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CONTACT: Media contact: Brawley, CA October 11, 2007 –California Waterfowl Association (CWA) was awarded $1 million in grant funds from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for wetland restoration and enhancement work throughout southeastern California on both public and private lands. The properties involved are dedicated to the management of habitat specifically for waterfowl and shorebird populations. This funding will allow habitat infrastructure improvements that will increase the value of resources on 2,384 acres of habitat that will directly improve conditions for all wetland dependent species in the area. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will see marked improvements on the Wister Unit of the Imperial Valley Wildlife Area and the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve. Nearly half of the grant will be spent to improve wetland management capabilities and improve water efficiency at the Wister Unit. In addition, similar improvements will also occur on nine privately owned properties which are dedicated to habitat and will have noted upgrades in their water efficiency and general infrastructure. The state and private landowners involved are dedicated to preserving wildlife and their habitats. The work that is planned will make limited water supplies go farther and produce better wetland management results thus improving conditions for all wetland dependent species in the future. Water supplied needs to be used as efficiently as possible to provide maximum benefits to local wildlife. DFG Wildlife Habitat Supervisor Adolfo Hernandez is excited about the possibilities: “We’re looking forward to getting better control of water supplies to increase attractiveness to birds during winter and the spring breeding season. As our water supplies are tightened, we need to improve our use of the water and make it go farther. The results of this work will allow us to maximize benefits to wildlife here in the Imperial Valley.” CWA’s Senior Biologist Chadd Santerre explained further, “CWA has been working for more than 60 years to restore California’s wetlands. This grant allows for significant improvements that are critical to increasing waterfowl numbers in Southern California. By improving overall habitat conditions and management practices the Wildlife Area and landowners will increase production of desired food plants. The results of these efforts will supply wintering waterfowl and shorebirds with the resources they need while they are in the region.” Work on the project will begin in the spring of 2008 and will continue through the end of 2009. Earthwork is preformed in summer when wetlands are dry and allows for the least disturbance to wildlife. Major partners include the state’s Wildlife Conservation Board, California Department of Fish and Game, Sonoran Joint Venture and California Waterfowl Association. California Waterfowl is a non-profit hunter-supported conservation organization that has been working for more than 60 years to restore California’s wetlands. Through education, research, and advocacy efforts the organization works to fulfill its mission to preserve, protect, restore and enhance California’s waterfowl, wetlands and outdoor heritage. For more info, please visit www.calwaterfowl.org # # # |
California Waterfowl Association Receives $1 Million for Waterfowl Habitat Improvements in the Imperial ValleyThe SJV E-Bulletin is our montly electronic newsletter. Each issue, published bilingually, contains information for SJV partners, landowners, educators, natural resource managers, and others. To submit an item for consideration for publication, contact Jennie Duberstein.
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