Ducks Unlimited Project in the Grasslands
Hopefully, most of my waterfowl conservation and hunting friends are already aware of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), but did you know that the president has suggested a $10 million dollar increase in NAWCA funding for FY 2010? This brings NAWCA funds up to $52 million across the country and honestly, it’s the sort of spending I can get behind. The government isn’t just throwing money at a problem. NAWCA requires that for every $1 given by the government at least another $1 must be matched in private funds.
To private donors this really means a great deal. Basically, if I come asking you, Mr. or Ms. Private Donor or Private Business owner, to commit to assisting in funding a project, the government matches the money that you give us. I can also leverage this money in the community because everyone wants more bang for their buck. And quite frankly, conservation projects that are based in science and solid engineering aren’t cheap.
Once upon a time, a million dollars went a long way. Those days are over. And getting $1 mil in one fell swoop is not that easy of a proposition. However, $100,000 from five foundations, corportate partners or individual donors adds up to a milion. See what I mean? We love NAWCA.
Don’t get me wrong, every level of giving makes a big difference. The $100 or $1,000 people like you and I give a year adds up too. That’s why I give it. We need to keep the lights on around here. Big money though, means big projects and with a fraction of our wetlands left, the work that needs to be done is huge.
NAWCA grants are tough to get. They are challenging to write and require a demonstration of an organization’s ability to nail the science, gather the appropriate partners, garner the confidence of the communties they work in and of course a record of success. A lot of the projects managed in my office though are backed by NAWCA. The people who work here and the projects they manage are just that cool.
I want these people to keep working. I want more wetlands restored. And if you don’t have $100,000 to help me restore the wetlands on the Pacific Flyway, that’s okay. You could really help just by contacting your representative and senators and letting them know you support the NAWCA funding increase.
(Although if you have $100,000 you really should call me…)
