Ducks Unlimited (DU) CEO Dale Hall testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee on Wildlife and Water recently. His testimony was in defense of the Bipartisan Sportsman's Act of 2015. One of the Act's main components is the reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

"I appreciate the opportunity to testify regarding this important legislation, including the reauthorization of the NAWCA, reauthorization of the interest from the Pittman-Robertson fund to NAWCA and the other important provisions," Hall told the committee. "With your continued support of these programs, NAWCA will remain an essential program, protecting and conserving wetland habitat to benefit migratory birds, and a model of good government where public and private sectors work together for the common good of our citizens in an efficient fashion."

NAWCA restores and enhances wetland habitats that serves as vital breeding, migratory and wintering grounds for millions of waterfowl and other birds throughout their life cycle. With appropriate funding for this program, the public will benefit for years from healthy waterfowl populations and increased hunting opportunities. It is essential to America's waterfowl and waterfowl hunters and all citizens who care about our natural world that NAWCA be reauthorized this year.

Since 1990, more than 5,000 partners have completed more than 2,400 NAWCA projects resulting in the conservation of 27.5 million acres of habitat on the ground. Reflecting their commitment to these vital habitat projects, partners have contributed $2.7 billion in non-federal matching funds for the nearly $1.3 billion made available in federal grants.

To view the entire hearing, visit www.senate.gov.