Government, non-profit organizations agree:

Wetlands conservation program should be reauthorized

Bill would authorize $375 million for NAWCA over 5 years

 For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2006
Contact: Melissa Mazzella DeLaney
(202) 226-9019

Washington - The House Committee on Resources' Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans yesterday held an oversight hearing on H.R. 5539, which reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), sponsored by Resources Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-Calif.).   

NAWCA, first enacted in 1989, has become one of the most popular and effective conservation programs. Since the first wetland grant was awarded 15 years ago, more than 1,500 conservation projects have been funded involving more than 3,200 partners. As a result, more than 23 million acres of wetlands and associated habitat has been protected, restored or enhanced in the United States , Canada and Mexico .  

"Wetlands are an extremely important part of our environment. Not only are the critical to the survival of uncountable wild species, they also act as horizontal levees and help to save human lives," Chairman Pombo said. "In California alone, we have approved 71 NAWCA projects since 1991, which have conserved nearly 500,000 acres of land and dedicated $236 million to wetlands protection. The NAWCA program has had similar success throughout the country, and I'm proud to spearhead the effort to reauthorize this worthy program."  

Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments. Without these wetlands and coastal barriers, the impact of last year's hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico would have been far worse in terms of human life, wildlife habitat and the destruction of private property. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, for every 2.7 miles a hurricane travels across marshes and wetlands, the storm surge is reduced by one foot.  

"Our country is facing a growing challenge to conserve our nation's remaining wetlands," said Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-Minn.), who testified at yesterday's hearing. "More than 50 percent of our nation's wetlands have been lost, and in some states the loss is as high as 90 percent - a devastating loss for waterfowl and wildlife habitat. In my home state of Minnesota , more than 10,000 wetland acres have been lost in the past decade. It is my hope that with the kind of strong bipartisan support that we see here today, we will quickly pass this legislation and enact it into law."  

"Over the past 15 years, we have witnessed remarkable achievements in conservation through this landmark legislation, which promotes strong partnerships to protect and restore habitat for migratory birds, endangered species and a host of other fauna and flora," said Matt J. Hogan, acting assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks at the Department of the Interior, who also testified yesterday. "These partnerships are established with world-renowned nongovernmental conservation organizations, State fish and wildlife agencies and numerous grassroots organizations focused in small geographic areas. We support this bill without reservation and look forward to continuing to administer this outstanding program that has an impressive history of accomplishment for both the American people and the wildlife it treasures."  

Witnesses at yesterday's hearing included: The Honorable Mark R. Kennedy (R-Minn.); Mr. Matthew J. Hogan, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior; Mr. John Frampton, director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Dr. Alan Wentz, group manager of conservation programs at Ducks Unlimited; Mr. Steve Parker, director of the Virginia Coast Reserve Office for The Nature Conservancy; and Mr. David E. Nomsen, vice president for government affairs for Pheasants Forever .  

H.R. 5539 is supported by: American Fisheries Society; American Rivers; American Sportfishing Association; Archery  Trade Association; Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Bear Trust International; Boone and Crockett Club; Bowhunting Preservation Alliance; California Outdoor Heritage Alliance; California Waterfowl Association; Campfire Club of America; Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation; Conservation Force, Dallas Safari Club; Ducks Unlimited; Izaak Walton League of America ; National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses; National Marine Manufactures Association; National Rifle Association; National Shooting Sports Foundation; National Wild Turkey Federation; North American Bear Foundation; North American Grouse Partnership; Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association; Pheasants Forever ; Pope and Young Club; Quail Forever; Quality Deer Management Association; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation ; Ruffed Grouse Society ; Safari Club International ; Sand County Foundation; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Texas Wildlife Association; The Trust for Public Land; Trout Unlimited; United States Sportsmen's Alliance; Whitetails Unlimited ; Wildlife Forever; Wildlife Habitat Council; The Nature Conservancy; and the Wildlife Management Institute.