The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have announced over $44 million in grants for water quality improvement and habitat restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This funding, part of the Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) and Small Watershed Grants (SWG) programs, aims to support projects that enhance regional conservation efforts, restore rivers, and protect key species.
The grants will leverage nearly $31 million in non-federal contributions, totaling a $75 million impact. The initiatives include restoring riparian buffers, wetlands, and implementing agricultural best practices. Significant pollution reductions are projected, including a decrease of 1 million pounds of nitrogen and 78 million pounds of sediment annually.
Examples of projects funded include habitat restoration by Catoctin Land Trust, stormwater infrastructure improvements by Chemung County, and innovative conservation initiatives by Ducks Unlimited. Since 1999, the NFWF has provided nearly 2,000 grants totaling over $400 million, significantly contributing to conservation in the region. For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund website.
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