6 JUNE 2012

There was a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) meeting in Washington DC this morning. The MBCC considers and approves properties (fee-title or easements) that are added to the Refuge System (NWRs and WPAs) funded through the corresponding MBCF. The Migratory Bird Conservation Fund (MBCF) is where Stamp dollars are deposited.

Today's three considerations and decisions for the Refuge System were not as large as usual, but that happens on occasion at MBCC meetings:

   Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge (Texas), 87.5 acres – fee title – $88,200.
   Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Mississippi), 640 acres – lease (a 5-year extension) – $19,200
   Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (Louisianna) – 640 acres – lease (a 5-year extension) – $25,000

These mostly consist of bottomwood hardwood and marshes, rich in waterfowl and other bird species.

The MBCC also passes on approving North American Wetlands Conservation Act – NAWCA – projects, which it also did this morning. Canadian Standard Grants and U.S. Small Grants were approved. But these don't involve Stamp dollars.

For a press release from the USFWS on this MBCC meeting, see here.