California Waterfowl Association (CWA) recently received $1 million in grant funds to improve 1,200 acres of wetlands in San Jacinto Valley and San Diego Bay. These public and private lands are dedicated to providing homes for waterfowl, shorebird, and other wetland dependant species. Beneficiaries of the work include the endangered California least tern, endangered light-footed clapper rail, threatened western snowy plover, and a host of wetland dependant species. 

(San Diego/San Jacinto, CA) March 19, 2008 - CWA received a $1 million grant for wetland habitat restoration and improvements in two important areas for wildlife in southern California.  Money spent at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge's Sweetwater Marsh in south San Diego Bay, will improve tidal marsh conditions and improve breeding habitat for the federally listed California least tern (endangered), light-footed clapper rail (endangered), and the western snowy plover (threatened).  Additional restoration will occur in the San Jacinto Valley on the state owned San Jacinto Wildlife Area and on three nearby private properties dedicated to wetland wildlife. 

 "CWA has been working for more than 20 years to restore the state's wetlands and this grant expands our conservation efforts in Southern California.  By increasing and improving overall habitat conditions for all species that rely on wetland and riparian habitats, this grant and the partners involved are making a difference for all wildlife," CWA's Senior Biologist and project supervisor Chadd Santerre explained.

The grant was awarded by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Work on the project will begin in the spring of 2008 and will continue through the end of 2009.  Major contributing partners include the state's Wildlife Conservation Board, California Department of Fish and Game, the Sonoran Joint Venture, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Port of San Diego, and CWA.

Please visit our website at www.calwaterfowl.org