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News Release
August 30, 2010
Georgia Parham 812-334-4261 x 1203
Georgia_Parham@fws.gov
Darin Simpkins 920-866-1739
Darin_Simpkins@fws.gov
Funds will Enhance Great Lakes Coastal Habitats and Species
The U.S.F.W.S. will provide $400,000 under its Coastal Plan as part of a partnership to conserve fish, wildlife and habitat across the Great Lakes basin. Backing will support habitat and wildlife management plans in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Through the Service's Great Lakes Coastal Program, Service funds will be leveraged with $2.5 million from partner organizations for plans that will protect, restore and enhance wetlands and other key coastal habitats to benefit fish, waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds and other species. Backing will also enhance efforts to recover the federally endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly, which occurs primarily in the Great Lakes basin.
"The Coastal Plan provides an important source of support for joint efforts throughout the Great Lakes basin," said Tom Melius, the Service's Midwest Regional Director. "Through the program, we work with our partners to identify, prioritize and address key conservation issues that affect the region's fish, wildlife and habitat."
About $282,000 of Coastal Plan monies will support a partnership among the Service, the U.S. Forest Service, University of South Dakota, The Nature Conservancy and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to develop landscape-based decision tools to guide management actions for the federally endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly. Funded plans will determine the size, structure, and distribution of dragonfly populations, and will provide information about the effects of exotic plants and herbicides on Hine's populations and habitat. Though most field work will be accomplished in Wisconsin and northern Michigan, results of these plans will be applicable throughout the range of the dragonfly.
Another $50,000 in Coastal Plan funds will support work to restore and enhance degraded wetlands and waterways on the west shore of Lake Michigan's Green Bay in Wisconsin. Located primarily on privately owned lands, these areas will provide improved habitat for spawning northern pike and other wetland-dependent wildlife, such as waterfowl and migratory birds. Partners, including Ducks Unlimited and Wisconsin's Brown Co. are contributing to the project, which focuses on the Barkhausen Preserve in Brown and Oconto counties.
On the Saint Clair River in Michigan, about $75,000 in Coastal funds will support a larger partnership plan to restore native fish spawning habitat in the St Clair River Delta (Middle Channel). Coastal funds will be directed toward the portion of the plan that will construct a spawning reef in the river to benefit species such as lake sturgeon and walleye. Partners in the overall habitat plan include U.S.G.S., Michigan Sea Grant and NOAA.
The Service's Coastal Plan - Great Lakes mission is to identify and protect valuable fish and wildlife habitat and species in the Great Lakes basin. The Plan features non-regulatory, partnership-based efforts to achieve its mission, and works to forge innovative partnerships with local and statewide land trusts and other conservation partners. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/greatlakes/glcoastal.htm
The mission of the U.S.F.W.S. is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov .
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