OHIO – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced $6 million in funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Conservation Commission to help conserve, restore, and enhance Lake Erie’s wetlands. Congressman Joyce was a lead co-sponsor of the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 that was recently signed into law. 

“Every year, families and tourists from across the country travel to Lake Erie to visit the beaches, birdwatch, or enjoy the many activities the region offers,” said Congressman Joyce. “This funding will not only spur economic growth in the region, but it will also allow for Lake Erie to remain a hub for birdwatching for generations to come.”

“Since 1989, no program has been more effective at restoring critical habitat across the continent than NAWCA,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “While the program was designed to benefit migratory birds and their habitat, the benefits of NAWCA extend to our water supply, the resilience of our communities, the strength of our outdoor economy, and so much more. Much of that success is owed to its consistent, bipartisan support from Congress, and we’re looking forward to getting these new projects underway.”

See below for specific funding allocations:

• Western Lake Erie Coastal Project I, Ducks Unlimited Inc.: $3,000,000
• Lake Erie Coastal Wetlands IV, Ducks Unlimited Inc.: $3,000,000

Learn more here.