WASHINGTON D.C. – The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in Wells, Maine, has been awarded $585,000 by the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The grant, announced by Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, will be used for general and administrative purposes, research, monitoring, education, training and natural resource stewardship.

“Since 1986 the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve has conducted essential research on the Gulf of Maine’s estuaries and coastal watersheds while also educating the public on the importance of coastal protection and restoration,” Sens. Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. “This grant will help fund the 2,250-acre reserve’s vital research and ensure the future of Maine’s coastal ecosystems.”

The federal funds will be matched by the Laudholm Trust, which is a private, non-profit, membership-based group that supports the Wells NERR’s programs and research.