Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced the provision of $2.8 million in funding to the California Waterfowl Association for the restoration and enhancement of wetlands and uplands across the Bay Area, including parts of the Fourth District. 

“As a longtime waterfowler and conservationist, I’m proud to be part of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and to have the opportunity to work on protecting and preserving our great wetlands and diverse wildlife,” said Thompson. “This $2.8 million in funding will benefit many species of migratory birds across the Fourth District and surrounding areas.” 

The project will result in the restoration of 100 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands and the enhancement of 648 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands, 629 acres of uplands, and 292 acres of flooded croplands. 

The project represents the habitat diversity of the region and is designed to address the regional priorities established in 2020 Central Valley Joint Venture: Implementation Plan. It will benefit migratory birds such as Tule Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Pintail, and Canvasback. 

Restoration efforts will be carried out by the California Waterfowl Association in partnership with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, California State Duck Stamp Fund, California Wildlife Conservation Board, Conservation Farms & Ranches, and private contributors. 

Today’s funding is part of $87 million secured by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the Department of the Interior for wetland conservation and national wildlife refuges. 

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission was established on February 18, 1929, by the passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. It was created and authorized to consider and approve any areas of land and/or water recommended by the Secretary of the Interior for purchase or rental by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and to fix the price or prices at which such areas may be purchased or rented. In addition to approving purchase and rental prices, the Commission considers the establishment of new waterfowl refuges. Rep. Thompson has served on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission since 2015.

Website: THOMPSON SECURES $2.8 MILLION FOR FOURTH DISTRICT WETLAND CONSERVATION | Representative Mike Thompson (house.gov)