In a significant move for wildlife conservation, the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho has been awarded a $1.9 million grant aimed at restoring habitats impacted by historical hydraulic mining.
This grant is part of the America the Beautiful initiative, launched by the Biden administration in 2021, which aims to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The initiative has allocated a total of $122.4 million across 61 grants to states, tribal nations, and territories.
The Nez Perce project will focus on rehabilitating 22 acres of abandoned mining land at Leggett Creek. The restoration efforts will reduce sediment runoff affecting critical habitats for rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and bull trout, while also stabilizing eroded slopes with native tree and shrub plantings.
U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the transformative impact of the America the Beautiful initiative, highlighting its role in fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems.
Meanwhile, in Spain, the Ministry for Ecological Transition has proposed an ecological restoration project at 'Los Mimbrales' in Huelva, aimed at boosting biodiversity within the Doñana National Park. This project seeks to restore hydrological conditions and improve habitat quality for various species while addressing issues caused by extensive drainage systems.
The Los Mimbrales project will also focus on eradicating invasive plant species and enhancing native vegetation to support local wildlife, making it a critical component of regional conservation efforts.