Bay Area conservation stimulates economy, saves tax dollars
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Feb. 17, 2009 – Now there's even more incentive to go green. Conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited, the world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, say habitat restoration can save taxpayers money, stimulate the economy
and create new jobs, all while conserving valuable habitat and improving water quality.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Ducks Unlimited is planning four conservation projects that could pump nearly $40 million into the local economy and create 185 new jobs.
"For every project Ducks Unlimited undertakes nationwide, we need local construction workers and engineers to move the dirt and help turn degraded land back into functioning wetlands," said Dale Humburg, chief biologist for Ducks Unlimited. "In turn, those wetlands provide water and quality habitat for both people and wildlife – so it's a win-win."
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest and most effective wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization with almost 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half its original wetlands – nature's most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.
Laura Houseal
901.758.3764
lhouseal@ducks.org