In the 1970s, there was a television commercial in which an auto mechanic would stand in front of the vehicle he was repairing, hold up a Fram oil filter, and say, "You can pay me now, or pay me later." The message was that thinking ahead and doing proper maintenance on one's vehicle would save future repair costs. The same is true in
conservation. We can either address the real issues facing us today, or ignore them and pay a heavier price tomorrow.
Ducks Unlimited has been doing great work for 74 years to ensure that wetlands and waterfowl are in abundance for future generations. It was for our benefit that our predecessors made sacrifices and commitments. Because of that tradition, we too have an obligation to our successors. When costs increase, our commitment must increase, or else we fall behind. For that reason, the leadership of Ducks Unlimited has decided to raise the basic membership fee to $35.
The last time DU increased its membership fee was in 1996, when it was raised from $20 to $25. Based on the rate the inflation, goods and services that cost $25 back in 1996 would cost $35.84 today. The cost of conserving wetlands has increased just as much or more over the past 15 years.
As we go about setting long-term goals for habitat conservation, we must be realistic about what it will cost and understand that our commitment to conservation cannot outstrip our ability to find it.
The economic issues that affect each of us personally also impact DU's ability to achieve its conservation mission. For example, the average cost per acre of grassland easements in the Duck Factory of North and South Dakota was $64.50 in 1997, but protecting that same acre in 2010 cost $376. Likewise, DU's Southern Regional Office reports that in 2000, the cost of installing one water-control structure was $825, while the cost of the same structure in 2010 had increased to $3,500. Moreover, excavation costs increased from $1 per cubic yard in 2000 to $2.25 per cubic yard in 2010.
Raising the cost of belonging to the greatest wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization in the world is not something that was taken lightly by DU's leadership. There was significant discussion about how it might affect our members during these tough economic times. In the end, I have great faith in our dedicated members to understand the reality that conservation costs have increased. I also have great trust in our volunteer leaders to decide on the best approach to fully implement this decision.
You can rest assured that membership in Ducks Unlimited is a sound investment in
habitat conservation and the future of waterfowl
hunting. More than 80 cents of every dollar we raise goes toward wetlands and waterfowl conservation and education. Quite simply, DU remains the best conservation value for our supporters' dollars.
Our mission is conservation, and I know we will continue to keep that mission front and center in all we do. Thanks for all you do for conservation and waterfowl.