Ducks Unlimited Conservation Issues Briefing: Vol. 1, #4

Senate takes action to protect
clean water

Senate lawmakers, led by Sens. Max Baucus (Mont.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) moved to protect America's wetlands this past week as the Environment and Public Works Committee voted to advance an amended Clean Water Restoration Act—the Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Water—to the full Senate. Ducks Unlimited says this is a positive move to protect wetlands for waterfowl and clean water for America. Read more

Reversal of fortunes for farm conservation programs

The House Appropriations Committee continues to support most of the hundreds of millions of dollars in conservation program cuts proposed by the White House. The committee passed an agriculture spending bill that maintains the $4 billion increase in spending for conservation programs included in the 2008 Farm Bill. Read more

Farm near Traverse City, Mich.

San Joaquin River restoration

Ducks Unlimited has partnered with 10 other conservation organizations to achieve a shared vision of a fully functional San Joaquin River, complete with a resurrected wetland-enhanced flood plain and even a restored salmon population. Read more

DU improving California wildlife areas

Work by Ducks Unlimited will improve water conveyance, supply, habitat and management capabilities at five wildlife areas (WAs) and one ecological reserve (ER), all owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. In total, 1,683 acres of habitat will be improved, including the restoration of 95 acres of wetlands and 4 acres of riparian habitats and the enhancement of 1,584 acres of wetland habitat.
Read more

Northern Conservation Farms Project revitalizes Washington wetlands

The Northern Conservation Farms Project, located near Sequim, Wash., involves the donation of a conservation easement to DU by the landowners, Northern Conservation Farms. The donated easement comprises approximately 82 acres and the project includes the enhancement of another 40 acres of palustrine emergent marsh. Read more

Conservation on ballot in Iowa

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa

Iowans will vote in 2010 on creating a natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund. This is the third step in a five-step process that would next require the approval of the Iowa General Assembly and the Governor to raise sales taxes 3/8 of one percent. Read more