West River Wetland Development Projects – During 2006 DU, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks initiated a project to develop wetlands habitat on private lands in western South Dakota. A number of potential wetland sites have been reviewed and the first project site (in Bennett County) will be developed in the spring of 2007. We desire to complete approximately 10 more wetland development projects over the next three years.

As DU continues to protect and develop waterfowl production habitat in the Dakotas, serious drought conditions have existed the past two years in much of both states. DU will continue to “set the table” so to speak however to ensure that when snow and rains do come again (which they will) that vital habitats are in place and ready for waterfowl to use abundantly and productively.