Short description of the commodity or service desired: Grants; contribution habitat conservation as part of the Manitoba Prairie Parland Program; A significant percentage of Florida’s wintering and migrating waterfowl nest in prairie Canada so Florida has a vested interest in projects that protect critical breeding habitat and increase waterfowl production in these areas. These projects not only benefit waterfowl, but numerous other important migratory bird species that migrate and winter in Florida. We are seeking: 1) Use of science-based tools to identify areas where conservation projects can most effectively provide the greatest benefit to breeding waterfowl in Prairie Canada (Manitoba); 2) Implementation of conservation projects on the identified areas and; 3) Maintenance of the projects over time to ensure they continue to provide high value to waterfowl and the greatest return on our dollar. Conservation projects can differ based on various factors but can include habitat protection through direct purchase or implementation of conservation easements, wetland or upland restoration projects (use of ditch plugs, installing water control structures, etc.), and habitat enhancement (forage conversion, technical support and short-term agreements with private landowners, etc.). In addition to the previously listed requirements, we expect the annual contribution of $126,060 to be matched at least 1:1 by the recipient, and additionally matched another 2:1 via federal gants before being converted favorably to Canadian dollars. This would result in approximately $500,000 CAD to be used to conserve, restore and protect at least 6,500 acres, and manage at least 14,000 acres each year for migratory bird species important to the state of Florida. Under provisions of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), Ducks Unlimited (DU) coordinates with DU Canada to provide broad spectrum habitat conservation, retention and targeted restoration projects of a magnitude that no other vendors can provide. State matching fish and wildlife agency fees and other contributions result in more critical habitat being restored or conserved. DU can leverage each of our state dollars to secure an additional $3 through their partnership with NAWCA, and with a favorable exchange gain, each state dollar becomes roughly $5 Canadian dollars for conservation. Given DU’s longstanding track record of conservation success both within Florida and throughout North America, the benefit of a 20-30% gain per state dollar for this conservation work is a sure investment for Florida’s migratory birds and the residents that enjoy them.
