MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 29, 2011 – Texas Ducks Unlimited volunteers are known for leading the charge for wetlands conservation, and this year 23 DU chapters in Texas rank among the most successful chapters in the nation.
Six Texas chapters achieved President's Elite status, a designation reserved for chapters that raise $100,000 or more annually for DU's habitat conservation work. Seventeen Texas chapters made DU's Top 100 list, which is reserved for the Top 100 chapters that raise up to $100,000 in grassroots income for DU's conservation mission.
"Our Texas volunteers continue to step up to the plate and deliver in a big way to help preserve our hunting heritage," said DU National Director of Grassroots Fundraising David Schuessler. "To land 23 of the top spots in the nation is a feat that should make Texans extremely proud."
The 23 Texas chapters earned a spot on these lists out of more than 2,700 DU chapters nationwide. DU's grassroots system has become a model for other conservation organizations worldwide and has helped conserve more than 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat since 1937.
"These volunteers truly understand the issues waterfowl populations are facing today and the importance of raising funds for DU's conservation work across North America, including Texas and the breeding grounds that impact the state's annual migration," Schuessler said. "Congratulations to these chapters and the men and women who work hard to organize these events."
President's Elite Chapters
Houston
Galveston
Dallas
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
Mexia
Top 100 Chapters
Big Thicket
Navasota
Matagorda County
Brazos Valley
Frisco
Rice Belt
El Paso
Ellis County
Pearland
Metro-Crest
McKinney
Tyler
Waco
Gregg County
Texoma
Denton
Rockport/Fulton
Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.
-30-
Lauren Oxner
901-758-3851