September 20, 2023

Merkley, Wyden Announce $1.3 Million for Migratory Bird Habitat

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding Ducks Unlimited $1.3 million for habitat conservation for wetland migratory birds in the Lake County Closed Basin Project Area. Given its location as a stopover in the Pacific flyway as well as housing Lake Abert, Oregon’s only saltwater lake, Lake County is a primary location for hundreds of thousands of these migratory birds.

“Our lands and waters are integral to the futures of countless animals and migratory birds, while also supporting Oregonians’ quality of life and livelihoods,”?said Senator Merkley. “This funding will help protect these important ecosystems in Lake County so they can thrive for generations to come.”

“Lake County has a special spot on the Pacific flyway, and it’s smart to invest in protecting the habitat of that unique location for birds and the Oregonians who enjoy watching their majestic migrations,” Wyden said. “Birding plays a key part in Oregon’s recreation economy, and I’m glad these federal fish and wildlife resources are headed to our state.”

This funding is part of a larger $50.6 million investment by the U.S. Department of the Interior to support the USFWS and its partners as they conserve, restore, or enhance more than 106,600 acres of wetland and habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other birds across the country.

?

###