DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
January 2008

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with friends, family gatherings, fantastic food, and lots of time afield. As we enter 2008, we have several more months to enjoy waterfowl. Hunting extends through most of January in the southern states and the last ducks do not head north until late March or early April.

The time that I spend afield during the winter centers on enjoying waterfowl. This is a great time to reflect on just how fortunate I am to spend time in a duck blind with folks who share the passion and appreciation for conserving waterfowl. Of course having my trusting lab Annie at my side is also special. I have a 4 year old grandson that already has his first pair of waders so I work hard everyday to help ensure that he will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of waterfowl. We all have an important role to play to ensure the health of our waterfowl.

I referenced our business plan in the last newsletter message. I am proud to report that we have made significant progress. As a matter of fact we will be real close to a final copy as you read this message. A few highlights include that over the next 5 years in the 15 southern states more than 250,000 wetland acres will be positively impacted because of DU. This will cost in excess of $85 million dollars with 90 percent financed by our numerous state, federal and private conservation partners. Public policy will become an increasingly important tool to accomplish our waterfowl goals. We will have an increased focus on high priority areas for waterfowl still in need of habitat improvements such as the gulf coast regions of Louisiana and Texas. Soon, you will be able to review an executive summary on the web site.

Keep up with DU by regularly visiting our web site. Remember, none of this would be possible without your support. Take action today so that those who follow us will enjoy skies filled with waterfowl. As a DU member, you have a lot to be proud of. You are making a difference! Let us know how we can better serve you.

Sincerely,
Curtis Hopkins