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…

Through a $1,254,750 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements program (CFDA 15.654), Ducks Unlimited, Inc. will work to restore and enhance approximately 250 acres of wetlands and 1,250 acres of grasslands in Minnesota. The project aims to benefit migratory bird populations, increase carbon sequestration, build climate resilience, and improve water quality. Ducks Unlimited will employ a team of biologists to assist Service staff, evaluate restoration needs, develop plans, and document outcomes through photos and reports. The agreement supports Ducks Unlimited's wetlands and waterfowl conservation mission, aligning with the program's objectives to conserve, manage, and enhance natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

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