MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 6, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) volunteers from North Dakota took home a Bronze State Award from DU’s annual convention in Phoenix, Ariz. DU’s State Awards recognize states whose volunteers excelled at growing and improving their fund-raising and conservation efforts on behalf of DU.

“It’s a real pleasure to recognize North Dakota’s volunteers for their exceptional work last year,” said Jim West, executive secretary of Ducks Unlimited. “In 2005, North Dakota posted a 26 percent increase in grassroots income, enabling DU to conserve more habitat for waterfowl across North America.”

North Dakota was one of 12 states to take home the Bronze State Award. To receive this award, a state must demonstrate at least a three percent increase in grassroots income. In addition, each state must meet certain criteria in other categories such as new volunteer recruitment, adult membership increases and major goal achievement.