National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Gives $2.5 Million to Protect Migratory Birds in Gulf Coast

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has announced a $2.5 million contribution from its Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife to help provide critical wetland habitat for migratory birds affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

In partnership with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Ducks Unlimited, NFWF will work to secure and enhance tens of thousands of acres on farms and other private lands in Louisiana and Texas to provide habitat outside the spill area for the millions of migratory birds that will soon descend on the region. The partners believe their efforts will increase survivorship of the shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh birds, and other species that migrate through or winter in the Gulf beginning as early as July. The groups will also identify opportunities to involve agricultural producers and other landowners in the rapid creation of habitat areas.

NFWF's Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife was created with proceeds from BP's share of net revenue from oil recovered from the damaged well. The fund will support immediate actions to safeguard the populations of species most at risk from the spill, including birds and sea turtles.

"Using resources from NFWF's Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife, we can make an immediate difference for shorebirds, waterfowl, and marsh bird populations affected by the spill," said NFWF executive director Jeff Trandahl. "Through our collaboration with Ducks Unlimited, NRCS, and others, we can put projects on the ground to benefit these species now."

“National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife to Support Urgent Projects for Gulf Birds.” National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Press Release 6/24/10.

Primary Subject: Disaster Relief
Secondary Subject(s): Environment
Location(s): Louisiana, Texas

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