JACKSON-Mississippi Partners for Fish and Wildlife (MPFW), a partnership which includes Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) federal agencies, conservation organizations, and private companies, is working to improve wetland habitat on privately-owned lands for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.  MPFW is now seeking applications for new private land wetland projects until May 1, 2012.

Assistance to private landowners can be in the form of cost-share payments for wetland habitat management practices or providing materials such as water control structures to enhance wetland management infrastructure.  After enrollment, MDWFP biologists will work with landowners to develop a cooperative habitat management plan to benefitwaterfowl and other wetland wildlife.  In exchange, landowners agree to manage and flood wetland habitat annually for 10 to 15 years.

 "Mississippi landowners are very interested in managing waterfowl habitat, but sometimeslack the most effective tools or the sufficient finances to best achieve their objectives.  This unique partnership is an effective way for landowners to leverage their limited funds with MPFW technical and financial assistance to improve wetland habitat on private lands," said Houston Havens, MDWFP Waterfowl Program Biologist.

Private landowners interested in learning more about wetland management assistance through MPFW may contact Houston Havens at (662) 299-0273 or email houstonh@mdwfp.state.ms.us.