NextEra Energy Resources, through its charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, has committed $150,000 over three years to support Ducks Unlimited’s efforts to restore the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Drummond Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Located in north central Oklahoma’s Garfield County, Drummond Flats WMA is owned and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). A wetland basin recognized as an important area for migratory birds, including shorebirds, waterfowl and wading birds like the endangered whooping crane, this area was once one of the key wetland complexes in the central flyway. ODWC and DU (Ducks Unlimited) have been working together to reclaim and restore the historic basin for many years.
“We believe in building strong partnerships that make a difference, especially in local communities that our projects call home, and that’s why we’re pleased to support this important conservation project in Oklahoma,” said Matt Raffenberg, vice president of environmental services for NextEra Energy Resources. “We are committed to being an industry leader in environmental protection and stewardship. Supporting this project will help protect and improve water quality and important wetland habitat. We are excited about opportunities like this where we can help enhance this unique Oklahoma natural area for public recreational and educational opportunities.”
Work supported in part by NextEra Energy Resources includes the restoration of 800 acres of wetlands on the WMA, which will enhance migratory bird habitat, help reduce downstream flooding, improve water quality and produce opportunities for public recreation.
“We rely on companies like NextEra Energy Resources that operate in the most sustainable way possible while supporting additional conservation projects like this one,” said DU Director of Foundation Relations Andi Cooper. “Supporting conservation on public lands in particular is a terrific way to improve wildlife habitat while promoting outdoor recreation and the tremendous economic returns that come with it.”
Additional project partners include ODWC, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cargill Oklahoma, Phillips 66, the Treeman Family Foundation, Southern Prairie and Playa Initiative sponsors and the Town of Drummond.
NextEra Energy Resources has been helping fuel Oklahoma’s economic growth since 2003, investing more than $7.3 billion in the state’s economy. NextEra Energy Resources, through its affiliates, currently owns and operates 17 wind energy centers and one battery energy storage system, and has several projects in development.
For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to follow DU’s Twitter feed – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. 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 15 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. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.
Media Contact:
Emily Austin
601-206-5438
eaustin@ducks.org