18,000 acres added to wildlife refuge

WASHINGTON, June 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. government will spend $4 million to expand the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota, officials said Thursday.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission said more than 18,000 acres of wetland and grassland habitat will be added to refuge in the northwest part of the state. The land acquisition will provide wetland and grassland habitat for waterfowl such as the mallard, northern pintail, blue-winged teal, ring-necked duck, Canada goose and tundra swan.

The funds were generated from Federal Duck Stamp sales and import duties on firearms and ammunition, the Interior Department said in a release.