The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to identify and fund complex conservation programs in the US. Integrating the efforts of government agencies, corporations and wildlife conservation groups, NFWS issues grants to support a multitude of projects which restore and safeguard important US ecosystems.
Wildlife Habitat, Birds, Freshwater Fish and Marine Ecosystems Conservation
There are four keystone conservation issues that NFWF funds. The Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Program works to ensure various US ecosystems are restored and protected. Present work focuses on grassland habitat in the Midwest, eastern forests and wildlife corridors in the Rocky Mountains. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation also coordinates funding for urban projects such as restoration of the Bronx River in New York.
The Bird Conservation keystone program addresses concerns for the habitat of both resident and migratory birds in the US. Freshwater Fish Conservation looks at climate change and habitat restoration needed to ensure US native fish species can survive.
The Marine and Coastal Conservation keystone is geared to restoring and improving habitat for shellfish and saltwater fish, as well as increasing and enhancing marine reserves and protected areas. Efforts are underway to restore endangered sea turtle populations and to improve and support sustainable fisheries.
US Conservation Organization Supports Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation
While the focus of the work supported by the National Wildlife Foundation is on US wildlife conservation, some international ocean conservation projects are also funded. NFWF’s Coral Reef Conservation Fund has supported coral reef ecosystem conservation in the US, South America and several Pacific island nations. Projects vary from reducing nutrient pollution loads and storm water runoff to helping develop a community based sustainable tourism program in a marine reserve.
Oil Spill Response Fund for Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon Disaster
In 2010, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has initiated the Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife, using BP’s share of revenue from oil recovered at the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These oil spill response funds are being used to encourage farmers and landowners to provide habitat for migratory birds and improve wetlands beyond the oil spill area.
The NFWF also partnered with FedEx to move sea turtle eggs from the Gulf Coast to Florida as part of their oil spill response work. After hatching, the juvenile sea turtles were released into the clean waters of the Atlantic. In the longer term, NFWS is working with Ducks Unlimited to continue habitat restoration and improvement along the Gulf Coast, which is an important area for migratory waterfowl.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has been funding habitat and wildlife conservation in the US for 25 years. Individual contributions have increased impact as they are combined with funds from corporations and legal settlements. Their grassroots approach and focus on preventative conservation enables groups to better care for their local ecosystems.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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