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How We Conserve:

Public Policy

Influencing the Future of Wetlands

Ducks Unlimited’s dedicated team of public policy experts work in Washington D.C., and in statehouses nationwide to advocate for policies that help conserve wetlands and waterfowl habitat and protect our precious outdoor heritage for the next generation.

How We Do It

 

Ducks Unlimited Public Policy staff and volunteers collaborate with state and federal legislators, administration officials and state game and fish agencies to promote policies that protect habitat, improve the environment and provide opportunities to continue our waterfowling traditions. DU utilizes federal policies, such as NAWCA and the Farm Bill, to meet the conservation goals outlined in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Federal Funding Opportunities

Ducks Unlimited utilizes federal programs, like the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), to conserve waterfowl, fish and wildlife resources while producing a variety of environmental and economic benefits.

Agriculture and the Farm Bill

Most of the remaining wetlands in the United States are on private land, where many waterfowl are raised, migrate and winter. Ducks Unlimited supports balanced agricultural policies to help American farmers and ranchers be more competitive and successful. Farm Bill conservation programs are some of the most effective tools for conserving wildlife habitat on private land.

Federal and State Licensing

A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl in the U.S. while most states also require state licenses. Learn how these contributions by waterfowlers become the best return on investment for habitat conservation in North America.

Conservation Newsroom

Get the latest news about how Ducks Unlimited is changing the conservation world, one wetland acre at a time.

Jett Brunet: A Journey from Champion Decoy Carver to Conservationist
Jett Brunet: A Journey from Champion Decoy Carver to Conservationist

In the swamps and salt marshes of Louisiana’s Lafourche Parish, Ducks Unlimited supporter Jett Brunet finds inspiration in the waterfowl and wetlands that shaped his passion for art, hunting, and conservation

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Thousand Islands Land Trust is NY Conservationist of the Year
Thousand Islands Land Trust is NY Conservationist of the Year

DU has received more than $5.5 million in matching value from TILT, helping protect over 12,000 acres in the St. Lawrence River Valley

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Ducks Unlimited Establishing Long Island In-Lieu Fee Program
Ducks Unlimited Establishing Long Island In-Lieu Fee Program

Mitigation credits will address landscape-level restoration projects

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Farming in the Flyway: Spring, 2025
Farming in the Flyway: Spring, 2025

DU member, volunteer and DU magazine contributor John Pollmann and the South Dakota staff compiled a collection of updates and reflections on work in the Mount Rushmore State.

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Kodiak: Chasing Bucket List Harlequin in Unforgiving Conditions
Kodiak: Chasing Bucket List Harlequin in Unforgiving Conditions

The hunt for harlequin ducks in Kodiak’s punishing waters proves why Weatherby's SORIX shotgun is built for extremes

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Lacassine NWR Project Benefits Waterfowl, Wildlife and People
Lacassine NWR Project Benefits Waterfowl, Wildlife and People

Lacassine NWR is a historic refuge in southwest Louisiana (established in 1937) and includes an 830-acre impoundment called Unit B, an excellent habitat for migratory birds. Unit B is a waterfowl impoundment open to duck hunting for youths and seniors. It also includes a walking trail and observation tower for birding.

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Revitalizing Waterfowl Habitat in the Mississippi Delta
Revitalizing Waterfowl Habitat in the Mississippi Delta

A transformative conservation effort is set to enhance waterfowl habitats across 700 acres in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), thanks to a $1 million investment supported by the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF).

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The Hal & Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation Supports Graduate Research
The Hal & Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation Supports Graduate Research

The David R. Luukkonen Endowment received a $150,000 challenge gift to fund annual student scholarships

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U.S. Bird Populations Continue Alarming Decline, New Report Finds
U.S. Bird Populations Continue Alarming Decline, New Report Finds

2025 State of the Birds Report Calls for Urgent Conservation Action

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Ducks Unlimited Announces 2025 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award Winners
Ducks Unlimited Announces 2025 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award Winners

DU annually celebrates individuals championing North American wetland and waterfowl conservation.

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