The internationally-important watersheds and ecosystems of the United States provide our citizens with clean and abundant drinking water, outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife habitats, and quality of life. These same waters provide navigation and directly benefit our nation’s farmers, commercial fishermen and factory workers. Yet, these systems are being degraded by pollution, sedimentation, invasive species, excessive demand, and land use decisions. The following watersheds are Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) most important policy priorities.

Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast wetlands are rapidly being inundated by the Gulf of Mexico. More than 1,900 square miles of Louisiana’s coastal marshlands have disappeared since the 1930s. These wetland losses are the result of levee construction and flood control throughout the Mississippi River Basin, which have reduced sediment deposition, and by coastal subsidence. Wetlands the size of one football field are lost every 30 minutes while salt water is covering what was once more than one million acres of vibrant, wildlife-rich freshwater or brackish marshes. Loss of these wetlands to buffer storm surges has increased damage caused by hurricanes and negatively impacted fisheries, and wildlife and associated industries, and recreation. DU is currently engaged in wetland restoration work here, and a broad coalition of partners is working to conserve this watershed, but with limited success to date, due to a lack of coordinated commitment by federal agencies.

Great Lakes

This region contains 20 percent of the surface fresh water in the world, and provides drinking water to more than 20 million people. Scientists state that the Great Lakes are at a tipping point, with the potential for ecological collapse. More than 66% of the wetlands that border the Great Lakes have been destroyed, and industrial contamination, sedimentation, and invasive species have severely degraded those that remain. A Great Lakes Regional Collaboration has been formed representing federal, state, tribal, local, business and conservation organizations.

Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay is the nation’s largest estuary, and is a tremendously important source for commercial fisheries and shellfish, waterfowl, and outdoor recreation. Although a long term restoration plan has been developed for the Bay, insufficient conservation actions and a burgeoning population have limited positive gains in water quality, fish, and wildlife populations and environmental health.

Mississippi River Basin and Mississippi Alluvial Valley

The Mississippi River and its floodplain, one of the largest in the world, have been severely impacted by agriculture, navigation and deforestation. This region is among the most critical migration and wintering habitats for North America’s waterfowl population, and supports millions of waterfowl annually. Partnerships need to be expanded to ensure the wise use and management of the river that acknowledges the multiple use functions and values, including fish and wildlife.

Prairie Pothole Region

Grasslands and wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region are the nation’s most important breeding ground for waterfowl and other wetland and grassland nesting birds. They also support vital and productive livestock operations as well. Both native grasslands and wetlands are at risk of continued loss and degradation, potentially impacting all lower 48 states and the billion dollar waterfowl and wildlife industry. Conversion of marginal lands to grain production is the single most current threat. Loss of these vital habitats negatively impacts flood control, groundwater recharge, and threatened plants and animals.

Platte River of Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming

Diverse and excessive demands on limited water resources from agriculture, commercial and residential development along the Platte River threaten this extraordinary natural system. This region provides critical spring and fall migration habitat for ducks, geese, and other birds. Diverse partnership-based efforts to restore the natural systems and permanently protect the Platte River ecosystem in the three states are underway and require continuing federal attention, leadership, and support.

Central Valley of California

Approximately 95% of the historic wetlands of the Central Valley have been eliminated and replaced by agriculture and urbanization. Many issues concerning the remaining 5%, such as land use conflicts and pollution, remain unresolved. However, the most difficult issue is unsustainable competition for water supply with agriculture and a thirsty population. While the north half of the Valley has fared well, areas south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are at risk due to the difficulties of conveying water through the Delta and the ecological impacts of doing so. Without resolution of those issues, a large portion of the single-most important wintering area in North America may become chronically dry and unproductive.

Pacific Northwest

Winter rainfall is abundant in this region, so water supplies are generally not limiting. However, loss of wetlands continues through competition with agriculture and urbanization. Wetlands historically provided an important nursery area for fish, particularly salmon which is vital to the economic health of the region. Work has been ongoing to restore wetlands for the dual benefits of salmon and waterfowl, much of it funded through Federal and state programs.

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Need: Millions of Americans rely on the ecological goods and services provided by these watersheds. They provide quality drinking water, navigation, agricultural products, and recreation from a diverse and abundant natural resource base. Unchecked continued degradation of these systems means decreased human health and welfare, and reduction of our nation’s natural capitol. Protection and restoration of riverine and coastal wetlands reduces pollutants, resulting in higher water quality and lower treatment costs, and provides flood control, thus reducing an estimated $3.7 billion in flood damages each year.

Recommendations: DU recommends that the Obama Administration focus on the conservation of these national watershed regions, in partnership with the affected states, tribes and private organizations and industry. These partnerships, if catalyzed by federal funding, can accelerate watershed protection and restoration in key national watersheds. These funds will provide “green” jobs and help to stimulate the economy through habitat restoration and through the recreation and fishing industries that depend on this habitat. We further suggest that the Administration establish a National Watershed Initiative to coordinate and integrate partnership activities.