The USA Rice Federation recently presented Ducks Unlimited with its second annual Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award. The award was announced at the Rice Outlook Conference and recognizes exemplary leadership and other major contributions to
conservation that significantly benefit natural resources, wildlife and America's communities.
Ducks Unlimited First Vice President George Dunklin and Senior Vice President Paul Bonderson Jr. accepted the award on behalf of Ducks Unlimited.
"As an
Arkansas rice farmer, conservationist and avid duck
hunter, it is a great honor for an organization that I have such passionate feelings about to be the recipient of this prestigious award," said Dunklin. "Nothing makes me prouder than to have my rice industry recognize DU's tremendous contributions to the world of conservation and wetlands. And I can assure you that Ducks Unlimited considers America's rice growers to be distinguished conservationists and key partners as well."
Ducks Unlimited has a long history of partnering with rice producers to provide
habitat for North America's waterfowl. Studies have shown that flooded rice fields are a primary food source for dabbling ducks during
migration and on wintering areas.
"Three regions support more than half of all wintering dabbling ducks in the United States. It's no coincidence that those three areas are also our nation's primary rice-growing regions," said DU CEO Dale Hall. "America's rice producers are critical to the health and future of
waterfowl. DU is dedicated to keeping rice growers profitable and abundant because what's good for rice is good for ducks. We thank the USA Rice Federation for recognizing DU and helping ensure the future of North America's waterfowl through habitat conservation."
Nearly 3.4 million acres of rice are grown in the United States each year. After harvest, many rice producers flood their fields, providing critical food and habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.
"Ducks Unlimited is an outstanding conservation organization," said Linda Raun, USA Rice Producers' Group chairman and charter member of the USA Rice Federation. "DU's conservation, restoration and management of wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl; its understanding of the challenges facing waterfowl conservation; and its vision to address the challenges made the choice of Ducks Unlimited a most deserving one."