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recharge, filtration and waste treatment, to name a few. However, we should not forget that the 

 genesis of the Act was the NAWMP and we should feel proud of our accomplishments whether 

 the beneficiaries are ducks or eagles. Indeed, it was a concern for waterfowl that brought 

 international resource managers together in what is arguably the first, largest and most successful 

 ecosystem management plan on the continent. 



I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Migratory Bird Conservation 

 Commission and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council on a job very well done. 

 These bodies are charged with the responsibilities of ensuring that projects approved are 

 consistent with the Act and that an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems 

 are secured, restored and enhanced. By their very nature wetland ecosystems are dynamic and 

 extremely diverse across landscapes. So, too, must be their management. The NAWCA 

 provides the necessary domestic and international flexibility to ensure the most appropriate 

 wetland ecosystem management options are available. To be overly prescriptive would minimize 

 the Act's effectiveness. 



There are few programs that can boast of their success like this one can. Members of 

 the lAFWA are pleased to be associated with the Act, support its reauthorization and the gradual 

 increasing of authorized funding levels over the next five years. Certainly much more can be 

 accomplished with greater availability of federal funds. This model program is an excellent 

 example of how we can all achieve much more when working together towards common goals. 



KSA\hre»\C: VKKKANA WCA TES 



