WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 18, 2026 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Colton Buckley has been appointed as the next Chief for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Buckley previously served as NRCS Associate Chief.
"Congratulations to Colton Buckley on his well-deserved elevation to Chief of NRCS," said DU CEO Adam Putnam. "DU has a lengthy history of working arm-in-arm with NRCS to help farmers, ranchers, and other landowners access the right voluntary, incentive-based programs that most benefit their operation while conserving habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Chief Buckley understands these tools, such as conservation easements, help keep working lands in production while stewarding our natural resources for future generations. We look forward to continuing our work with him in this new role."
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Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
