In 1986, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) was adopted by the United States and Canada to restore waterfowl populations to 1970-79 levels. The Plan establishes population objectives for 25 species of ducks and 5 species of geese, as well as trumpeter and tundra swans. The Plan was updated in1994 to include participation by Mexico, and again in 1998 to encourage Plan partners to coordinate with other wildlife initiatives.

Transforming the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan into on-the-ground actions relies on a cooperative approach to conservation. The work is accomplished through public-private partnerships called Joint Ventures. Joint Ventures are comprised of conservation organizations, local, state, provincial, and federal agencies, individuals, and corporations. There are now fourteen habitat joint ventures, which work in specific geographic areas, and three species joint ventures, each focusing on the needs of a certain group of birds.

Congress established the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) in 1989 to provide funds to implement the objectives of NAWMP. NAWCA offers a standard grant program and a small grant program.

The Pacific Coast Joint Venture was created in 1991 to implement NAWMP objectives on the northern Pacific Coast. Working in both the United States and Canada, it is the first international Joint Venture established under NAWMP.

NAWMP Canada
NAWMP United States