TO REDUCE FLOODING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES, ENHANCE AND EXPAND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR KAYAKING, FISHING, AND PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES AND DIVERSE AUDIENCES. THESE IMPROVEMENTS WILL INCLUDE AN OBSERVATION TOWER, KAYAK LAUNCH, IMPROVED TRAILS AND SIGNAGE, AND NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. FURTHERMORE, THE UPLAND DREDGED SEDIMENT PLACEMENT AREAS WILL BE PLANTED WITH NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS TO RESTORE 16 ACRES OF EARLY SUCCESSIONAL FOREST HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY SONGBIRDS AND POLLINATORS. THE OVERALL PROJECT WILL BENEFIT 85 WETLAND DEPENDENT BIRDS, 2 MAMMALS, 1 AMPHIBIAN, 2 REPTILES, 2 FRESHWATER MUSSELS, 7 FISH, AND 6 WETLAND PLANTS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN WHICH UTILIZE THE REFUGE.BURGESS NIPLE HAS DESIGNED THE HENDERSON MARSH RESTORATION PROJECT (TIDAL CHANNELS, DIKE OPENING AND BRIDGE) AND USFWS IS CURRENTLY SEEKING PERMITS FOR THIS PORTION OF THE PROJECT AND LEADING CORRESPONDENCE WITH REGULATORS. EXISTING FUNDING ALLOCATED TO THE PROJECT IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE FULL COST OF CONSTRUCTION. THIS BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW RESTORING FISH PASSAGE THROUGH BARRIER REMOVAL FUNDING WILL BE UTILIZED TO FUND CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW DIKE OPENING AND BRIDGE. THE NEW OPENING WILL REQUIRE CONSTRUCTION OF A CHANNEL CONNECTING TO AN EXISTING TRIBUTARY TO DARBY CREEK, REFERRED TO AS CHANNEL K ON THE DESIGN PLANS.

THE KLAMATH BASIN ECOSYSTEM HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WETLAND COMPLEXES FOR WATERFOWL AND WETLAND-ASSOCIATED BIRDS IN NORTH AMERICA. HOWEVER, IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, MUCH OF THE HISTORICAL WETLAND HABITAT WAS DRAINED WITH THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE KLAMATH PROJECT, WITH MUCH OF THE REMAINING HABITAT ON THE LOWER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LKNWR AND TULE LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE TLNWR . PRESENTLY, BOTH REFUGES ARE NEARLY ENTIRELY DRY AND SERVE LITTLE FUNCTIONAL VALUE FOR WATERFOWL AND OTHER WETLAND-ASSOCIATED SPECIES. WETLAND HABITAT ON THE REFUGES HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO CHRONIC WATER SHORTAGES DUE TO LIMITED WATER SUPPLIES, WHICH HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY TRUE ON LKNWR. TLNWR, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAS GENERALLY AVOIDED THE IMPACT OF WATER SHORTAGES AS IRRIGATION RETURN FLOWS HAD HISTORICALLY PROVIDED THE SUMPS WITH ENOUGH WATER. DUCKS UNLIMITED AND PARTNERS, AIM TO IMPROVE WETLAND HABITAT ON BOTH LKNWR AND TLNWR FOR WATERFOWL, WETLAND-ASSOCIATED BIRDS, AND OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF WATER DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION RETURN FLOWS AND INCREASING CAPACITY TO MANAGE AND MOVE WATER THROUGH DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE REFUGES. THESE OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR PUMPING STATIONS, TWO EACH IN BOTH LKNWR AND TLNWR. TOGETHER, THESE PUMPING STATIONS WILL IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY ON OVER 20,000 ACRES OF WETLAND HABITAT ON BOTH REFUGES, WHILE ALSO IMPROVING IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY, BY PROVIDING FLEXIBILITY IN MANAGEMENT AND DECREASING OPERATIONAL COSTS FOR OVER 20,000 ACRES OF IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE.

CONSERVING AMERICA'S COASTS

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 6,917 ACRES AND RESTORE 415 ACRES OF WETLAND HABITAT IN SOUTH LOUISIANA FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE. ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION TECHNIQUES INCLUDE REPAIRING VULNERABLE LEVEES, PLANTINGS, MARSH TERRACE CREATION, PUMP STATION INSTALLATION, AND RIDGE AND MARSH CREATION. THIS AWARD WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND WAS APPROVED BY THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,380 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND ENHANCE 1,141 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE COASTAL PLAINS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, NORTH CAROLINA, AND GEOGIA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 2,521 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.?

TO RESTORE, PROTECT, AND ENHANCE WETLANDS ON ELIGIBLE PRIVATE OR TRIBAL LANDS WHILE MAXIMIZING WILDLIFE BENEFITS THROUGH THE RESTORATION OF LANDS THAT ARE ENROLLED IN THE WRP PROGRAM.

CULLINAN RANCH ACCELERATION/DECELERATION LANES AND RIP-RAP ARMORING OF 2.7 MILES OF STATE ROUTE 37

PROVIDING ASSISTANCE NECESSARY TO PLAN DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT ACEP WRE AND WRP RESTORATION OR REPAIR PLANS TO IMPROVE HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE AND IMPROVE WETLAND FUNCTIONS IN KENTUCKY

DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL BE RESTORING CAMP SABROSKE A FORMER MUSKRAT FARM WITH FOUR WETLAND MANAGEMENT UNITS TOTALING 25 ACRES CONTAINED WITHIN A SYSTEM OF LEVEES, SEVERAL INTERNAL PIPES INTERCONNECTING THE WETLANDS, AND A PUMP. IT IS NOT CURRENTLY POSSIBLE TO MANAGE WATER LEVELS OR AQUATIC VEGETATION IN THE WETLANDS BECAUSE THE PIPES AND PUMP ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL, RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN THE QUALITY OF THE HABITAT. INDEPENDENT WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT OF THE FOUR WETLANDS WAS NEVER POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO HYDROLOGICAL CONNECTION WITH PACKER CREEK OR THE TOUSSAINT RIVER, THE INTERNAL LEVEES ARE IN POOR SHAPE, UNNECESSARY AND ARE A MAINTENANCE BURDEN, AND THE EXTERIOR RIVER LEVEE REQUIRES RENOVATION AND ARMORING TO ENSURE THE COASTAL WETLANDS ARE PROTECTED FROM LOSS OR DAMAGE DUE TO HIGH WATER AND EROSION. MUCH OF THE WETLANDS ARE OPEN WATER LACKING EMERGENT OR SUBMERGENT VEGETATION WITH SMALL POCKETS OF FORESTED AND SCRUB-SHRUB WETLAND COMMUNITIES. THIS PROJECT ADDRESSES O

TOUSSAINT EAST AND WEST LAND ACQUISITION AND HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 23, 2024 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. THIS AWARD WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND WAS APPROVED BY THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 7,917 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE 9,062 ACRES WITHIN IN CHENIER PLAIN OF SOUTH LOUISIANA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 16,979 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE. ENHANCEMENT INCLUDES INSTALLATION OF NEW AND REPLACEMENT OF NON-FUNCTIONING WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES, LEVEE REPAIRS, AND EARTHEN PLUGS. FEE TITLE ACQUISITION WILL PROTECT VALUABLE FRESHWATER AND INTERMEDIATE MARSH AND COASTAL PRAIRIE.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 24 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 72 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 998 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND IT WILL ENHANCE 998 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN FLORIDA. THEREFORE THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE1070 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

DALE BUMPERS WHITE RIVER (DBWR) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (NWR), CONTAINING OVER 160,000 ACRES OFLAND, THE REFUGE PROTECTS ONE OF THE LARGEST REMAINING BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FOREST IN THE MISSISSIPPIALLUVIAL VALLEY (MAV). ESTABLISHED IN 1940, THE REFUGE IS MANAGED AS AN IMPORTANT RESTING AND FEEDINGAREA FOR WINTERING WATERFOWL, AS WELL AS PROVIDING HABITAT FOR NUMEROUS RESIDENT WILDLIFE SPECIES ANDOTHER MIGRATORY BIRDS.THERE ARE TWO AREAS ON DBWR NWR THAT ARE IN NEED OF REPAIR, SPECIFICALLY THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE ONWOLF BAYOU AS WELL AS THE LEVEE B ROAD WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE. THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE AT WOLFBAYOU PROVIDES GREEN TREE HABITAT MANAGEMENT ALONG WOLF BAYOU AND ALLOWS WATER PASSAGE UNDER JACKSBAY LEVEE ROAD. THE EXISTING STEEL SHEET PILE AND CONCRETE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE IS BADLY DAMAGED ANDSPALLED. THE EXISTING STOPLOGS AND CHANNELS DO NOT PROPERLY FUNCTION. THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE NEEDSTO BE REPLACED.FOR THE LEVEE B ROAD WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE, THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE PROVIDES GREEN TREE HABITATMANAGEMENT ALONG HONEY LOCUST BAYOU AND ALLOWS WATER PASSAGE UNDER LEVEE B ROAD. THE EXISTINGCONCRETE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE IS BADLY SPALLED AND CRACKED AND THE EXISTING GATES AND CONTROLLERS ARESEVERELY RUSTED AND DO NOT FUNCTION. THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.THE GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT FUNDED PROJECT TO REPLACE THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES AT WOLF BAYOUAND HONEY LOCUST GTR WILL GREATLY BENEFIT THE PUBLIC BECAUSE THESE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOLDING WATER ONA POPULAR DUCK HUNTING AREA OF DALE BUMPERS WRNWR. DUCK HUNTING IS OPEN IN THIS AREA ON EVERYTUESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM SUNRISE UNTIL NOON DURING THE STATEWIDE DUCK SEASON.THERE ARE ONLY TWO AREAS OPEN TO DUCK HUNTING ON THE 100,000 ACRE SOUTH UNIT OF THE REFUGE, WITH THISBEING ONE OF THEM. ACCESS TO THIS AREA IS BY BOAT, FOOT OR ATV ON DESIGNATED ATV TRAILS. THESE WATERCONTROL STRUCTURES ARE USED TO MANAGE THE WATER LEVEL ON A 2,500 ACRE GREENTREE RESERVOIR THAT HAS BEENOPEN TO DUCK HUNTING SINCE 1979. NOT ONLY ARE THESE STRUCTURES CRITICAL FOR HOLDING WATER ONTO THEBOTTOMLAND FOREST TO PROVIDE HABITAT FOR WINTERING WATERFOWL AND DUCK HUNTING OPPORTUNITY BUT THEY ARECRITICAL FOR GETTING WATER OFF OF THE FORESTED HABITAT DURING THE SPRING AND SUMMER. WITHOUT THE ABILITY TOREMOVE WATER FROM THE FORESTED HABITAT DURING THE GROWING SEASON, THE TREES WILL DIE FROM WATER STRESSAND HABITAT CONVERSION WILL OCCUR RESULTING IN LESS PUBLIC HUNTING, ATV, AND FOOT ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES.BOTH OF THESE STRUCTURES ARE CURRENTLY IN A FAILED CONDITION AND ARE NOT PROVIDING THE WATER CONTROL TOTHEIR DESIGNED INTENDED CAPACITY. UPON THE COMPLETION OF THESE NEW WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES, OURABILITY TO DE-WATER THESE IMPOUNDMENTS WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED ALLOWING PUBLIC ACCESS DURING THE DRYSEASON AND PUBLIC HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.

PROJECT SUMMARYTHE PROJECT PROPOSED WILL INCLUDE THE RESTORATION OF 3 SITES ON CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VIRGINIA, USING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS. THE ENHANCEMENT OF LIGHTHOUSE MEADOW (4 ACRES), SOW POND (48 ACRES), AND ASSATEAGUE CHANNEL (30 ACRES) WILL RESULT IN 82 ACRES OF TIDAL SALT MARSH BEING RESTORED. THE PROJECT GOALS ARE TO RESTORE HISTORICAL HYDROLOGY TO MARSH HABITATS, BUILD RESILIENCY IN THE FACE OF MOUNTING THREATS, AND INCREASE HABITAT FOR MARSH NESTING BIRDS, FISH, AND SHELLFISH. THESE PROJECTS ALSO SERVE TO CREATE TEMPLATES OR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS THAT CAN BUILD THE KNOWLEDGE BASE AND ACCEPTANCE WITHIN THE RESTORATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMUNITY (ESPECIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE BENEFICIAL USE OF DREDGE MATERIAL AND ELEVATION ENHANCEMENT TO RECONSTRUCT DEGRADED OR LOST TIDAL WETLANDS). THESE GOALS WILL BE ATTAINED THROUGH THE (1) BREACH AND REMOVAL OF DIKE AND WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES ON IMPOUNDED WETLANDS TO REINTRODUCE TIDAL FLOW AND (2) THIN LAYER DEPOSITION OF SEDIMENT IN THE MARSH TO BUILD ELEVATION COUPLED WITH PLANTING OF VARIOUS MARSH GRASSES TO REESTABLISH THE MARSH PLATFORM.PROJECT ACTIVITIES, METHODS, AND TIMETABLE: PHASE I: PHASE I IS IDENTIFIED BY 1,699,309 OF FUNDS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY TO BEGIN A MULTI-PHASE, TIERFUNDEDAPPROACH TO THE PROJECTS PROPOSED AT CHINCOTEAGUE NWR. THIS INITIAL FUNDING IS CASH FUNDS FROM AVARIETY OF SOURCES INCLUDING HURRICANE SANDY RESILIENCY FUNDS AND HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY FUNDS,SUPPLEMENTED BY IN-KIND VALUE FROM THE TOWN OF CHINCOTEAGUE, CHINCOTEAGUE NWR, AND USFWSECOLOGICALSERVICES RESTORATION DIVISION. FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY TO COMPLETE ALL PROPOSEDACTIVITIES ON 52 ACRES AT SOW POND AND LIGHTHOUSE MEADOW AT AN EXPECTED COST OF 518,997. WITH THEREMAINING 1,180,312 OF FUNDS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF SOW POND AND LIGHTHOUSE MEADOWS, WE WILL ALSOBEGIN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASSATEAGUE CHANNEL RESTORATION AND EXPECT TO COMPLETE 14.25 ACRES OFRESTORATION WORK.PHASE II: PHASE II IS IDENTIFIED BY 500,000 OF FUNDING THAT WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN FY24, BY THEUSFWS, TO FURTHER IMPLEMENT RESTORATION ACTIVITIES ON ASSATEAGUE CHANNEL. 6.21 ACRES OF RESTORATION WORKPLANNED AT ASSATEAGUE CHANNEL WILL BE COMPLETED IN PHASE II, WITH EXPECTED COMPLETION IN FY 25.PHASE III: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL PHASE (PHASE III) OF THE PROJECT IS DEPENDENT ON SECURINGNECESSARY FUNDING, AND ON THE COSTS AND SOURCES OF THE NEEDED SEDIMENT. WE EXPECT THE TOTAL COSTS OFPHASE III TO BE 770,967, THUS COMPLETING THE REMAINING 9.6 ACRES OF THE ASSATEAGUE CHANNEL RESTORATION.PHASE III COULD OCCUR CONCURRENT WITH PHASE II IF THE NECESSARY FUNDING IS SECURED, OR NOT GET IMPLEMENTEDUNTIL FUTURE YEARS AS FUNDING IS IDENTIFIED.WHEN AND IF PHASE III IS COMPLETED NO SUBSEQUENT ACTIVITIES ARE ANTICIPATED.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC (DU) AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (FWS) OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (ONWR) WILL COLLABORATE TO PROTECT AND RESTORE LAND TO EXPAND ONWR. DU AND FWS WILL IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE PROPERTIES FOR PROTECTION AND RESTORATION WITHIN THE ACQUISITION BOUNDARY OF THE REFUGE. DU WILL PURCHASE PROPERTIES AND DONATE EACH PROPERTY TO FWS. AFTER DONATION, DU AND FWS WILL COLLABORATE TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE WETLANDS AND OTHER HABITAT TYPES ON EACH PROPERTY. RESTORED WETLANDS WILL BE CONNECTED TO ADJACENT RIVERS OR STREAMS WITH WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE ACCESS FOR FISH INTO THE WETLANDS FOR SPAWNING. RESTORED AND ENHANCED WETLANDS ALSO MAY INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF LEVEES AND THE INSTALLATION OF WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES AND PUMPS TO PROVIDE WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL HELP FWS MANAGE AND SUSTAIN QUALITY HABITAT.AT LEAST TWO PROPERTIES TOTALING +/- 110 ACRES WILL BE ACQUIRED UNDER THIS PROJECT WITH TWO PROPERTIES INITIALLY IDENTIFIED FOR ACQUISITION. AT LEAST 25 ACRES OF WETLANDS WITH FISH PASSAGE WILL BE RESTORED. THE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF THESE PROPERTIES WILL ADDRESS THE LOSS OF FISH HABITAT IN THE MAUMEE AREA OF CONCERN. FWS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LONG-TERM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF EACH PROPERTY PROTECTED AND RESTORED.

THIS PROJECT PROPOSES TO PROTECT SHORELINE AND ADJACENT MARSH HABITAT FROM GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (GIWW) EROSIVE FORCES AT BIG BOGGY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (NWR) IN MATAGORDA COUNTY. THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 1.5 MILS OF ROCK RIPRAP BREAKWATER ALONG THE REFUGE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY. THE 1800 ACRE BIG BOGGY MARSH REPRESENTS ABOUT 25 PERCENT OF THE TIDAL MARSH ON THE NORTH SIDE OF EAST MATAGORDA BAY. THESE MAINLAND TIDAL MARSHES ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY RECEIVE FRESHWATER FLOW SEDIMENTS AND NUTRIENTS FROM THE SURROUNDING WATERSHED AND MAINTAIN WATER QUALITY FISHERIES NURSERY HABITAT AND WILDLIFE HABITAT FOR THE BAY. THE EROSION RATE ALONG THIS PORTION OF THE GIWW IS APPROXIMATELY 5.2 FT PER YR OVER THE PAST 75 YEARS RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF 300 FEET OF SHORELINE AND OVER 105 ACRES OF WETLAND HABITAT SINCE 1943.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 462 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 950 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND ENHANCE 947 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCE A TOTAL OF 2,359 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

DUC TOUCHWOOD HILLS/CONJURING CREEK

THE MOUNTAIN VIEW RESTORATION PROJECT AT PONDS A1 AND A2W WITHIN THE DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WILL CREATE CLIMATE RESILIENT PUBLIC ACCESS AND RESTORE A RANGE OF TIDAL HABITATS. THE RESIDENTS OF MOUNTAIN VIEW AND EAST PALO ALTO AND OTHER NEARBY COMMUNITIES WILL BENEFIT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF RESILIENT PUBLIC ACCESS COUPLED WITH RESTORATION AND INCREASED FLOOD MANAGEMENT CAPACITY. THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE MUCH LARGER SOUTH BAY SALT POND RESTORATION PROJECT. OUTCOMES INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO CLIMATE RESILIENT BRIDGES OVER LEVEE BREACH LOCATIONS AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL PUBLIC ACCESS AMENITIES. THE PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUBLIC ACCESS TRAILS OF 1.2 MILES AND 500 FEET IN LENGTH ON THE IMPROVED POND LEVEES AND THREE VIEWING AREAS WITH BENCHES AND INTERPRETIVE SIGNS TO ADD WILDLIFE COMPATIBLE PUBLIC ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES. RESTORATION OUTCOMES INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF BROAD HABITAT TRANSITION SLOPES GRADING BETWEEN RESTORING TIDAL MARSH AND UPLANDS WHILE ALSO PROVIDING SLOPE PROTECTION FOR 7000 FEET OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND A CLOSED LANDFILL UNDER THE ADJACENT CITY PARK KNOWN AS SHORELINE PARK. THE MVRP WILL IMPORT AND GRADE CLEAN EARTHEN FILL TO IMPROVE EXISTING LEVEES AND BUILD MARSH TO UPLAND HABITAT TRANSITION ZONES IN EACH POND. THESE GENTLE SLOPES INCREASE HABITAT DIVERSITY AND COMPLEXITY AND PROVIDE SPACE FOR UPSLOPE MARSH MIGRATION IN RESPONSE TO SEA LEVEL RISE. THEY WOULD ALSO PROTECT THE CLOSED LANDFILL THAT LIES BENEATH SHORELINE PARK FROM EROSION AND SEEPAGE WHEN TIDAL FLOWS ARE RETURNED TO POND A1. RIP RAP WOULD BE PLACED ALONG THE UPPER PORTIONS OF THE HABITAT TRANSITION ZONE TO INCREASE SEA LEVEL RISE RESILIENCE TO THE CLOSED LANDFILL AND PARK AMENITIES LIKE THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL. THE RIP RAP WOULD BE BURIED AND SEEDED WITH NATIVE PLANTS AND GRASSES TO ADD HABITAT COMPLEXITY AND VEGETATIVE COVER AS HIGH TIDE REFUGIA. THE MVRP WOULD ALSO REVERSE HISTORIC WETLAND LOSSES EXCEEDING 85 PERCENT BY BREACHING POND LEVEES TO RETURN TIDAL FLOWS AND INITIATE SEDIMENT ACCRETION AND MARSH REESTABLISHMENT. THIS WILL PROVIDE HABITAT FOR THE ENDANGERED MARSH SPECIES SUCH AS SALT MARSH HARVEST MOUSE AND CALIFORNIA CLAPPER RAIL. IT WOULD BENEFIT THREATENED STEELHEAD AND OTHER NATIVE FISH AND BIRDS AS WELL AS MAMMALS.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 7, 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 3,000 ACRES OF WETLANDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WETLAND DEPENDENT WILDLIFE IN THE PONTCHARTRAIN BASIN AND THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA BASIN OF COASTAL LOUISIANA. ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF EARTHEN TERRACES IN SHALLOW, OPEN WATER TO ENHANCE BRACKISH COASTAL MARSH, THE UTILIZATION OF A CREVASSE SPLAY TO CREATE DIVERSE HABITAT CONDITIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHORELINE PROTECTION FEATURES TO PROTECT INTERMEDIATE MARSH. THIS AWARD WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND WAS APPROVED BY THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION.

THIS PROJECT WILL BENEFIT THREE TRACTS TOTALING 3,170 ACRES OF COASTAL WETLANDS IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA. TRACT 1 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 1,645 ACRES OF INTERMEDIATE MARSH IN LAFOURCHE PARISH BY CONSTRUCTING AND PLANTING EARTHEN TERRACES. TRACT 2 IS THE RESTORATION OF 425 ACRES IN TERREBONNE PARISH VIA HYDRAULIC DREDGE TO BORROW AND PUMP SEDIMENTS INTO CONTAINMENT AREAS TO BUILD AND NOURISH EMERGENT INTERMEDIATE AND BRACKISH MARSH HABITAT IN SHALLOW OPEN WATER. TRACT 3 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 1,100 ACRES OF FRESHWATER MARSH IN ST. MARY PARISH. THIS INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR CREVASSES TO DELIVER FRESHWATER AND SEDIMENT TO MIMIC NATURAL DELTAIC SPLAY DEVELOPMENT. ALL OF THIS WORK IS WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER COASTAL WETLANDS INITIATIVE AREA OF THE GULF COAST JOINT VENTURE.

THE SACRAMENTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT CANAL REHABILITATION PROJECT IS A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN DUCKS UNLIMITED INC. AND THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT DIVISION. DUCKS UNLIMITED IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO CONSERVING WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED HABITATS FOR NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL. THESE HABITATS ALSO BENEFIT OTHER WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE. DU HAS TEAMS OF BIOLOGISTS AND ENGINEERS ALONG WITH SUPPORT STAFF WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERY OF ON THE GROUND HABITAT PROJECTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION.THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE CENTRAL VALLEY OF CALIFORNIA. IT WILL HELP SACRAMENTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX STAFF FULFILL THEIR MISSION OF SUSTAINING WETLANDS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND PROTECTED SPECIES BY REHABILITATING APPROXIMATELY 34 MILES OF CANALS AND REPLACING MULTIPLE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE RELIABLE WATER DELIVERY TO APPROXIMATELY 6000 ACRES OF HABITAT ON DELEVAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND 4500 ACRES ON COLUSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION WORK TO THE THREE MAIN DELEVAN WATER DELIVERY CANALS AND THE MAIN WATER DELIVERY CANAL AT COLUSA. THE CANALS SUFFER FROM CANAL BANK EROSION WHICH RESULTS IN NARROWED LEVEE TOPS ALONG WITH SEDIMENT BUILDUP AND VEGETATION ENCROACHMENT FROM WATER PRIMROSE ALL OF WHICH REDUCE THE VOLUME AND FLOW OF WATER IN THESE CANALS. SUBLATERAL CANALS STEMMING FROM ABOVE NAMED DELIVERY CANALS MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO PROJECT WORK. OTHER CANALS THROUGHOUT THE REFUGE COMPLEX ALSO MAY REQUIRE WORK SUCH AS THOSE AT SUTTER AND SACRAMENTO AND SACRAMENTO RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES.BECAUSE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION WILL OCCUR ON FEDERAL LANDS AND WILL BE FUNDED BY FEDERAL DOLLARS AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT THAT SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BEFORE CONSTRUCTION CAN PROCEED. THE SERVICE WILL APPLY FOR PERMITS AND COMPLIANCE CLEARANCES AS NECESSARY INCLUDING WITH SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT AND SECTION 7 OF THE FEDERAL ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT. DU WILL ASSIST THE SERVICE WITH THE REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION AS NEEDED.IN ADDITION TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE SUPPORT TASKS DU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING WORK WHICH WILL SUPPORT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION. PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING WORK WILL CONSIST OF COMPLETING A TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY AND INITIAL ENGINEERING DESIGN. DU WILL REVIEW THE INITIAL DESIGN WITH REFUGE COMPLEX STAFF AND FOLLOWING THEIR REVIEW DU WILL FINALIZE THE DESIGN AND PREPARE CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NEEDED. DU WILL PREPARE BID DOCUMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT AND SCHEDULE SITE SHOWINGS AND ASSIST THE SERVICE WITH COORDINATION WITH RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS AND REGULATORY AGENCIES. PROJECT CONSTRUCTION WILL INCLUDE MOBILIZATION AND SITE PREPARATION ALONG WITH SITE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS PLUS DEMOLITION OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND EARTHMOVING. DU WILL PROVIDE OVERSIGHT FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE THE PROJECT IS CONSTRUCTED TO STANDARDS AND PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. DU ALSO WILL CHECK GRADES AND VERIFY QUANTITIES AND PREPARE INSPECTION REPORTS TO ENSURE CONTRACT CONDITIONS AND TIMELINES ARE MET. DU WILL PROVIDE INSPECTION REPORTS AND PHOTO DOCUMENTATION AND ALSO WILL PROCESS CHANGE ORDERS AS NEEDED AND REVIEW AND SUBMIT INVOICES FOR PAYMENT. FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION DU WILL REVIEW AND REVISE THE ENGINEER DRAWINGS AS NEEDED TO REFLECT THE AS BUILT CONDITIONS. PROJECT WORK WILL BEGIN IN SPRING 2024 AND RUN THROUGH FALL 2026. ONCE CONSTRUCTED THE PROJECT COMPONENTS SHOULD REMAIN IN PLACE FOR AT LEAST 25 YEARS AS LONG AS THEY ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED. SERVICE STAFF WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING LONG TERM MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT WORK.

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 8, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 11,403 ACRES WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY IN CA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE 11,403 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 8, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 3,675 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE 137 ACRES OF WETLAND AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE TOTAL ACRES OF 3,812 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 8, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 3,005 ACRES, AND RESTORE 40 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ALONG COASTAL LOUISIANA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE 3,045 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 7646ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITIONINTHE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF NORTH DAKOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT 7646TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENT'S APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILLENHANCE2,465ACRESOF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE SAN JOAQUIN AND KERN RIVERS OF CALIFORNIA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE 2,465TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN CALIFORNIA.

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENT'S APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILLENHANCE 3.980ACRES AND RESTORE 1,000ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ALONG COASTAL LOUISIANA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE 4,980TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN LOUISIANA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 50,011TOTAL ACRES OF WETLANDSIN FLORIDAFOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 18.1 ACRES THROUGH FEE DONATION,AND RESTORE 1,723.4ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INMASSACHUSETTS. THEREFORE THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE 1,741.5TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENT'S APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 5,075ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION, ENHANCE1,393ACRES, AND RESTORE 833.6ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INKANSAS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 7,301.6TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN KANSAS.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT IN KANSAS 475ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, AND 4,430 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT DONATION. THIS PROJECT WILL ALSO USE FUNDS TO ENHANCE 2,353ACRES, AND RESTORE 1,266ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE KANSAS REGION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS THEREFORE TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 8,524.00TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN KANSAS.

VIRGINIA TIDAL RIVERS & BAYS VI

CENTRAL FLYWAY MIGRATION CORRIDOR IV, NEBRASKA

KANSAS PRAIRIE WETLANDS VII, KANSAS

GLACIATED WETLANDS AND PRAIRIES OF NORTH DAKOTA AND MINNESOTA-V

MISSOURI COTEAU HABITAT CONSERVATION XIII

MISSOURI COTEAU HABITAT CONSERVATION PROJECT XII 2014-01

NORTHERN TULARE/SAN JOAQUIN BASINS 4

DUC PHJV ALLAN/DANA HILLS

THE SHIREY BAY RAINEY BRAKE AND PETIT JEAN WMAS WETLAND ENHANCEMENT PROPOSAL IS THE CONTINUATION OF A MULTI-PHASE EFFORT AIMED AT THE PROTECTION, RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF CRITICAL WETLAND HABITATS ON PUBLIC LANDS IN THE MAV BY LEVERAGING PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATION VALUES PERPETUALLY PROTECTED IN MISSISSIPPI. PRIMARY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS (SUCH AS THOSE PROPOSED HEREIN) WITHIN THE MAV AIM TO MAINTAIN AND RESTORE THE LANDSCAPE AT SOME FUNCTIONAL LEVEL THAT BENEFITS BOTH WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIC EMPHASIS ON INCREASING NON-BREEDING PERIOD SURVIVAL AND SUBSEQUENT BREEDING SUCCESS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS THAT UTILIZE THIS LANDSCAPE AS WINTERING AND MIGRATION HABITAT. CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE MAV ARE THEREFORE DESIGNED TO RESTORE, ENHANCE, AND PROTECT WETLAND FUNCTION BY DECREASING HABITAT FRAGMENTATION (E.G., REFORESTATION), ENHANCE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF WATER AND HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE (E.G., WETLAND MANAGEMENT) AND PROVIDE SOCIETY WITH THE MANY ECOLOGICAL GOODS AND SERVICES DERIVED FROM THESE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CLEAN WATER, FLOOD ABATEMENT AND THE PROVISION OF NATURAL EXPERIENCES INCLUDING WILDLIFE VIEWING, HUNTING, AND FISHING. THE COMPLETION OF PROPOSED WORK WILL BUILD ON PAST NAWCA WETLAND CONSERVATION INVESTMENTS IN THE MAV THAT HAVE SET A FOUNDATION FOR THESE FUTURE EFFORTS TO MITIGATE HABITAT DEGRADATION AND ENSURE THAT THE MAV CONTINUES TO FULFILL ITS HISTORICAL ROLE AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LANDSCAPES IN NORTH AMERICA FOR CONTINENTAL POPULATIONS OF WATERFOWL, WADING BIRDS, SHOREBIRDS AND OTHER WETLAND-DEPENDENT MIGRATORY BIRDS. IN ADDITION, THE PROPOSED CONSERVATION STRATEGIES ACTIVELY BUILD UPON A CONSERVATION DESIGN THAT LENDS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF WETLAND HABITAT COMPLEXES WHERE CONSERVATION EFFORTS ON BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAND HABITATS COOPERATIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINING DEFINED HABITAT OBJECTIVES WITHIN THE MAV. THIS PROJECT BUILDS UPON THE EFFORT TO RESTORE HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTION IN GREEN TREE RESERVOIRS (GTRS) AND MOIST-SOIL UNITS (MSUS) ON STATE-OWNED LANDS ACROSS THE STATE. THE PROPOSED WORK WILL THEREFORE BUILD ON PAST NAWCA INVESTMENTS IN THE MAV THAT AIM TO PREVENT FURTHER HABITAT DEGRADATION AND ENSURE THAT THE MAV CONTINUES TO FULFILL ITS HISTORICAL ROLE AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LANDSCAPES IN NORTH AMERICA FOR CONTINENTAL POPULATIONS OF WATERFOWL, WADING BIRDS, SHOREBIRDS, AND OTHER WETLAND DEPENDENT MIGRATORY BIRDS.

RACCOURCI BAY MARSH ENHANCEMENT

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST JOINT VENTURE PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS

WILLAMETTE VALLEY PARTNERSHIP 1

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 25,2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 315 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 6,924 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ENHANCE 1,155 ACRES, AND RESTORE 181 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN KANSAS. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 8,575 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO RESTORE ACEP-WRE AND WRP EASEMENTS.

SAN JOAQUIN WETLANDS

ONE OF THE ORIGINAL SEVEN WATERFOWL HABITAT JOINT VENTURES IN THE U.S., THE LOWER GREAT LAKES ST. LAWRENCE BASIN HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AREAS FOR BREEDING AND STAGING WATERFOWL AND GRASSLAND BIRDS IN THE EASTERN U.S. THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER VALLEY (SLRV) HAS ABUNDANT INLAND FRESHWATER MARSHES, AND A PRODUCTIVE INTERSPERSION OF GRASSLAND AND WETLANDS THAT ATTRACT NESTING WATERFOWL AND HIGH DENSITIES OF MIGRATING WATERFOWL. IN THIS REGION AS WATERFOWL, GRASSLAND, AND SHOREBIRD POPULATIONS ARE RAPIDLY DECLINING, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO FOCUS LIMITED RESOURCES ON PROTECTING HIGH QUALITY BREEDING, MIGRATING, AND WINTERING HABITAT, AND ELIMINATING THREATS TO CRITICAL WETLAND HABITATS (E.G., DEVELOPMENT). THE THOUSAND ISLANDS REGION AND LAKE ONTARIO COASTAL WATERSHED IS HIGHLY VALUED FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, AND THUS REMAINING UNDEVELOPED AND UNDISTURBED WETLAND HABITATS ARE A CONSERVATION PRIORITY. DUCKS UNLIMITED (DU) HAS PUT TOGETHER A STRONG PARTNERSHIP TO CONTINUE WITH A PHASE IV PROJECT TO PROTECT, ENHANCE AND RESTORE 2,699.5 (12) ACRES, MOST OF WHICH IS NEAR OR CONTIGUOUS TO OTHER PROTECTED LANDS, AND NEAR IMPORTANT AQUATIC RESOURCES INCLUDING BAYS, RIVERS, AND STREAMS. THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER THOUSAND ISLAND (SLRTI)-PHASE IV PROJECT AREA IS WITHIN A NATIONAL PRIORITY WETLAND AREA DESIGNATED BY THE NAWMP, U.S. SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN, PARTNERS IN FLIGHT PRIORITY AREA, AND THE NORTH AMERICAN WATERBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN, AND IS RECOGNIZED AS A CRITICAL AREA IN THE NY STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN. THE HIGHEST BIRD HABITAT VALUES IN THE SLRV ARE ASSOCIATED WITH LAKE ONTARIO, THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER, AND THE INDIAN RIVER LAKES REGION BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY, ABUNDANCE, AND DIVERSITY OF WETLAND TYPES (MARSH, FORESTED RIVER CORRIDORS, VERNAL POOLS, POTHOLES) INTERSPERSED WITH VITAL GRASSLANDS AND UPLAND FORESTS THAT COLLECTIVELY PROVIDE CRITICAL STAGING AREAS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND SEVERAL KEY AREAS THAT SERVE AS FUNNELS FOR IMPORTANT MIGRATING LAND BIRDS. THE ST. LAWRENCE PLAINS FOCUS AREA IS AN ORIGINAL FOCUS AREA INCLUDED IN THE 1986 NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT PLAN (NAWMP) AND HAD THE GOAL OF PROTECTING 60,000 ADDITIONAL ACRES OF BREEDING AND MIGRATION HABITAT IN THE GREAT LAKES-ST. LAWRENCE LOWLANDS, DU HAS DEVELOPED STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH THOUSAND ISLANDS LAND TRUST (TILT), INDIAN RIVER LAKES CONSERVANCY (IRLC), TUG HILL TOMORROW LAND TRUST (THTLT), SAINT LAWRENCE LAND TRUST (STLLT), DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AT FORT DRUM (DOD), PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, AND LOCAL PARTNERS TO USE GRANT AND MATCH FUNDS TO PROTECT CRITICAL HABITAT.

TO PROVIDE RESTORATION ASSISTANCE ON NRCS EASEMENTS IN WASHINGTON STATE.

REPAIR LEVEE AND WATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES ON THE MYRTLE FOESTER WHITMIRE OF ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

THE NGPJV IS A COOPERATIVE, REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS TO CONSERVE HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF BIRDS, OTHER WILDLIFE, AND PEOPLE IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS NGP REGION OF NORTH AMERICA THE NGPJV PROMOTES, GUIDES, AND FACILITATES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BIRD CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT PLAN, PARTNERS IN FLIGHT LANDBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN, NORTH AMERICAN WATERBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN, U S SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN, AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE BIRD PLANS FOR BIRD CONSERVATION REGION 17 THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO BUILD A FUNDING PARTNERSHIP TO FACILITATE COOPERATION BETWEEN DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC AND THE U S FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ON MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE NGPJV IMPLEMENTATION PLAN, DRAFT NGPJV STRATEGIC PLAN, DRAFT NGPJV 5 YEAR ACTION PLAN 2022 2027 , AND THE NGPJV COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK HIGH LEVEL OBJECTIVES FOR THE NGPJV PARTNERSHIP INCLUDE SLOWING OR STABILIZING POPULATION TRENDS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS WITH DECLINING POPULATIONS AND MAINTAINING TRENDS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS WITH STABLE POPULATIONS DEVELOP PROGRAMS, RESEARCH, AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT LEAD TO SLOWING THE LOSS OF MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT ASSESS OUTCOMES OF CONSERVATION WORK AND COMMUNICATE INFORMATION AND TOOLS TO A WIDE AUDIENCE ENGAGE WITH A BROAD SPECTRUM OF PARTNERS, SUCH AS TRIBAL MEMBERS, POLICY MAKERS, FOUNDATIONS, CARBON EXCHANGES, ETC , TO BETTER REPRESENT THE FULL BREATH OF PEOPLE, CULTURES, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NGP REGION

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 7, 2023 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 796.5 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 294 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ENHANCE 6,382.5 ACRES, AND RESTORE 132 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN WISCONSIN. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 7,605 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

RESCUING OUR WETLANDS AND COASTAL RESOURCES

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTHE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 8, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 704 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 170 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ENHANCE 2,889 ACRES, AND RESTORE 1,509 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN WISCONSIN. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 5,272 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

SAN JOAQUIN WETLANDS CONSERVATION V

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 615 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 1,848 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ENHANCE 2,219 ACRES, AND RESTORE 2,054 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN KANSAS, COLORADO, AND MISSOURI. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 6,736 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE. THIS PROJECT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND WAS APPROVED BY THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION.

DUCKS UNLIMITED HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER THIRTEEN PARTNERS TO SUPPORT THIS NAWCA REQUEST TO FUND THE KANSAS PRAIRIE WETLANDS XII GRANT. THIS PROPOSAL INCLUDES SEVEN TRACTS THAT WILL PROTECT, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE 14,006 (WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1,489 NON-ADD) ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED GRASSLAND HABITATS, MANY OF WHICH WILL HAVE PERPETUAL BENEFITS AND SOME THAT WILL INCLUDE PUBLIC ACCESS. THIS PROPOSAL IS A LANDMARK AND CONTINUES A NEARLY TEN-YEAR WETLAND CONSERVATION EFFORT ENCOMPASSING ALL OF KANSAS, WORKING WITH OVER 70 PARTNERS, CONSERVING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF ACRES, AND MATCHING FUNDS OF OVER 18 MILLION DOLLARS. NAWCA FUNDING HAS BEEN A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND DU S WORK, AND THIS PROPOSAL IS A CONTINUATION OF TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL CONSERVATION EFFORTS. THROUGH THIS SUCCESS, DU HAS BEEN APPROACHED ABOUT EXPANDING THIS WORK INTO THE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY INTO COLORADO, AS WELL AS THE PLAYAS OF THE OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE. THE MAIN FACTORS THAT HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS KANSAS PRAIRIE WETLANDS PROPOSAL INCLUDE 1) 4,366 ACRES OF WETLANDS OVERALL WILL BE CONSERVED, 2) THE ENGAGEMENT OF THIRTEEN PARTNERS, EIGHT OF WHICH ARE NEW, THAT HAVE PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT TO COMBAT HABITAT LOSS IN KANSAS, AND 3) CONSERVATION EXPANSION INTO COLORADO AND OKLAHOMA.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC DU SEEKS TO ENTER INTO AN INCREMENTAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE USFWS TO DELIVER THE MICHIGAN OHIO INLAND WETLAND PROTECTION PROJECT DU WILL WORK WITH USFWS, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE, AND OTHER LOCAL CONSERVATION GROUPS TO IDENTIFY, ACQUIRE, AND RESTORE 82 ACRES OF INLAND WETLAND AND ASSOCIATED UPLAND HABITAT IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN AND NORTHWESTERN OHIO DU WILL WORK WITH MDNR, ODOW AND USFWS TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SITES FOR PROTECTION AND RESTORATION THE PARTNERS WILL CONDUCT DUE DILIGENCE, INCLUDING PROJECT SCOPING, SITE VISITS, AND LANDOWNER DISCUSSIONS IF THE SITE IS FEASIBLE, DU WILL FOLLOW WITH TITLE WORK, APPRAISAL, APPRAISAL REVIEW, BOUNDARY SURVEY AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOLLOWING ACQUISITION, DU WILL WORK WITH THE APPROPRIATE PARTNERS, INCLUDING USFWS PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM, MDNR, ODOW AND USFWS, TO ASSESS RESTORATION FEASIBILITY AND COMPLETE NECESSARY ACTIVITIES TO RESTORE OR ENHANCE WETLAND AND ASSOCIATED UPLAND HABITATS DU IS REQUESTING 667,139 37 TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT OBJECTIVES

THE EASTERN SD WETLAND SERIES OF NAWCA PROPOSALS ARE DESIGNED TO CONSERVE GRASSLANDS AND WETLANDS ON WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA. THE PROPOSAL AREA CONTAINS SOME OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE BREEDING HABITATS FOR WATERFOWL, SHOREBIRDS, WATERBIRDS, AND UPLAND SPECIES. MOST OF THIS LANDSCAPE IS ALSO PRIVATELY OWNED AND UTILIZED PRIMARILY FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION. THE PRESSURE TO INCREASE PROFITABILITY ON THESE WORKING LANDS INCENTIVIZES THE CONVERSION OF THESE HABITATS TO FARM WITH A FENCEROW TO FENCEROW MENTALITY.THIS PROPOSAL IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP THOSE GRASSLANDS AND WETLANDS PRODUCTIVE AND INTACT, BY PROMOTING GRAZING SYSTEMS THAT INCREASE PROFITABILITY AND INCREASE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION WITH AN AGREEMENT TO RETAIN AND MANAGE WETLAND AND GRASSLAND HABITATS FOR 10 YEARS. AT THE SAME TIME, PROJECT PARTNERS DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROJECT PARTNERS TO PROMOTE LONGER-TERM INSTRUMENTS WITH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS. THE EASEMENTS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROPOSAL ARE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES, BUT RIGID ENOUGH TO ENSURE THOSE WETLANDS AND GRASSLANDS REMAIN IN PERPETUITY. DU AND PARTNER STAFF HAVE USED THIS MODEL FOR YEARS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH LANDOWNERS AND HAVE EXCELLED AT DELIVERING PRODUCTIVE CONSERVATION MEASURES BY DEVELOPING FUNDING SOURCES THROUGH NAWCA, AND IDENTIFYING PROJECTS NOT YET DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT.

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

PROTECTION OF HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND ASSOCIATED WILDLIFE

THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES FEDERAL FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,677,683 TO DUCKS UNLIMITED'S PROJECT TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE WETLANDS IN THE MOUNTAIN VIEW

EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA WETLANDS I

HOLT COLLIER AND UPPER OUACHITA NWRS ENHANCEMENT, AR/LA/MS

SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF ACEP AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL.

THE MISSOURI COTEAU WORKING WETLANDS PROJECT WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT ARE ECONOMICALLY PROFITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FOR NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS AND RANCHERS YET ALSO BENEFICIAL TO NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL HABITAT IN THE HIGHEST PRIORITY REGION OF THE PRAIRIES. THE PROJECT AREA CONSISTS OF THE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT MISSOURI COTEAU OF THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION. NEARLY TWO MILLION BREEDING PAIRS OF DUCKS UTILIZE THIS AREA IN ANY GIVEN YEAR. THE TARGETED COUNTIES CONTAIN MORE THAN 874,000 WETLAND BASINS WHERE CLOSE TO 70 PERCENT OF THOSE WETLANDS ARE CURRENTLY UNPROTECTED AND AT-RISK OF DRAINAGE. THE ACTIVITIES IN THIS PROPOSAL ARE PART OF AN EVER-GROWING MOVEMENT TOWARD CONSERVATION PRACTICES THAT COMPLIMENT AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS WHILE PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY, DIVERSITY, AND POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR WATERFOWL HABITAT IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION. PROVIDING FLEXIBILITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS TO COMPLIMENT AND INTEGRATE INTO A WORKING FARM WILL INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF INVESTED CONSERVATION DOLLARS REMAIN ON THE LANDSCAPE LONG AFTER SHORT-TERM AGREEMENTS EXPIRE. THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT TO BOTH THE CONSERVATION PARTNERS BUT ALSO THE PRODUCERS UTILIZING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WILL RESULT IN HABITAT HAVING BOTH VALUE TO WILDLIFE AND PROFITABILITY OF THOSE DEPENDENT ON THE LAND.

EXPANDING CONSERVATION CAPACITY THROUGH COLLABORATION ??? PHASE II

THE EASTERN SD WETLANDS SERIES OF NAWCA PROPOSALS ARE DESIGNED TO INTEGRATE INNOVATIVE MEASURES AND PRACTICES TO CONSERVE WETLAND AND GRASSLAND HABITATS ON WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA. GRANT DOLLARS WILL BE SPENT ENTIRELY ON PRIVATELY OWNED LANDS IN EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA WITH GREATER THAN 90% OF THE PROPOSAL AREA PRIVATELY OWNED AND UTILIZED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

RESTORING FISHERIES HABITAT IN SAN FRANCISCO ESTUARY

RAVENSWOOD RESTORATION PROJECT

JEFFERSON COUNTY WETLAND IMPROVEMENTS IV

JAMES RIVER LOWLANDS MISSOURI COTEAU PROJECT PHASE VI

TEXAS CHENIER PLAIN V

DUCKS UNLIMITED HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER THIRTEEN PARTNERS, INCLUDING A STATE CONSERVATION AGENCY, A FEDERAL AGENCY, A NON-PROFIT, AND TEN PRIVATE LANDOWNERS TO SUPPORT THIS NAWCA REQUEST TO FUND THE KANSAS PRAIRIE WETLANDS XI GRANT. THIS PROPOSAL INCLUDES THREE TRACTS THAT WILL PROTECT, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE 2,986 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED GRASSLAND HABITATS, MANY OF WHICH WILL HAVE PERPETUAL BENEFITS AND SOME THAT WILL INCLUDE PUBLIC ACCESS. THIS PROPOSAL IS A LANDMARK AND CONTINUES A TEN-YEAR CONSERVATION EFFORT ENCOMPASSING ALL OF KANSAS, WORKING WITH OVER 70 PARTNERS, CONSERVING THOUSANDS OF ACRES, AND MATCHING FUNDS OF OVER 16 MILLION. NAWCA FUNDING HAS BEEN A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND DU S WORK, AND THIS PROPOSAL IS A CONTINUATION OF THAT TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL WETLAND CONSERVATION EFFORT. THE MAIN FACTORS THAT HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS KANSAS PRAIRIE WETLANDS PROPOSAL INCLUDE 1) OVER 963 NEW ACRES OF WETLANDS WILL BE PROTECTED, RESTORED, AND ENHANCED, 2) A 1,450 ACRE CONSERVATION EASEMENT WILL PERPETUALLY PROTECT HABITAT ON PRIVATE LAND IN THE CENTRAL FLYWAY, 3) HABITAT CONSERVATION DELIVERY WILL OCCUR ON OVER NINE PRIVATE LAND TRACTS AS WELL PUBLIC TRACTS INCLUDING CHEYENNE BOTTOMS WILDLIFE AREA AND MELVERN WILDLIFE AREA, AND 4) THE ENGAGEMENT OF THIRTEEN PARTNERS, NINE OF WHICH ARE NEW, THAT HAVE PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT TO COMBAT HABITAT LOSS IN KANSAS.

OCEAN RANCH RESTORATION PROJECT

DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL BE AWARDED $137,434 IN YEAR 1 OF THIS AWARD AND UP TO $19,207,175 OVER THREE YEARS TO RESTORE WETLAND HABITAT IN THE LOWER GREEN BAY & FOX RIVER AREA OF CONCERN (AOC). THIS EFFORT IS A CRITICAL STEP IN REMOVING LOWER GREEN BAY AND FOX RIVER FROM THE LIST OF AREAS OF CONCERN ENVIRONMENTALLY DEGRADED AREAS WITHIN THE GREAT LAKES. BUILDING ON A USACE DREDGE MATERIAL PLACEMENT PROJECT, DU AND PARTNERS WILL CARRY OUT THREE PRIORITY PROJECTS TO RESTORE REARING AND FORAGING HABITAT FOR GREAT LAKES MUSKELLUNGE, LAKE STURGEON, LAKE WHITEFISH, YELLOW PERCH, NORTHERN PIKE, SMALLMOUTH BASS, LARGEMOUTH BASS, WALLEYE, AND CENTRARCHID SPECIES. TOGETHER, THESE THREE PROJECTS WILL RESTORE 6.2 KM OF GREAT LAKES BEACH, 300 - 600 ACRES OF COASTAL EMERGENT AND SUBMERGENT MARSH, 80 ACRES OF RIPARIAN EMERGENT AND SUBMERGENT MARSH, 120 ACRES OF WET MEADOW/WET MESIC PRAIRIE, AND SEVERAL ACRES OF WOODY HABITAT INSTALLATIONS THROUGHOUT ALL THREE PROJECT AREAS. THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED WITH GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE FUNDING RECEIVED THROUGH AN INTER-AGENCY AGREEMENT.

THIS PROJECT WILL BENEFIT THREE TRACTS TOTALING 4,104 ACRES OF COASTAL WETLANDS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA. TRACT 1 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 3,315 ACRES OF INTERMEDIATE AND BRACKISH MARSH IN CAMERON PARISH BY REPLACING A DETERIORATED WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE AND REPAIRING A LEVEE BREACH. TRACT 2 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 500 ACRES IN CAMERON PARISH BY CREATING SEGMENTED ROCK BREAK WATERS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE SHORELINE AND COASTAL MARSHES. TRACT 3 IS THE ENHANCEMENT OF 289 ACRES OF FRESHWATER MARSH IN CAMERON PARISH. THIS INCLUDES THE RETRO FIT OF AN EXISTING WATER PUMP AND THE REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE. ALL OF THIS WORK IS WITHIN THE CHENIER PLAIN INITIATIVE AREA OF THE GULF COAST JOINT VENTURE.

THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE FORMER AGRICULTURAL LAND TO ESTUARINE SUBTIDAL AND INTERTIDAL HABITAT IN THE SAN PABLO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE TO CREA

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO RESTORE ACEP-WRE EASEMENTS IN LOUISIANA.

THIS PROPOSAL REPRESENTS A CONTINUING EFFORT BY DUCKS UNLIMITED AND OUR UTAH PARTNERS TO SECURE NAWCA FUNDING FOR WETLAND AND MIGRATORY WATER CONSERVATION WITHIN THE LOWER BEAR RIVER (LBR)- GREAT SALT LAKE (GSL) ECOSYSTEM, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WETLAND AREAS IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. SINCE OUR SUBMISSION OF THE LBR-GSL PHASE 1 NAWCA IN JULY 2021, THE GREAT SALT LAKE REACHED A HISTORICAL LOW ELEVATION IN NOVEMBER 2022. AT ITS LOWEST RECODED ELEVATION OF 4,191 FT., SALINITIES IN THE SOUTH ARM OF THE LAKE REACHED A POINT THAT THREATENED THE IMMINENT SURVIVAL OF BRINE FLY AND BRINE SHRIMP ESSENTIAL AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES WHICH SUPPORT MILLIONS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS. THIS PROPOSAL SEEKS TO EMPHASIZE THE ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE SALINE LAKE ECOSYSTEM, IN ADDITION TO THE VAST FRESHWATER TO BRACKISH WETLANDS THAT LINE THE GREAT SALT LAKE S EASTERN AND SOUTHERN SHORELINES. PROJECT EFFORTS IN THIS PROPOSAL CENTER ON ENHANCEMENT OF WETLANDS IN KEY AREAS FOR MIGRATING AND BREEDING WATERFOWL, SHOREBIRDS, COLONIAL NESTING WATERBIRDS, AND OTHER MIGRATORY BIRDS. THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES 6 TRACTS (4 GRANT-FUNDED PROJECTS AND 2 MATCH TRACTS) THAT WILL ENHANCE OVER 7,000 ACRES OF WETLANDS IN THE LBR-GSL ECOSYSTEM.

THE PROJECT TEAM OF U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. (DU) INTEND TO IMPLEMENT A COMBINATION OF TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE NATURE BASED TIDAL WETLAND RESTORATION METHODS THAT WILL IMPROVE HABITAT ON TWO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES IN THE DELAWARE BAY. THE EMPLOYED RESTORATION METHODS ARE INTENDED TO ALLOW THE SYSTEMS TO EVOLVE IN A MORE NATURAL BALANCE WITH THE CHANGING CONDITIONS, RATHER THAN FIGHTING OR BEING DESIGNED TO STOP THE NATURAL EVOLUTION OF THE COASTAL DYNAMICS. THE SETTINGS HAVE ALL BEEN HEAVILY IMPACTED BY ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES WHICH HAVE DECOUPLED THE NATURAL PROCESSES THAT PROMOTE NATURAL RESILIENCY. THE INNOVATIVE METHODS BEING UTILIZED WERE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED BY PILOT AND/OR SMALLER SCALE PROJECTS. THESE PROJECTS WILL IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE METHODS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DE BAY OR AT THE LARGEST SCALES KNOWN TO DATE ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST, AND POSSIBLY, NATIONALLY.

ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO SUPPORT SERVICE MIGRTORY BIRD FUNDS PROJECT

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENT'S APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.FUNDS FOR THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT2,193.9 ACRES IN NEW YORK THROUGH THE FEE TITLE ACQUISITION OF 1127.3 ACRES, THE FEE TITLE DONATION OF 121.8 ACRES, AND THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION OF 944.8 ACRES. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ALSO RESTORE 11 ACRES, AND ENHANCE 2516.4 ACRES IN NEW YORK. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IF THEREFORE TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTOREA TOTAL OF 4,721.3ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

COASTAL TEXAS IV

SOUTH CAROLINA COASTAL REFUGES PARTNERSHIP II NAWCA SUBGRANT

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND THE DUCKS UNLIMITED HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WETLAND AND GRASSLAND HABITATS IN SUPPORT OF OUR RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL MISSIONS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THE PARTIES DESIRE TO AMPLIFY ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES TO BENEFIT FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS IN THE PPR OF MINNESOTA. DUCKS UNLIMITED AND THE SERVICE AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER ON SHARED PRIORITIES AND CO-DEVELOP NEW PRIORITIES TO ADVANCE THE CLIMATE RESILIENCY OF THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE ECOSYSTEM IN MINNESOTA. DUCKS UNLIMITED- INC. AND THE SERVICE WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE WETLAND AND UPLAND HABITATS TO BENEFIT MIGRATORY BIRDS- INCREASE RESILIENCY TO FLOODS AND HELP ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE. SITES WILL BE REVIEWED BY DU AND SERVICE BIOLOGISTS AND RESTORATION PLANS WILL BE COORDINATED AS A PARTNERSHIP EFFORT. BIOLOGISTS WITH DU WILL VISIT SERVICE PROPERTIES AND EVALUATE THE NEED FOR RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT WORK. THE BIOLOGISTS WILL DOCUMENT THEIR FINDINGS IN A DETAILED RESTORATION PLAN THAT CAN ALSO BE USED TO SOLICIT BIDS FROM PRIVATE CONTRACTORS FOR HABITAT WORK. THE BIOLOGISTS WILL ALSO DOCUMENT PROJECTS THROUGH PHOTOS AND NARRATIVES. BIOLOGISTS WILL PROVIDE UPON REQUEST- REPORTS FOR PROJECTS COMPLETED. THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT- DU WILL EMPLOY A TEAM OF SIX FIELD BIOLOGISTS AND THREE REGIONAL BIOLOGISTS WHO WILL ASSIST SERVICE STAFF AND PARTNERS WITH THE CONSERVATION OF APPROXIMATELY 250 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND APPROXIMATELY 1-250 ACRES OF GRASSLANDS. RESTORED OR ENHANCED WETLAND AND GRASSLAND ACRES WILL PROVIDE QUALITY HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS- INCREASE CARBON SEQUESTRATION- BUILD RESILIENCY TO FLOODS AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY. THE CALCULATED CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION OF THE SERVICES OVERALL NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS EFFORT- WHICH ENCOMPASSES OTHER PARTNERING GROUPS AND AGENCIES WITHIN THE PPR- IS ESTIMATED AT 97-188 METRIC TONS ANNUALLY BY THE END OF THE FOURTH YEAR. THE LONG-TERM CLIMATE BENEFITS OF THIS EFFORT WILL OFFSET THE CARBON EMISSIONS OF 20-941 PASSENGER VEHICLES OR THE ELECTRICITY NEEDS OF 18-910 HOMES AND WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THIS SAME LEVEL OF BENEFIT ON A RECURRING ANNUAL BASIS. THIS PROJECT WILL OFFER A BROAD SUITE OF SOCIETAL BENEFITS INCLUDING IMPROVED WATER QUALITY IN LAKES- RIVERS- AND STREAMS BY REDUCING SOIL EROSION BY AN ESTIMATED 140-000 TONS PER YEAR

THE MINGO BASIN COMPRISES APPROXIMATELY 28000 ACRES OF HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOODPLAIN IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI. MOST OF THE BASIN IS MADE UP OF THE 21592ACRE MINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE NWR OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND THE ADJACENT STATE OWNED 6234ACRE DUCK CREEK CONSERVATION AREA CA. ALTHOUGH SERIOUSLY THREATENED THE BOTTOMLAND FOREST HABITATS WITHIN THE MINGO BASIN CURRENTLY MAKE UP ONE OF THE LARGEST AND LEAST DEGRADED BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD SYSTEMS IN THE NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY.IN 2006 A HYDROGEOMORPHIC MODELING EVALUATION THAT DESCRIBED HISTORICAL HABITAT CONDITIONS THEIR FORMATION AND CHANGES THAT RESULTED IN CURRENT HABITAT CONDITIONS WAS COMPLETED FOR THE MINGO BASIN. IT REVEALED MAJOR DISRUPTIONS TO NATURAL WATER FLOW PATTERNS THAT CREATED A WETTER SYSTEM. SEVERAL MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES TO ALLOW MANAGERS TO REVERSE THE PROLONGED FLOODING AND THE RESULTING GRADUAL SHIFT IN TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION TO A MORE WATER TOLERANT VEGETATIVE COMMUNITY NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THE MINGO BASIN. THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF THIS PROJECT IS TO REPLACE THE SUBSTANTIAL WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES ON DITCH 1 AND DITCH 2. THESE TWO STRUCTURES HAVE REACHED THE END OF THEIR SERVICEABLE LIFESPAN AND ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE. COLLECTIVELY THESE STRUCTURES ARE USED TO MANAGE OVER 2000 ACRES OF GREEN TREE RESERVOIRS THAT PROVIDE CRITICAL HABITAT TO WILDLIFE AND FISH AT THE TOP OF THE MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND OTHER BENEFITS TO SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD ARE TO BE USED TO COMPLETE ENGINEERING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES TO RESTORE COASTAL WETLANDS AT THE NAVARRE MARSH UNIT, OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.

ND PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION HABITAT RESTORATION, ENHANCEMENT AND CREATION PROJECT

THE NORTH DAKOTA POTHOLE SERIES OF NAWCA PROPOSALS ARE DESIGNED TO CONSERVE GRASSLANDS AND WETLANDS ON WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF NORTH DAKOTA. THE PROPOSAL AREA CONTAINS SOME OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE BREEDING HABITATS FOR WATERFOWL, SHOREBIRDS, WATERBIRDS, AND UPLAND SPECIES. THIS PROPOSAL IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP THESE GRASSLANDS AND WETLANDS PRODUCTIVE AND INTACT BY PROMOTING GRAZING SYSTEMS AND ALSO PROMOTE LONGER-TERM CONSERVATION EASEMENTS.

WETLAND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

DUC KILLARNEY LANDSCAPE (2015-2)

THIS AGREEMENT WILL PROVIDE TA TO LANDOWNERS, COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH TO HU LANDOWNERS, PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR NRCS EASEMENTS, AND STATEWIDE CONTRACTING AND DUE DILIGENCE FOR EASEMENTS

NRCS AND DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL COLLABORATE TO INSTALL OR IMPLEMENTSTRUCTURAL AND/OR VEGETATIVE RESTORATION PRACTICES ON WRP, ACEP-WRE, ANDRCPP WETLAND EASEMENTS.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 57 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 156ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION, RESTORE586 ACRES, AND ENHANCE 936 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE WILLAMETTE BAXIN REGION OF OREGON. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 1735 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.A SEPARATE AGREEMENT WILL BE MADE WITH FWS PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM TO RESTORE 11 ACRES AND ENHANCE 174 ACRES OF HABITAT ACCORDING TO THE PROPOSAL.

PHJV - VIRDEN/LIGHTNING

THIS UNIQUE PROPOSAL BLENDS TOGETHER TRADITIONAL DUCKS UNLIMITED WETLAND CONSERVATION WORK ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS IN AND ADJACENT TO MORE URBAN LANDSCAPES ALONG THE MOUNTAINOUS FRONT RANGE OF COLORADO INTO THE PRAIRIES OF EASTERN COLORADO, SOUTHEAST WYOMING, AND WESTERN NEBRASKA. ALL AREAS POSSESS NUMEROUS TRADITIONAL WETLAND AND WATERFOWL DESTINATIONS ALONG THIS PART OF THE CENTRAL FLYWAY.

TO RESTORE AND PROTECT FARMED WETLANDS, PRIOR CONVERTED WETLANDS, WETLANDS FARMED UNDER NATURAL CONDITIONS, RIPARIAN AREAS, AND ELIGIBLE BUFFER AREAS FOR LANDOWNERS.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. (DU) PLANS TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES, INCLUDING SURVEY, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT WITH USFWS SHIAWASSEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE TO RESTORE THE GREENPOINT LONG POND. GREENPOINT OPERATED AS A GOLF COURSE UNTIL 1988, AND WAS DONATED TO USFWS IN 2014. THE LONG POND WAS BUILT AS AN IRRIGATION POND FOR THE GOLF COURSE, AND THE EXISTING WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE IS NON-OPERATIONAL. IN ADDITION, THE POND IS STEEP, WITH NEARLY 1:1 SIDE SLOPES, WITH LITTLE TO NO QUALITY VEGETATION. DU AND USFWS CAN RESTORE THE POND TO A QUALITY FLOODPLAIN WETLAND BY REPLACING THE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE AND SOFTENING THE SIDE SLOPES. THE BIOLOGICAL GOAL OF THE WETLAND RESTORATION IS TO SIMULATE A BACKWATER MARSH WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION TO THE TITTABAWASSEE RIVER. THE COMPLETE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE TWO-THREE YEARS. THE ESTIMATED COST TO COMPLETE ALL PROJECT ACTIVITIES IS $756,200, INCLUDING $736,519 IN DIRECT PROJECT EXPENSES.

NUMEROUS RESTORATION ACTIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO RESTORE AND OR IMPROVE WETLAND HABITAT ON PRIVATE LANDS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS WRE PROGRAM THROUGH THE NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY CONSERVATION EASEMENTS RESTORATION ACTIONS WILL INCLUDE LEVEE REMOVAL AND NOTCHING, EARTH WORK TO RESTORE WETLAND HYDROLOGY, SOIL MANIPULATION DISKING, PLOWING, ETC , PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS, INSTALLATION OF SMALL BERMS, AND ANY OTHER ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH RESTORING WETLAND HYDROLOGY AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION TWO PROJECTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR FUNDING WITH LANDOWNER INTEREST WE EXPECT TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE APPROXIMATELY 1,270 WETLAND ACRES

TO RESTORE AND PROTECT FARMED WETLANDS, PRIOR CONVERTED WETLNDS, WETLANDS FARMED UNDER NATURAL CONDITIONS, DEGRADED WETLANDS, RIPARIAN AREAS, AND ELIGIBLE BUFFER AREAS

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 144 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 767 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ENHANCE 4,158 ACRES, AND RESTORE 366 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY REGION OF ILLINOIS, KENTUCKY AND MISSOURI. THIS PROJECT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND WAS APPROVED BY THE MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION.THIS PROJECT IS FOCUSED ON THE CONSERVATION OF BOTTOMLAND FLOODPLAIN HABITATS ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND ITS MAJOR TRIBUTARIES FROM ITS CONFLUENCE WITH THE ILLINOIS AND MISSOURI RIVERS NORTH OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI TO ITS CONFLUENCE WITH THE OHIO RIVER AT CAIRO, ILLINOIS AND ACROSS THE TOP OF THE MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND WESTERN KENTUCKY THE HEART OF THE BIG RIVERS. THE HEART OF THE BIG RIVERS IS THE NEXUS BETWEEN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLES, BOREAL FOREST, ARCTIC TUNDRA, AND OTHER NORTHERN BREEDING GROUNDS AND THE GULF COAST, MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY, AND OTHER SOUTHERN WINTERING HAUNTS. IT IS A MAJOR MIGRATION CORRIDOR FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS IN THE MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY AND SPANS THREE JOINT VENTURES UPPER MISSISSIPPI GREAT LAKES, CENTRAL HARDWOODS, AND LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.THIS PROJECT AMASSES $6,035,535 OF MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VARIOUS PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, STATE AGENCIES, NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES TO LEVERAGE $3,000,000 THAT WILL CONSERVE A TOTAL OF 5,435 ACRES OF BOTTOMLAND HABITATS. THIS INCLUDES THE PROTECTION OF 911 ACRES OF NEW PUBLIC LANDS THROUGH FEE-TITLE INTEREST ACQUISITION AND PRIVATE LANDS CONSERVATION WITH PERMANENT CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, RESTORATION OR REFORESTATION OF 311 ACRES, AND MAJOR RENOVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF 4,213 ACRES. OVER 99% OF THE PROPOSED ACREAGE LIES WITHIN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND ITS MAJOR TRIBUTARIES. APPROXIMATELY 17% OF THE PROPOSED ACREAGE WILL PROVIDE CONSERVATION BENEFITS IN PERPETUITY AND THE REMAINING 83% OF ACRES FOR AN ANTICIPATED 26-99 YEARS.SEVERAL PROJECTS ARE LOCATED AT WELL-KNOWN AND REGIONALLY IMPORTANT MIGRATION STOPOVER LOCATIONS LIKE SWAN LAKE AT TWO RIVERS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND THE MINGO BASIN AT MINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. OTHERS ARE NEARBY OR ADJACENT TO THESE AND OTHER CONCENTRATED AREAS OF WATERFOWL USE AND EXPAND UPON HABITAT COMPLEXES, CREATING AN ABUNDANCE OF ENERGY ON THE LANDSCAPE TO FUEL MIGRATION. OUR PROPOSAL WILL BENEFIT MANY ICONIC BOTTOMLAND AND FLOODPLAIN SPECIES.THE BOTTOMLAND FLOODPLAINS WHICH HISTORICALLY SERVED MIGRATING WATERFOWL HAVE BEEN SEVERED FROM THEIR RIVERS FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY IN MANY AREAS, PUTTING EMPHASIS ON THOSE THAT CAN BE MANAGED FOR MIGRATING AND WINTERING HABITAT. MANY OF THE LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS PROPOSED ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE MANAGERS THE TOOLS NEEDED TO MANAGE BOTTOMLAND HABITATS IN LIGHT OF DISRUPTIONS TO THE WATER CYCLE BROUGHT ON BY A CHANGING CLIMATE WILL. UNNATURAL AND PROLONGED SUMMER FLOODING THREATENS THE LOSS OF ENTIRE CROPS OF MOIST-SOIL WETLANDS AND STRESSES BOTTOMLAND TREES DURING THE GROWING SEASON. BASINS FULL OF CARBOHYDRATE RICH MOIST-SOIL WETLANDS GO UNAVAILABLE IN THE FALL WITH INCREASING TEMPERATURE AND PERSISTENT DROUGHT. TOO MUCH WATER WHEN ITS UNWANTED AND NOT ENOUGH WATER WHEN ITS NEEDED ARE TWO CHALLENGES EXPECTED TO BECOME MORE AND MORE APPARENT OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DECADES, MAKING LARGER WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES AND DEWATERING PUMPS THAT PROTECT MOIST-SOIL CROPS DURING THE GROWING SEASON AND WELL AND PUMP SYSTEMS THAT MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO MIGRATING WATERFOWL THE UNFORTUNATE NECESSITY FOR MANAGING WETLANDS. AT THE SAME TIME, A CHANGING CLIMATE IS CAUSING A NORTHWARD SHIFT OF WINTERING WATERFOWL FROM TRADITIONAL WINTERING GROUNDS. THE HEART OF THE BIG RIVERS IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE GAINING IMPORTANCE AS WATERFOWL WINTER FARTHER NORTH IN MILDER YEARS, PLACING ADDITIONAL DEMAND FOR FOOD RESOURCES ON THE AVAILABLE HABITAT.

THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE OR ENHANCE 1,914 ACRES, INCLUDING 1,811 ACRES OF PALUSTRINE EMERGENT WETLANDS, 15 ACRES OF VERNAL POOL ALKALI-MEADOW COMPLEX WETLANDS, AND 88 ACRES OF WETLAND-ASSOCIATED UPLANDS. THE PROJECT INCLUDES EIGHT TRACTS: THREE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES (NWRS), TWO STATE WILDLIFE AREAS (WA), AND THREE PRIVATE LAND TRACTS. THIS WORK WILL PROVIDE LONG-TERM MIGRATORY BIRD AND WETLAND CONSERVATION BENEFITS. THE NWRS AND WAS ARE MANAGED TO PROVIDE HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR WILDLIFE-ORIENTED RECREATION, INCLUDING HUNTING. PROJECT WORK WILL BENEFIT NUMEROUS WATERFOWL, SHOREBIRDS, AND OTHER WATERBIRDS THAT USE THE BUTTE AND COLUSA BASINS FOR MIGRATION, WINTERING, AND OR BREEDING.

NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS JOINT VENTURE - III

RAINWATER BASIN PHASE IV

NA: PLATTE RIVER CONFLUENCE, PHASE I

TEXAS CHENIER PLAIN WETLANDS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA WETLANDS INITIATIVE I

WETLANDS RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS

LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS IV

THIS PROPOSAL PRESENTS DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. S SECOND LONG-TERM COMPREHENSIVE EFFORT TO CONSERVE WETLANDS AND WETLAND-DEPENDENT MIGRATORY BIRD POPULATIONS IN THE HONEY LAKE SUB-BASIN WITHIN THE SOUTHERN OREGON NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA (SONEC) WETLAND BASINS. SONEC IS ONE OF THE AREAS OF GREATEST CONTINENTAL SIGNIFICANCE TO NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL AS IDENTIFIED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT PLAN (NAWMP) AND IS ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES OF THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST JOINT VENTURE (IWJV). THE PROPOSAL FOCUSES ON PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF 1,601 (482) ACRES OF PALUSTRINE EMERGENT WETLANDS (PEM) DUE TO THEIR VERY HIGH VALUE TO FALL AND SPRING MIGRATING WATERFOWL, WATERBIRDS AND SHOREBIRDS IN THE REGION.FIVE MILLION DABBLING DUCKS, INCLUDING 2.4 MILLION NORTHERN PINTAILS DEPEND ON SONEC FOR SPRING MIGRATIONS WITH UP TO 70 OF THE PACIFIC FLYWAY MIGRANTS STAGING IN SONEC. SPRING GOOSE POPULATIONS IN SONEC EXCEED 500,000 BIRDS, 200,000 OF WHICH ARE PACIFIC GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. NEARLY 70,000 TUNDRA SWANS MIGRATE THROUGH SONEC AS WELL. BEYOND ITS MIGRATION ROLE, SONEC SUPPORTS 20 OF NORTH AMERICA S ENTIRE BREEDING POPULATION OF CINNAMON TEAL AND 18 OF THE PACIFIC FLYWAY S POPULATION OF BREEDING MALLARDS AND REDHEADS. THE SONEC REGION ALSO PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT HABITAT FOR MIGRATING AND NESTING SHOREBIRDS AND WATERBIRDS, AND BECAUSE OF ITS IMPORTANCE TO BREEDING AND MIGRATING WETLAND DEPENDENT BIRD POPULATION IN THE PACIFIC FLYWAY, THE PROJECT AREA COVERS REGIONS IDENTIFIED AS CONTINENTAL PRIORITY AREAS FOR ALL FOUR MAJOR BIRD PLANS.GRANT, MATCH, AND NON-MATCH WORK WILL IMPROVE WATER CONVEYANCE AND DISTRIBUTION THEREBY IMPROVING WATER MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES FURTHER ENHANCING THE PRODUCTION OF INVERTEBRATES, AND AQUATIC AND MOIST SOIL VEGETATION, ALL OF WHICH PROVIDE IMPORTANT FOOD FOR WATERFOWL, WATERBIRDS, AND SHOREBIRDS THROUGHOUT THE ANNUAL CYCLE, AND MOST NOTABLY DURING SPRING MIGRATION. THIS WORK INCLUDES INSTALLING FISH SCREEN AND FISH PASSAGE STRUCTURES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO ALLOW FLOOD IRRIGATION ON AN IMPORTANT WET MEADOW SYSTEM, RECONTOURING THE LAND AND CREATING ISLANDS WITHIN A SEMI-PERMANENT WETLAND, RECONSTRUCTING EXISTING LOW LEVEES AND INSTALLING NEW WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT ON A STATE WILDLIFE AREA, CONSTRUCTING ROCK WEIRS AND PREVENTING FURTHER EROSION IN A WET MEADOW SYSTEM, AND UPGRADING WATER DELIVERY STRUCTURES ON A STATE WILDLIFE AREA.THE PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER AND OUTSTANDING PARTNERSHIP TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCE 3,301 (489) PEM WETLANDS, PFO WETLANDS, AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THIS CONTINENTALLY IMPORTANT REGION. IT INCLUDES NINE TOTAL PARTNERS, FOUR 10 PARTNERS, FOUR NEW PARTNERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM SIX PARTNER CATEGORIES.

THE SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM WETLANDS IV PROJECT (SFEW IV) IS THE FOURTH IN A SERIES OF PROPOSALSPLANNED BY DUCKS UNLIMITED (DU) IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, OTHER NONGOVERNMENTORGANIZATIONS AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN FLORIDA (FL). THE PROPOSALS OBJECTIVES ARE TO ENHANCE KEY WETLANDS WITHIN CRUCIAL WATERSHEDS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH PENINSULAR FL INCLUDING THE ORANGE CREEK BASIN, MYAKKA RIVER SYSTEM, LAKE OKEECHOBEE, AND THE GREATER EVERGLADES. THE GEOGRAPHY SUPPORTS A COMPLEX SYSTEM OF AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL HABITATS AND DIVERSE PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES WHICH ARE GREATLY AFFECTED BY HUMAN AND NATURAL LANDSCAPES WHICH IMPACT WATER QUALITY WITHIN THE WATERSHED. THE PROJECTS ARE DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE HABITAT VALUE ACROSS FLORIDA, ESPECIALLY FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS, SUPPORTING A LARGE SUITE OF WETLAND-DEPENDENT TAXA INCLUDING RARE AND IMPERILED SPECIES. THESE PROJECTS AIM TO ENHANCE THE WETLAND HABITATS SO THAT THEY ARE ATTRACTIVE TO BOTH RESIDENT AND MIGRATORY WATERFOWL AS WELL AS OTHER WETLAND-DEPENDENT SPECIES AND TO IMPROVE THE PUBLIC USE EXPERIENCE. UNDER THIS PROPOSAL, FIVE PARTNERS WETLANDS AMERICA TRUST, INC. (WAT), DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. (DU), FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OFENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (FDEP), SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SFWMD), FLORIDA FISHAND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) ARE COLLABORATING TO ENHANCE 3,158 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND2,052 ACRES OF ASSOCIATED UPLANDS.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED JULY 8, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,000 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND ENHANCE 811 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA REGION. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCE 1,811 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THE SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM WETLANDS III PROPOSAL (SFEW III) IS THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF PROPOSALS BY DUCKS UNLIMITED (DU) IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES ALONG WITH OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN FLORIDA. THE PROPOSAL S OBJECTIVE IS TO ENHANCE KEY WETLANDS WITHIN THE FLOODPLAIN OF THREE KEYSTONE LAKES IN THE KISSIMMEE CHAIN OF LAKES. EACH OF THE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS IS ON PUBLIC PROPERTIES OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM.

MID-ATLANTIC BLACKWATERS AND BAYS I IS THE FIRST ITERATION IN A POSSIBLE SERIES OF FUTURE PROPOSALS PLANNED BY DUCKS UNLIMITED IN CONJUNCTION WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, PRIVATE CORPORATIONS, AND CONSERVATION-MINDED PRIVATE LANDOWNERS TO PROTECT, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE PRIORITY WETLANDS ON BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS THROUGHOUT NORTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA. THE EMPHASIS OF THIS PROPOSAL ON BLACKWATER RIVERS AND COASTAL BAYS OF THE MID-ATLANTIC IS INSPIRED BY THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATERWAYS AND WATERSHEDS WITHIN THE REGION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING THE OVER-DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA, WHILE REDUCING NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION, RESTORING CLEAN WATER, RECOVERING HABITAT, AND SUSTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL AND HABITAT RESOURCES FOR MIGRATORY WATERFOWL, OTHER WILDLIFE, AND THE PUBLIC IN THE REGION.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTHE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2022, HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 2,585 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE 40 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION OF LOUISIANA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 2625 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE ALONG COASTAL LOUISIANA.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTHE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 7,700 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ALONG COASTAL LOUISIANA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE 7,700 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 80 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND 184ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION,RESTORE 756ACRES, ANDENHANCE1669 ACRESOF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE SAGINAW BAY AND WESTERN LAKE ERIE REGION OF MICHIGAN. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE 2,689TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 2,943ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE4835ACRESOF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE LOWER BEAR RIVER-GREAT SALT LAKE ECOSYSTEM OF UTAH. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 7,778TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENT'S APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 345ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION, 81 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISTION, ENHANCE5,211ACRES, AND RESTORE 259ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE PLATTE RIVER WATERSHED IN NEBRASKA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 5,896TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN NEBRASKA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 979ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT DONATION, AND ENHANCE445ACRESOF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INSOUTH CAROLINA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS THEREFORE TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCE 1,424TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,650ACRESOF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN SOUTH CAROLINATHROUGH FEE ACQUISITION. THEREFORE THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT 1,650TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS FOR THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,495 ACRES IN VIRGINIA THROUGH THE FEE TITLE ACQUISITION OF 504 ACRES, AND THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT DONATION OF 991 ACRES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IF THEREFORE TO PROTECT 1,495ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS FOR THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 740 ACRES BETWEEN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA THROUGH THE FEE TITLE ACQUISITION OF 644 ACRES, AND THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION OF 96 ACRES. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ALSO ENHANCE 677 ACRES BETWEEN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS THEREFORE TO PROTECT, AND ENHANCEA TOTAL OF 1,417 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 900 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION, ENHANCE2,094 ACRES, AND RESTORE529 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHELAKE COUNTY CLOSED BASIN PROJECT AREA OF THE SOUTHERN OREGON / NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA (SONEC) REGION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE3,523 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 49.53ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ANDRESTORE 1,187.50ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN NEW YORK. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS THEREFORE TO PROTECT, AND RESTORE 1,237.03TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 2,190 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION, ENHANCE5,330 ACRES, AND RESTORE705 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF SOUTH DAKOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 8,225 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 349ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ESTABLISH 4.1 ACRES, ENHANCE1,064.6ACRES, AND RESTORE 250.3ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INNORTHWEST ILLINOIS.THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ESTABLISH, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 1,668TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN NORTHWEST ILLINOIS.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILLENHANCE930ACRES AND RESTORE 1,510ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE COASTAL WETLANDS OF LOUISIANA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE 2,440TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE ALONG COASTAL LOUISIANA.

HYDROLOGICAL RESTORATION AT THE RIA CELESTUN BIOSPHERE RESERVE ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEM

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 250 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCE 1,939ACRESOF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE CENTRAL VALLEY REGION OF CALIFORNIA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE 2,189TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN CALIFORNIA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 5,211OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ALONG COASTAL LOUISANA.THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE 5,211TOTAL ACRES OF WETLAND HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE ALONG THE GULF COAST OF LOUISANA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL ENHANCE 4,585 ACRES AND RESTORE 300ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ALONG THE COAST OF LOUSIIANATHE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE 4,885TOTAL ACRES OF WETLAND HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN LOUISIANA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,060 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS ACROSS DELAWARE, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. THE PROTECTION WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE FEE TITLE ACQUISITION OF 218 ACRES AND THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION OF 842 ACRES. THIS AWARD WILL ALSO RESTORE 10 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN MARYLAND. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS THEREFORE TO PROTECT, AND RESTORE 1,070 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

WILD & SCENIC CAROLINA WETLANDS II

MISSOURI COTEAU WORKING WETLANDS PROJECT PHASE II, NORTH DAKOTA

CONNECTING CONSERVATION CORRIDORS III

SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN CONSERVATION CORRIDORS

NORTH PLATTE WATERSHED

GREAT LAKES MALLARDS

CONSERVING THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI MIGRATION CORRIDOR II

CONTINENTAL MARSH ENHANCEMENT

VIRGINIA TIDAL RIVERS & BAYS V

LOWCOUNTRY PROTECTION V

KANSAS PRAIRIE WETLANDS VI

NORTH PLATTE RIVER WETLANDS III

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,906ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACQUISITION, ENHANCE4320ACRES, AND RESTORE550 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS INTHE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF SOUTH DAKOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE6,776 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.