International Paper(IP) GlobeNewswire News Room·2024-08-26 14:00Core Insights - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced 5.4 million with matching contributions [1][2]. Funding and Partnerships - The grants are part of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund (LMAV Fund), a collaboration involving NFWF, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Paper, and the Walton Family Foundation [1][5]. - This initiative marks the seventh year of funding through this public-private partnership, which supports voluntary conservation actions in the region [1]. Project Goals and Impact - The funded projects will enhance and restore both private and public lands through various activities, including water management infrastructure installation, technical assistance for landowners, tree establishment, and wetland reconstruction [2][5]. - The initiative aims to plant over 4.2 million bottomland hardwood seedlings, improve hydrology on 300 acres of wetlands, and restore 3,900 acres of existing hardwood forest [3][5]. Ecological Significance - The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley is crucial for improving water quality, mitigating climate change, providing wildlife habitat, and supporting local economies [3][4]. - More than 80% of the forests and wetlands in the region are privately owned, necessitating outreach and educational activities to promote voluntary conservation [3][4]. Wildlife and Biodiversity - The projects will benefit various species, including the Louisiana black bear, swamp rabbit, alligator gar, and numerous forest birds, contributing to the protection of vulnerable species like the red-cockaded woodpecker and pallid sturgeon [2][3]. - The Mississippi Alluvial Valley is home to a diverse array of wildlife and serves as a critical habitat for over 60% of North America's bird species during migration [3][4].