conservation

Ducks Unlimited announces 2014 Wetlands for Kids Day ST. LOUIS – March 4, 2014 – Did you know wetlands support more than 900 species of wildlife, many of them threatened or endangered, in addition to providing us with clean water and flood protection? Join Ducks Unlimited for the upcoming 15th annual Wetlands for Kids Day and you and your children can learn even more about wetlands through engaging hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Conservation: The America's River Initiative Restoring the glory of the lower Mississippi River floodplain for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. By Andi Cooper.

Four national conservation organizations team up for conservation Four of the nation’s largest wild bird conservation organizations have joined forces to ensure that wild bird habitat conservation and our shared hunting heritage remain strong for generations to come. Ducks Unlimited (DU), the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of furthering sporting traditions across North America.

Ducks Unlimited Protects “Wilderness” Wetland

Unimin donates to enhance Minnesota shallow lakes OTTAWA, Minn. – January 9, 2014 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) is the beneficiary of a $40,000 donation from Unimin Corporation to help protect, restore, and enhance habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife in Minnesota. The gift provides merchandise underwriting at select DU fundraising events and invests in shallow lake habitat through the Living Lakes Initiative.

New Great Plains director of conservation programs GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Jan. 7, 2014 – Mike George is now leading Ducks Unlimited’s conservation work in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming as director of conservation programs for those states. George is located in DU’s field office in Grand Island, Neb.

Scot Storm named 2014 Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year Wildlife artist Scot Storm, of Freeport, Minn., has been named as the Ducks Unlimited (DU) 2014 Artist of the Year. Storm’s painting Tranquil Waters catapulted him into his second Artist of the Year title for DU.

DU's Regional Fundraising Initiatives Connecting waterfowl and conservationists across North America. By James Powell, Rich Smith, David Schuessler, and Ken Babcock.

Irby named director of operations for DU national conservation efforts MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dec. 11, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited has named Lisa Irby the new director of operations for conservation at its Memphis-based national headquarters. Irby will focus on DU’s land programs and support national budgeting, strategy and business-planning efforts. She will also be DU’s staff representative for the North American Wetlands Conservation Council.

Brakhage takes lead in Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes and Atlantic Region ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Dec. 9, 2013 – David Brakhage has been named the director of operations for Ducks Unlimited's Great Lakes and Atlantic Region. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of DU's work in the region’s 21 states, including habitat conservation, research, engineering and public policy.

New Jersey waterfowl to benefit from major wetland grant CAPE MAY, N.J. – Nov. 11, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited was recently awarded a North American Wetlands Act (NAWCA) grant to fund habitat enhancement work with several partners as part of their Southeast New Jersey Coastal Program. These funds will be used to enhance nearly 1,000 acres of diverse wildlife habitat in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Partners contributed more than $2.5 million in matching funds toward the $1 million federal grant.

MDWFP continues support for waterfowl habitat conservation JACKSON, Miss. – Nov. 4, 2013 – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission elected to continue their involvement in the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' state grants program at their recent meeting. Contributions to the program support habitat conservation for waterfowl in Canada.

It’s time to throw away your razor and support DU’s Beards for Conservation It’s no surprise that waterfowl hunters enjoy growing out their beards during season for various reasons. If that description fits, then Ducks Unlimited has a program just for you: Beards for Conservation.

It’s time to throw away your razor and support DU’s Beards for Conservation It’s no surprise that waterfowl hunters enjoy growing out their beards during season for various reasons. If that description fits, then Ducks Unlimited has a program just for you: Beards for Conservation.

Fueling the Duck Factory For almost 50 years, states have worked with DU to conserve vital waterfowl habitat across Canada. By Scott C. Yaich, Ph.D.

DU Participates in Chesapeake Bay Partnership Meeting Ducks Unlimited recently participated in a Chesapeake Bay partnership meeting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to discuss funding opportunities through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).

Wetlands Enhanced on Deal Island Wildlife Management Area Ducks Unlimited and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Waterfowlers Association, Agri-Drain Corporation, and other partners are working to enhance wetland habitat on Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Weber Wetland Restoration Project Completed in Nebraska Ducks Unlimited recently completed a wetland restoration and enhancement project on a property near Bridgeport, Nebraska. The property holds special meaning for its owners, Jim and Peggy Weber, because it once belonged to Jim's parents.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Increases State Grant Contribution The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department increased its state grant allocation from $75,000 to $250,000 in 2013. This commitment brings Texas's cumulative contribution to $3 million for habitat conservation work on the Canadian breeding grounds.

Oklahoma Project Will Benefit Waterfowl and Hunters Ducks Unlimited recently began work on a three-phase project to improve more than 300 acres of waterfowl habitat on Waurika Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in southern Oklahoma.

Louisiana Coastal Project Receives $1 Million NAWCA Grant Ducks Unlimited and partners recently received a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to restore coastal marshes in south Louisiana.

DU and University of Delaware Partner in Waterfowl Research Researchers at Ducks Unlimited and Dr. Chris Williams of the University of Delaware (UDEL) were recently awarded a generous grant from the Black Duck Joint Venture to assess the influence of wintering habitat quality on black duck populations.

Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area Project Dedicated in Georgia Ducks Unlimited, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and several community partners gathered in April to celebrate the completion of a wetland enhancement project on Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area in Floyd County.

Beards for Conservation: Face-off! Pick a beard...again and again!

Greenwing chair a Hero of Conservation Ducks Unlimited volunteer Jeff Gorr was a finalist in the Field & Stream 2013 Heroes of Conservation contest. Jeff is the chair of the Greenwing program in Sheboygan, Wis., and works to get more kids outdoors and involved in duck hunting.

ITC donates to enhance shallow-lake habitat ALBERT LEA, Minn. – Oct. 2, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently received a $10,000 donation from ITC Holdings Corp. to help protect and restore habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife on the shallow-lake-dotted landscape of Minnesota and Iowa.

Beards for Conservation Mobile Apps Download the Beards for Conservation mobile app for your iPhone or Android device.

Ducks Unlimited Beards for Conservation This season, you can grow your beard and support wetlands and waterfowl conservation at the same time through the Ducks Unlimited Beards for Conservation program.

DU CEO Dale Hall on the Federal Duck Stamp A letter from Ducks Unlimited Chief Executive Officer Dale Hall on the eve of the 2013 Federal Duck Stamp Art Competition in Maumee, Ohio, September 27-28.

Ducks Unlimited Milk River Banquet set for Oct. 12 in Malta MALTA, Mont. September 16, 2013 - Join Ducks Unlimited for a fun evening and help support habitat work in the Montana nesting grounds. The Milk River DU Chapter Banquet offers a night of good food, games and fellowship on Saturday, Oct. 12 in Malta. The event will be held at the Malta City Hall with cocktails beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a prime rib and shrimp dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Dusseau Tract Restoration Completed in Michigan Ducks Unlimited recently completed a project to restore the 66-acre Dusseau Tract on the Erie State Game Area in Monroe County, Michigan. Once drained for agriculture, the tract now comprises 38 acres of rare lake-plain wet prairie and 28 acres of coastal wetlands along southwestern Lake Erie, benefiting nesting, migrating, and wintering waterfowl.

DU Helps Identify Coastal Restoration Projects in Florida Ducks Unlimited is working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to identify potential projects for funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This funding is part of the recent $2.4 billion settlement with BP stemming from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The funds received by NFWF will be directed toward coastal acquisition, restoration, and enhancement projects.

DU and Partners Seek Solutions to Save California's Salton Sea Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist Chris Hildebrandt recently took part in a roundtable discussion focused on the plight of the Salton Sea, a 376-square-mile body of water about 40 miles south of Palm Springs, California.

DU Partnership Conserves Priority Habitat in Montana Ducks Unlimited and its conservation partners have designated the Hi-Line, which encompasses Montana's portion of the Prairie Pothole Region, as a high-priority area for conservation work.

DU to Complete Green Tree Reservoir Project in Louisiana Ducks Unlimited and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are partnering to improve a 1,900-acre green-tree reservoir on the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Monroe, Louisiana.

DU and the Nature Conservancy Enhance South Carolina Reserve The Nature Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited have been working collaboratively to help maintain the Washo Reserve's habitat value for wintering waterfowl as well as wading birds.

Central Valley Joint Venture Partners Receive Conservation Awards Two longtime members of California's Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) were recently honored for their contributions to wetlands and waterfowl conservation under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). CVJV Coordinator Bob Shaffer received this year's National Blue-winged Teal Award and Eldridge "Red" Hunt was honored with the International Canvasback Award.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awards Ducks Unlimited $200,000 HOUSTON – June 28, 2013 – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded Ducks Unlimited $200,000 in state grants funding this year. This commitment brings Texas' cumulative contribution for habitat conservation on Canadian breeding grounds important to Texas' waterfowl to nearly $3 million.

Conservation: Renovating Greentree Reservoirs Careful management is required to maintain the productivity of these classic waterfowl habitats. By Jody Pagan.

Waterfowl Band Return Maps Bands play an important role in the management of North America's waterfowl by providing important information on waterfowl movements, harvest and survival rates. View maps to see where your ducks come from.

Wetland Will Serve as Memorial to Dr. Guy Baldassarre This fall, DU and its partners will dedicate a 90-acre restored wetland on New York's Montezuma Wetland Complex in memory of the late Dr. Guy Baldassarre. Guy's Marsh will be a lasting tribute to Dr. Baldassare, who was a distinguished teaching professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for 25 years, where he specialized in ornithology and wildlife management.

Habitat Project Completed on Montezuma Wetland Complex Ducks Unlimited restored 120 acres of wetlands on New York's Montezuma Wetland Complex, one of the premier waterfowl areas in the northeastern United States.

DUMAC's First Fundraiser a Big Success Ducks Unlimited de Mexico (DUMAC) held its first-ever fundraiser last February. The event was hosted in conjunction with the DUMAC and Ducks Unlimited Inc. board meetings in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ducks Unlimited Acquires Native Prairie in Montana Ducks Unlimited recently completed the purchase of a 3,000-acre grassland and wetland complex in Phillips County, Montana. The purchase of the Anderson Tract includes 2,000 acres of state and federal grazing leases adjacent to the property.

Mississippi Reaches $1 Million State Grant Milestone Last fall, Ducks Unlimited presented the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Commission (MDWFP) with an award recognizing $1 million in state grant contributions made by the commission to DU for waterfowl habitat enhancement on the Canadian prairies.

Louisiana's Carencro Bayou Project Receives Full Funding

DU Launches Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative Ducks Unlimited and its partners recently launched a new conservation initiative in the Garden State. The goal of this initiative is to protect, restore, and enhance vital wetlands in southeastern New Jersey's coastal region, where the pressures of development and the risk of severe storm destruction of the kind caused by Hurricane Sandy continue to threaten these already altered landscapes.

Photo Essay: The Northern Pintail In the world of ducks, the northern pintail takes the prize for elegance. Even its nickname—sprig—suggests a certain amount of refinement, as in the sprig of parsley a chef might use to garnish a fancy dish.

Scientists Call For Boreal Forest Protections The International Boreal Conservation Science Panel recommendations were announced today at the International Congress for Conservation Biology in Baltimore.

Ducks Unlimited Canada - Revolving land program Ducks Unlimited Canada's Revolving Habitat Conservation Program is another tool to ensure protection of natural and restored habitat across the Prairies.

Boreal Forest takes center stage during Wetlands America Trust meeting North America's Boreal Forest is the world's largest remaining intact, productive ecosystem encompassing more than 1.5 billion acres of forest, wetlands, lakes and streams that remain largely pristine but potentially threatened. To see firsthand the ongoing efforts to conserve this vital ecosystem that accounts for 25 percent of the world's remaining intact forest and more than a fourth of the world’s wetlands, members of Ducks Unlimited's Wetlands America Trust (WAT) board chose the location for their annual spring meeting. Discussions during the three-day gathering centered on the Boreal Forest's importance to North America's wildlife and people.

DU Volunteers Host Veterans on California Duck Hunt Last November a group of eight American military personnel stepped onto unfamiliar ground. Dressed in full camouflage, they were far from any battlefield. They were in fact at beautiful Bird Haven Ranch in northern California for a weekend of duck hunting, courtesy of Paul Bonderson Jr. and Ducks Unlimited volunteers.

DU Launches Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative Ducks Unlimited and its partners recently launched a new conservation initiative in the Garden State. The goal of this initiative is to protect, restore, and enhance vital wetlands in southeastern New Jersey's coastal region, where the pressures of development and the risk of severe storm destruction of the kind caused by Hurricane Sandy continue to threaten these already altered landscapes.

Lowcountry Bear Island Project Nearly Completed Ducks Unlimited is wrapping up its last project under Phase II of a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant supporting DU's South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative.

North Platte River Wetlands Grant Approved Ducks Unlimited and the Platte River Basin Environments Inc. (PRBE) received approval last September from the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to restore and protect important wetland along the North Platte River.

DU and Partners to Restore Habitat on Tule Lake Marsh Ducks Unlimited has been invited by Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) management to partner in a multiphase, multi-million-dollar project to revitalize a portion of the 9,500-acre Tule Lake Marsh.

South Carolina Initiative Receives Third NAWCA Grant Ducks Unlimited and partners received a third North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant last fall as part of South Carolina's Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative.

DU Receives National Conservation Award Ducks Unlimited's Great Lakes and Atlantic Region (GLAR) was recently honored with the National Blue-winged Teal Award during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

Mason Neck Project Dedication Held in Virginia In March, a group of organizations gathered to celebrate a successful partnership that enhanced habitat on Virginia's Mason Neck State Park. This area provides vital habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

Oregon Floodplain Project Will Benefit Fish and Waterfowl Last October, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) Willamette Valley Wildlife Mitigation Program approved Ducks Unlimited's proposal to protect and restore a 90-acre parcel of floodplain habitat along the Yamhill River near Amity, Oregon.

Arkansas Greenwing Camp a Resounding Success Eighteen youths attended this year's Arkansas Greenwing Conservation Camp hosted at DU President George Dunklin's Five Oaks Lodge near Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Ducks Unlimited receives Wells Fargo grant to support Gulf Coast conservation RICHMOND, Texas – June 10, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently received a grant from Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) to support wetlands conservation along the Texas coast. The $50,000 grant is part of a $3 million Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program, which awarded grants to 64 community-based nonprofits nationwide to help support land and water conservation, energy efficiency, infrastructure and educational outreach.

Action Alert: Critical Farm Bill Vote Underway The Senate is edging close to partisan-induced gridlock on the Farm Bill unless they can get 60 votes tomorrow to invoke cloture, thereby allowing the full Senate to vote on the bill. Please contact both of your Senators as soon as possible, but no later than 9 am EDT tomorrow (Thursday) and respectfully urge them to vote “yes” for cloture.

Living Lakes Initiative Conserving Minnesota and Iowa's wetlands and shallow lakes as vital stepping stones for waterfowl migrating between southern wintering and northern breeding grounds each year.

Preserve Our Prairies Initiative Conserving North America's highest-priority waterfowl nesting habitat—and the glory of bountiful fall flights—in the face of mounting threats.

Wings and Wetlands Initiative In Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, significant wetland habitats have been lost. As human populations soar, the demand for water increases, putting even more pressure on remaining wetlands.

Gulf Coast Initiative Saving the most critical wintering waterfowl habitat in North America by conserving coastal prairies and marshes along the rapidly disappearing Gulf Coast.

Southern Prairies and Playas Initiative Protecting, restoring, and enhancing the grasslands and wetlands of the Southern Great Plains to support migrating waterfowl populations in the Central Flyway.

Peaks to Prairies Initiative Restoring wetlands in the shadow of America's iconic Rocky Mountains and conserving the Duck Factory for outdoorsmen and women to enjoy.

Heartland Heritage and Habitat Initiative Providing innovative water solutions for ducks and people in the Southern Great Plains, one of America's most important waterfowl migration areas.

Ducks in the Desert Initiative Restoring the valuable wetland oases of America's desert landscape for waterfowl, other wildlife, and communities across the West, from the Great Salt Lake to the Lower Colorado River.

Great Lakes Initiative Protecting the pristine waters of the Great Lakes and conserving critical habitat for many species of waterfowl that utilize this vast watershed throughout their life cycle.

California Wetlands Initiative Restoring Golden State wetlands to healthy wintering habitats and helping provide water solutions for waterfowl, other wildlife, and Californians.

America's River Initiative Rebuilding the glory of the Mississippi River floodplain by conserving key wintering habitat for millions of waterfowl and reinforcing the region’s rich waterfowling legacy.

The Alaska Initiative - Born to Fly Protecting one of the world's most pristine landscapes for breeding and brood-rearing waterfowl—the vast wetlands and river deltas of the Alaskan wilderness.

Conservation Initiatives The regional initiatives below, organized geographically, function to connect people and resources with critical habitats, and recognize each region's role in sustaining the future of waterfowl and in achieving DU's vital mission.

Senate Agriculture Committee reports farm bill with strong conservation title WASHINGTON – May 14, 2013 – The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee successfully reported a five-year farm bill out of Committee to the Senate floor, with a bipartisan vote of 15-5.

DU Q&A with Senator David Vitter (LA) Ducks Unlmited's Governmental Affairs Office sits down with Senator David Vitter of Louisiana to discuss the importance of DU's habitat and legislative work on the Gulf Coast.

U.S. Representatives Garamendi and Peterson Meet Constituents U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA) and Collin Peterson (MN) met with Sacramento Valley waterfowl hunters, rice growers, ranchers, and conservation groups last December at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.

A Primer on Moist-Soil Management Managing seasonal wetlands for seed-producing natural vegetation has many advantages over planting crops

Ducks Unlimited biologist receives Gary T. Myers conservation award MEMPHIS, Tenn. – April 1, 2013 – Ken Babcock, Ducks Unlimited’s senior director of conservation, has received one of the top honors bestowed upon a conservation leader: the Gary T. Myers conservation award. The award is presented to an individual or group that has shown exceptional accomplishments in bird conservation to further the goals of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative and national/international bird initiatives, including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

DU recognizes four states for significant financial contributions MEMPHIS, Tenn. – During its annual Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards breakfast last week, Ducks Unlimited recognized four state agencies for significant investments toward conserving waterfowl breeding habitat in Canada.

DU Partners with Skagit Land Trust to Protect Barney Lake After decades of effort, Skagit Land Trust recently closed on the purchase of 225 acres on the eastern edge of Mount Vernon, Washington, which will protect Barney Lake.

DU Completes Rainwater Basin Project in Nebraska Ducks Unlimited has completed a wetland restoration project on the 640-acre Hansen Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Clay County, Nebraska.

Ducks Unlimited's Governmental Affairs Director awarded Wildlife Management Institute's highest honor WASHINGTON – March 27, 2013 – Gary Taylor, Ducks Unlimited's director of governmental affairs, received the Wildlife Management Institute's (WMI) 2013 George Bird Grinnell Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Natural Resource Conservation today. The award was presented during the Conservation Administrators Luncheon at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Va.

DU 2013 Annual Report An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

Conservation Q&A With Gary Taylor, DU's Director of Governmental Affairs; on a variety of topics, including the RESTORE Act, NAWCA and DU's top legislative priorities.

Conservation: The Easement Advantage Conservation easements are a powerful tool for protecting threatened waterfowl habitat on private lands

Farm Bill Letters to the Editor Check out these sample letters to the editor, personalize them and submit them to your local newspaper to spread the word about the importance of the farm bill where you live!

DU board member appointed to foundation CHICAGO – Jan. 17, 2013 – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed Barbara Johnson to the board of directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF). Johnson, also a member of Ducks Unlimited's board of directors, will serve on the volunteer committee that has raised more than $30 million for conservation in Illinois since its formation in 1994.

Ducks Unlimited reaches conservation milestone Ducks Unlimited (DU) is proud to announce it has reached a conservation milestone with more than 13 million acres of habitat conserved in North America. The groundbreaking number is a cumulative accomplishment of the millions of DU members, as well as volunteers and partners, who have been a part of the organization over the past 76 years.

Video Celebrates Ding Darling's Legacy Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, who won two Pulitzer prizes for his editorial cartoons, was one of America's true conservation pioneers.

DU Supporters Surpass Horicon Challenge Only halfway through a four-year challenge grant issued by the Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation, DU volunteers and supporters surpassed their $500,000 goal, ensuring a $1 million investment by the foundation in Wisconsin's Horicon Marsh.

CN Supports Boreal Forest Conservation Plan Wetlands America Trust board member David McLean was well aware of the size and beauty of North America's boreal forest. After all, the forest covers 1.4 billion acres in his native country of Canada. But he didn't realize the full importance of this vast landscape to waterfowl and other bird populations until he heard about DU and The Pew Charitable Trusts' partnership to conserve 1 billion acres of this region by 2022.

DU Recognizes Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana Ducks Unlimited presented the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with its Montana DU Conservation Partner of the Year award in August at the Montana DU state convention in Great Falls. The award is presented annually to agencies and individuals who make outstanding contributions to the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat in Montana.

DU Applauds Plan to Protect Alaska Waterfowl Habitat Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced a new strategic plan to manage the 22.8-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

New Hunter Check Station Opens in California Grasslands This fall, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) formally dedicated its new Salt Slough-San Luis Hunter Check Station in Los Banos, California.

Freshwater-Introduction Project Proposed in Louisiana Ducks Unlimited has submitted a $250,000 proposal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) for a freshwater-introduction project in southeast Louisiana.

More Land Acquired for Wildlife in Indiana Ducks Unlimited recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to acquire the 1,043-acre Columbia Mine property adjoining Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern Indiana.

A Weekend of Art, Oysters, and Fun in the Lowcountry The East Cooper DU chapter, in partnership with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), hosts an annual oyster roast and auction that is one of the largest and most successful DU fundraisers in the nation.

National Wildlife Refuges Vital to Wildlife and People Ducks Unlimited joined other conservationist groups in celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week on October 14-20. "Every state has at least one national wildlife refuge," said Paul Schmidt, DU's chief conservation officer.

Virginia Joins State Grants Program The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ducks Unlimited to join the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' State Grants Program. The MOA was signed at DU's Granders Society event near Richmond.

Coastal Conservation Association Supports DU Projects The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) recently contributed $200,000 to a DU project that will help conserve important coastal wetlands in Matagorda County, Texas.

DU Statement on Firearms The potential for new firearms regulations or legislation is a complicated and divisive issue, and while there are no simple answers to the problem of reducing violence in our country, DU will continue to remain steadfast and focused on our mission of wetlands and waterfowl conservation, and in our support for hunters and a continued strong waterfowling tradition.

Fiscal Cliff included important conservation extensions At the eleventh hour before its final adjournment, Congress passed a bill to avoid the “fiscal cliff” and the president signed it into law on Jan. 2, 2013.

Sportsmen’s legislative priorities in 2013 This month, the Waterfowl Advocate interviewed Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Government Affairs Gary Taylor about legislative priorities affecting sportsmen in the coming year.

Wetlands and Watersheds The 19th-century explorer and geographer John Wesley Powell defined a watershed as "a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community." Powell wisely recognized that all living things in a watershed, including waterfowl and people, are united by and dependent on its central element—water.

A Brush with Greatness A wildlife painter by trade and a duck hunter at heart, David Maass has made a waterfowl-hunting pilgrimage to Manitoba's Delta Marsh during each of the past 35 years. The man has seen plenty of ducks, but in his eyes the good old days might be right now.

Partnerships Achieve Results in Mississippi In recent years, Ducks Unlimited has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP); USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and private landowners to conserve wetlands across the Magnolia State.

Houston Chapter Makes History Ducks Unlimited's 75th Anniversary will be remembered by many as the year the single-event fundraising record was broken... four times!

Maryland's Middle Chester River Partnership Moving Forward Last year, Ducks Unlimited partnered with several governmental, educational, and private organizations to form the Middle Chester River Partnership (MCRP). The goal of the MCRP is to restore the Middle Chester River Watershed in Kent County, Maryland, by implementing a long-term plan to address various factors contributing to the degradation of the watershed.

North Carolina Attorney General Awards Grant to DU Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the North Carolina Attorney General's Office for wetland restoration work on Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land in Wake, Durham, and Granville counties. This is the eighth grant that DU has received through the attorney general's Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) Program.

Shell and DU Partner to Conserve Pennsylvania Habitat Shell Oil Company recently donated $250,000 to Ducks Unlimited's Northwest Pennsylvania Priority Habitat Restoration Program.

Waste Management named 2012 Wings Over Wetlands winner Ducks Unlimited and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) recognized Waste Management as the winner of the 2012 Wings Over Wetlands award today.

2012 DU Logo Pumpkin Carving Contest The 2nd Annual DU Logo Pumpkin Carving Contest was a huge success. With so many great DU-themed pumpkin carvings we had to share these with everyone. Thanks for participating this year!

DU's Next 75 Years The future holds great challenges and opportunities for wetlands and waterfowl conservation

Conservation: Winning at the Ballot Box Dedicated funding amendments have bolstered wetland and waterfowl conservation programs in Iowa and several other states

DU and XTO Energy Conserve Pennsylvania Habitat Ducks Unlimited and XTO Energy are building a partnership to conserve vital habitat for migrating waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife in Pennsylvania.

National Wildlife Refuge Week highlights importance of refuges to conservation and sportsmen The importance of America’s wildlife refuge system to conservation and wildlife habitat is in the spotlight as part of National Wildlife Refuge Week, Oct. 14-20.

Alberta Conservationists Receive International Recognition DU Major Sponsors from California, Alaska, and Canada recently gathered to honor Jay and Karen Bartsch of Alberta for their dedication to conserving waterfowl habitat.

DU Explores New Salt Marsh Restoration Technique In early 2010, DU received a $75,000 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant and partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to test experimental techniques to restore ditched tidal salt marshes on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Massachusetts and the Rachel Carson NWR in Maine.

Protecting Double Dog Ranch Ducks Unlimited has secured a perpetual conservation easement on the Double Dog Ranch on the South Platte River in Nebraska between Paxton and Sutherland.

Nebraska Environmental Trust Approves Platte River Project The Nebraska Environmental Trust board has approved the Darr Strip Habitat Complex proposal, awarding DU a $224,000 grant with potential for an additional $127,000 next year.

Colorado Project Conserves Water and Waterfowl Habitat Ducks Unlimited and United Water and Sanitation District recently worked together to develop the 50-acre Haren Wetland Recharge Project near the South Platte River in southern Weld County.

Two Ducks Unlimited members nominated for conservation awards Thirty-three year DU member Eddie Bridges was announced Field & Stream's 2012 Hero of Conservation.

Ducks Unlimited elevates Texas water involvement Conservation leader lends voice to water requirements of wetlands, wildlife

Fritz Reid Receives Holly Andre Award The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture recently honored Dr. Fritz Reid with its Holly Andre Award for leadership. Reid is director of conservation programs at DU's Western Regional Office in Sacramento, California.

Fall Flight Update: A Year of Extremes Ducks Unlimited Chief Scientist, Dale Humburg shares his thoughts on habitat and hunting in 2012-2013.

Revolving Land Strategy Protects Native Prairie Proceeds from the sale of part of DU's Goebel Ranch in South Dakota are being reinvested to conserve more native prairie nesting habitat for waterfowl.

MeadWestvaco and DU Partner in South Carolina Ducks Unlimited recently partnered with the MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) to create an impoundment for waterfowl on the Featherbed Plantation in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

Prairie Dog Waterfowl Production Area Project Completed Ducks Unlimited recently completed a large wetland restoration project on the Prairie Dog Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Nebraska's Rainwater Basin.

NAWCA Grant Supports Conservation in Western Michigan Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to conserve key wetland habitat in western Michigan.

Minnesota's Harder Lake WPA Project Completed Breeding and migrating waterfowl found much improved habitat this spring on Minnesota's Harder Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), thanks to a wetland enhancement project conducted by Ducks Unlimited in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

California's Honey Lake Wildlife Area Projects Completed Ducks Unlimited recently completed another series of habitat enhancement projects on the California Department of Fish and Game's Honey Lake Wildlife Area (WA), located in the Great Basin region of California near Susanville.

Conservation: Gains and Losses While progress has been made in conserving the nation's wetlands, these vital habitats continue to decline at an alarming rate

DU applauds Interior plan's protection of critical waterfowl areas MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aug. 13, 2012 - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today a new strategic plan to manage the 22.8-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). Known as Alternative B-2, the new guidelines protect 11.8 million acres - roughly half of the reserve - as critical habitat area, while allowing oil and gas development on the remaining half. Salazar made the announcement this morning in Anchorage, Alaska, hailing the plan as the most responsible and equitable approach to managing the reserve.

DU and Bass Pro Shops continue strong partnership for wetlands and waterfowl Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shops are teaming up again this August for Ducks Unlimited Conservation Month. With every $2 donation made to DU's conservation efforts through Bass Pro's website, donors will be entered to win one of 10 $500 Bass Pro Shops gift cards.

North Carolina attorney general awards grant to Ducks Unlimited RALEIGH, N.C. – July 30, 2012 – Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the North Carolina Attorney General's Office for wetlands restoration on Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land in Wake, Durham and Granville counties.

Northeastern Ohio Partners Receive NAWCA Grant In 2011, Ducks Unlimited and its partners were awarded a $1 million grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to conserve 1,909 acres of wetlands and associated wildlife habitat in northeastern Ohio.

Diamond Legacy Sponsors Make a Difference Diamond Legacy Sponsors John and Cheryl Dale are making a significant difference for the ducks through their philanthropic investment in the conservation of prairie grasslands and Canada's western boreal forest.

TRCP's Conservation Field Notes: Interconnected Habitats The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has teamed up with Steven Rinella, host of the show MeatEater on the Sportsman Channel, to serve you up a helping of conservation.

Partners protect critical Saginaw Bay wetlands In the spring of 2008, Ducks Unlimited applied for a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to protect, restore, and enhance more than 4,000 acres of vital upland and wetland habitat throughout Michigan's Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie watersheds.

Wisconsin's Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area Enhanced Ducks Unlimited recently completed wetland enhancement work on the Island and Elm pools on Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Winnebago County, Wisconsin.

Partners celebrate conservation on Sauvie Island During the past decade, DU and partners have completed more than a dozen projects—totaling approximately 2,000 acres of habitat—on Sauvie Island Wildlife Area in Portland, Oregon.

NAWCA is key to conserving California's Tulare Basin As in other parts of California and the Pacific Flyway, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) has provided essential funding for the restoration of historical waterfowl habitat in the Tulare Basin.

Video: 2012 Duck Numbers For the past 75 years, Ducks Unlimited has had the best waterfowl science in the business guiding our work. Today, Ducks Unlimited's Chief Scientist, Dale Humburg, discusses this year's Waterfowl Habitat Report and what it means to your bag this fall.

Habitat conservation priority for healthy bird populations in Canada The North American Bird Conservation Initiative in Canada (NABCI-Canada), a collaborative group made up of federal, territorial and provincial governments, conservation non-government organizations (NGOs), and private sector organizations, released The State of Canada's Birds, a new national report that draws on 40 years of data to explore the current health of Canada's birds.

Ted Turner Honored as Chip Allen Conservationist of the Year Each year, DU's Chip Allen Chapter hosts an event in Atlanta to recognize a Georgia conservationist who has exhibited a history of conserving both habitat and wildlife. Ted Turner, of Turner Broadcasting fame, was named 2012 Chip Allen Conservationist of the Year at this year's event, held at Cox Enterprises.

DU applauds Senate passing 2012 Farm Bill WASHINGTON - June 21, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced its appreciation today following the U.S. Senate's 64-35 passage of the 2012 Farm Bill. The $969.9 billion bipartisan bill maintained a conservation title that will benefit wildlife and people. Critical conservation initiatives include the Conservation Reserve Program, a conservation easement program with a strong wetland component, a regional partnership program aimed at improving water quality and a Sodsaver provision. The Senate also moved to link eligibility for federally subsidized crop insurance to compliance with conservation practices.

DU Acquires First Conservation Easement in Northeast California DU recently partnered with the Wood family to acquire its first conservation easement in northeast California, a 1,781-acre perpetual easement on the Leavitt Lake Ranch and the Wood Ranch.

Texas Wildlife Management Area Enhanced Two DU projects are nearing completion on Mad Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Bay City, Texas.

DU Trailer Helps Beginning Hunters in North Dakota Several North Dakota youth were able to go on their first waterfowl hunt this past fall, thanks to a new trailer stocked with decoys and blinds.

California DU Event Breaks Fundraising Record The final results are still being tallied but Ducks Unlimited's 75th Anniversary event at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, California, has netted at least $1.5 million, which is great news for the DU's wetlands conservation programs in the state and across the continent. To date, DU has protected, enhanced, or restored more than 700,000 acres across California.

Florida Increases Funding for Conservation Work in Canada The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has committed an additional $10,000 to Ducks Unlimited through its state grant program, bringing the commission's total contribution to $35,000 for the current fiscal year.

Kansas' Jamestown Wildlife Area Growing Strong Ducks Unlimited and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are in the final stages of completing Phase II of the Jamestown Wildlife Area Acquisition Project with funding provided in part by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant.

Tennessee Commissioners Tour DU Canada Projects The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has long recognized the importance of waterfowl production in Canada to its state's waterfowlers, contributing to waterfowl conservation on the Canadian prairies since 1992.

Winter Wheat Acreage Up 75 Percent in North Dakota Waterfowl will find more winter wheat on the landscape this spring when they return to North Dakota's prairie pothole country.

2012 Late Spring Habitat Conditions in Canada Overall summary and regional Canada habitat conditions for late spring 2012.

Action Alert: Contact Congress Today! We need you to contact your members of Congress today to make sure they support these programs: the RESTORE Act and the reauthorization/funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Conservation: Nature's Multipurpose Habitats Wetlands provide a host of benefits in addition to their waterfowl habitat value

The DU Story - Part 5 Part 5 of the DU story focuses on where DU's priorirty conservation are, and how we can move towards the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

DU backs Sodsaver legislation Ducks Unlimited supports newly introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting native grasslands at high risk of being converted to cropland.

Oakwood Bottoms Project Completed in Southern Illinois Ducks Unlimited recently completed its latest project at the Oakwood Bottoms greentree reservoir in Jackson County, Illinois.

Florida Increases Funding for Conservation Work in Canada The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has committed an additional $10,000 to Ducks Unlimited through its state grant program, bringing the commission's total contribution to $35,000 for the current fiscal year.

New Project Proposed on North Carolina's Neuse Game Land Ducks Unlimited recently submitted a proposal to the North Carolina Attorney General's Environmental Enhancement Grant Program to restore 593 acres on Neuse Game Land in Wake County.

Mississippi Increases Funding for Canadian Habitat Work Dr. Curtis Hopkins, director of operations at DU's Southern Regional Office, and DU regional biologist Tim Willis attended a meeting held by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission in Jackson.

Historical Klamath River Wetland Restored The Tule Smoke Hunt Club, known locally as the "Rat Club," is located along the Klamath River nine miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Media Advisory: Interior Secretary Salazar to approve NAWMP revision, hold "Town Hall" meeting during DU National Convention in Nashville Secretary Salazar will sign the 2012 Revision of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), reaffirming his commitment to one of the largest and most successful continental conservation initiatives ever undertaken. The secretary will hold a "Town Hall" meeting after the signing ceremony.

Media Advisory: Sportsmen's groups urge keeping land and water conservation funding in transportation bill The teleconference will give reporters a chance to hear about the opportunity to secure additional funding for habitat conservation and outdoor recreation access, and will provide an example of the areas that would benefit from funding.

Wood ducks can nest more easily thanks to PSE&G Wood ducks now have a safer place to nest thanks to members of the Public Service Electricity & Gas Environmental (PSE&G) Partnership Team.

2012 Spring Habitat Conditions in Canada The following is a compilation of environmental conditions relative to breeding waterfowl submitted by DUC field staff. These observations are not based on systematic surveys or intended to describe hunting conditions.

DU's western regional director honored by Intermountain West Joint Venture Ducks Unlimited Western Regional Director Mark Biddlecomb recently received the John E. Nagel Award from the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV) for his outstanding achievement and long-term commitment to avian conservation.

DU applauds 2012 Farm Bill committee passage WASHINGTON - April 26, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced its support and appreciation of the Senate Agricultural Committee today as it passed the 2012 Farm Bill out of committee.

High-Priority Habitats Following are DU's five highest-priority landscapes, their importance to waterfowl and our efforts to conserve them for present and future generations.

Conservation: Ducks in a Crowded World Sustaining healthy waterfowl numbers will be a great challenge as the earth's human population grows

Wetland Gobblers: Turkey Photo Essay The spring transformation from waterfowl hunter to turkey hunter happens in a whirlwind of lightweight camouflage and bug spray.The tactics are significantly different, but waterfowl hunters may find themselves in familiar habitats.

Firearms Industry Contributes Second Grant Installment to Supplement NAWCA National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the industry's trade association, have donated $150,000 to supplement congressional funding of the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA), a grant program providing federal cost-share funding to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This year's payment of $150,000 is the second part of an NSSF five-year initiative that will total $750,000 to support wetlands conservation.

Media Advisory: Sportsmen to attend NAWCA breakfast briefing Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are hosting a breakfast briefing on the reauthorization and appropriations of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act on April 17, 2012, at Rayburn HOB 2360.

New Senate bill pushes NAWCA one step closer to reauthorization WASHINGTON - March 30, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is applauding the efforts of a bipartisan group of senators who this week released S. 2282, legislation that would reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017.

DU receives Louisiana land conservation organization designation LAFAYETTE, La. - March 29, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited and its landholding foundation, Wetlands America Trust (WAT), were jointly certified as a land conservation organization by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) this week. Only five other organizations have been granted this certification, and DU is the only one also accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (2011).

Research Seeks to Unravel Sea Duck Mystery The 15 species of waterfowl known as sea ducks constitute 42 percent of all duck species breeding in North America. And yet sea ducks are the least understood of all waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited receives Conservation Champion Award MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 23, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited Inc. and Ducks Unlimited Canada were honored with a Conservation Champion Award on March 21 at the North American Migratory Bird Joint Venture 25th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, D.C.

Ducks Unlimited conservation leader receives international NAWMP award MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 22, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer Paul Schmidt received the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's (NAWMP) International Canvasback Award last week for his significant long-term contributions to the implementation of NAWMP's conservation activities throughout North America.

Ducks Unlimited presented with 2012 Theodore Roosevelt Legacy Award MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 21, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited has been chosen to receive the Boone and Crockett Club's (B&C) prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Legacy Award for 2012.

Project Proposed on North Carolina's Neuse Game Land Ducks Unlimited recently submitted a proposal to the North Carolina Attorney General's Office Environmental Enhancement Grant Program to restore 593 acres on Neuse Game Land in Wake County, North Carolina.

Project Completed on Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area High-quality wetland habitat has replaced cattails and hardstem bulrush in a 658-acre portion of the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) in northern Utah

Partnerships and Perseverance Conserve Nebraska Wetlands Restoration of the Spotted Tail wetlands complex, which will be completed this spring, is a prime example of the importance of partnerships in conservation.

New York's Warder Marsh Restoration Dedicated Ducks Unlimited recently dedicated a wetland restoration project in New York's Montezuma Wetland Complex.

New Breakwaters Will Conserve Texas Coastal Marshes Ducks Unlimited is building breakwaters on the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to protect Texas coastal marsh habitats.

Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area Project Completed Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Bay County, Michigan, consists of approximately 1,400 acres of Great Lakes coastal marsh and associated upland habitats along Michigan's Saginaw Bay.

NAWCA Project Will Restore California Waterfowl Habitat Ducks Unlimited will soon begin work on a project that will restore or enhance more than 5,200 acres of vital waterfowl habitat in the northern Tulare and San Joaquin basins of California.

Historic Partnership Formed to Protect the Guadalupe River System Conservation organizations operating in and around the Guadalupe River Basin of Texas recently formed a historic partnership to conserve wetlands and wildlife in the Guadalupe River system.

Habitat Improved on California's Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Ducks Unlimited recently partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Board and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to enhance 135 acres of wetlands and restore eight acres of upland nesting habitat in Field 18 at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (WA) in California's Sacramento Valley.

Habitat Enhanced on Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas Ducks Unlimited recently completed the first phase of a project to enhance waterfowl habitat on Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Issaquena County, Mississippi.

Grants Will Fund Lake Champlain Basin Wetland Restoration Ducks Unlimited is pleased to announce that it has been awarded two additional grants totaling over $100,000 to continue its work promoting, developing, and implementing wetland restoration projects in Vermont's Lake Champlain Basin.

Florida's Lake Miccosukee Restoration Project Celebrated Ducks Unlimited and partners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Jefferson County gathered in December to install a new sign and rededicate a wetlands enhancement project on Florida's Lake Miccosukee in celebration of DU's 75th Anniversary.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day RIDGELAND, Miss. – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day LAFAYETTE, La. – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day RICMOND, Texas – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

DU, Iowa DNR Thank Burr Oak Lake Project Partners Few Ducks Unlimited projects happen without the involvement and support of many different partners. In Iowa, DU supporters and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gathered last fall to thank its many partners and individuals who helped make the Burr Oak Lake enhancement project a success.

DU Receives Coastal America Partnership Honor for Nisqually Estuary Project Ducks Unlimited received President Obama's prestigious Coastal America Partnership Award on December 10, 2011, for its pivotal role in the highly successful Nisqually Estuary Restoration Project.

"Caller-Times" columnist David Sikes honored at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's winner in the Communications category is David Sikes, outdoors columnist for the "Corpus Christi Caller-Times."

Wetlands PSA Ducks Unlimited PSA: Wetlands

Kid to Conservationist Ducks Unlimited PSA: Kid to Conservationist

The Next Generation Ducks Unlimited PSA: The Next Generation

DU recognizes Interior Secretary Salazar with achievement award WASHINGTON - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited has awarded one of its highest honors to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

James C. Kennedy named Conservation/Private Citizen award winner at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards ATLANTA - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's recipient of the Conservation/Private Citizen award is James C. Kennedy of Atlanta.

Wildlife and Fisheries Chief Joe Kramer honored at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards GREAT BEND, Kan. - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's winner in the State/Provincial Agency category is Joe Kramer, chief of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Wildlife and Fisheries Division.

Twelve DU conservation projects receive NAWCA grant approval from MBCC, six more from NAWCC The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) met last week and approved more than $24.5 million in federal grants under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for partnership-based conservation projects that will protect, restore and enhance more than 146,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats across the United States and Mexico.

2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards ATLANTA - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta.

Senate vote advances historic conservation funding for Gulf Coast, other key waterfowl habitats WASHINGTON - March 9, 2012 - After months working side by side with legislators, Ducks Unlimited applauded the Senate's passage of an amendment that could impact not only restoration efforts along the oil-spill-stricken Gulf Coast, but also expand funding for land conservation nationwide.

Late Winter Habitat Conditions in Canada Habitat Conditions Report for waterfowl habitat regions in Canada for late winter (March 2012).

DU Levee Benefits California Commuters and Wildlife Construction of a setback levee has already caught the attention of daily commuters on California State Route 37 north of San Francisco. But most drivers probably don't realize that the project, spearheaded by Ducks Unlimited, is keeping their tires out of the tides.

DU Joins Senator Coons in Honoring Refuge System In October, DU staff and volunteers joined Senator Chris Coons of Delaware at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week. Senator Coons introduced a resolution celebrating the refuge system and recognizing refuge week, which was unanimously adopted by the U.S. Senate.

DU Helps Landowner Restore Nebraska Wetland It was a late February morning when Mike Perlinger noticed a large cloud of birds circling the South Platte River just outside the window of his Nebraska home.

DU and Partners Enhance Wetlands at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge This year, with help from a $25,000 ConocoPhillips grant, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) embarked on a project to restore and enhance 760 acres of wetland habitat.

Drew County Wetland Restoration Project Completed in Arkansas Just in time for waterfowl season, Ducks Unlimited and partners last fall completed a wetlands restoration project on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Cut-Off Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Drew County.

Ducks and rice come together on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON – Feb. 23, 2012 – The USA Rice Federation and Ducks Unlimited hosted a joint congressional luncheon to raise awareness of the importance of flooded rice fields to the nation's wintering and migrating waterfowl. Members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and their staffs attended the first-of-its-kind luncheon last week.

DU, Partners to Restore Chester River Watershed DU has partnered with the Kent County government, Chester River Association, Natural Resources Conservation Service Kent County Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Maryland, Maryland Department of Agriculture and Washington College to form the Middle Chester River Partnership.

DU, Partners Tour Green Bay Restoration Projects DU recently partnered with the Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition to lead a tour of wetland restoration projects along the western shore of Green Bay.

Manitoba Marsh Magic A waterfowler's pilgrimage to the Canadian Duck Factory and the birthplace of DU's conservation work. By Wade Bourne. Photography By Rick Adair.

Conservation: Anatomy of a DU Project A bird's-eye view of the wetland restoration process from beginning to end

2012 Winter Habitat Conditions in Canada Conditions are variable in the British Columbia / Western Boreal Forest Region, where large flocks of wintering waterfowl can be found around the Fraser River Delta and along the east coast of Vancouver Island. Winter has been dry and warm in the Prairie Region.

World Wetlands Day memorandum of cooperation kicks off DU's 75th anniversary celebration in NYC NEW YORK - Feb. 2, 2012 - Every Feb. 2, people all over the globe celebrate World Wetlands Day, commemorating the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an intergovernmental treaty signed by 161 countries that recognizes the value and splendor of our wetland resources. This year's celebration was made all the more momentous earlier today as Ducks Unlimited and Ramsar signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in New York City.

Two new wildlife management lakes for Minnesota, funding pending for conservation work At the end of 2011, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated two new lakes for wildlife management. Teal Lake in Jackson County and Bolstad Slough in Cottonwood County are the 46th and 47th lakes of this type in the state. Ducks Unlimited has partnered with the DNR to complete conservation work on both lakes.

President Obama recognizes 75th anniversary milestone for Ducks Unlimited MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jan. 30, 2012 - Just in time for Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary on Sunday, President Barack Obama issued a special message to DU and its supporters.

Ducks Unlimited 75th Anniversary Conservation Projects As part of Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary celebration, members of our conservation staff have chosen one special habitat project from each state as the "best of the best" of DU's 75 years of conservation work.

Bill D'Alonzo wins 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award; DU to receive $50k prize MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jan. 19, 2012 - Bill D'Alonzo, Ducks Unlimited volunteer and member of DU's board of directors, was named the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year yesterday at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

DU, conservation partners oppose changes to successful conservation system in Missouri While Ducks Unlimited looks forward to its 75th anniversary later this month, another organization with 75 years of conservation success is facing some major structural changes that could negatively influence its effectiveness: the Missouri Conservation Commission.

Special DU 75th Anniversary Episode of BirdNote On Friday, Jan. 27, tune in to the national radio program BirdNote for a special tribute episode in honor of Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary.

Milestones in Conservation The slogan for Ducks Unlimited's 75th Anniversary, CONSERVATION FOR GENERATIONS, applies to past, present and future generations alike.

Conservation: Waterfowl Energy Demands Food abundance is presumed to directly or indirectly impact the physiological condition, survival, and even reproduction of waterfowl, which ultimately influences the health of their populations. Why?

DU Turns 75 Seventy-five years ago this month, a small group of avid waterfowlers took bold action to help restore waterfowl populations devastated by drought and wetland drainage.

From waterfowler to conservationist On the eastern seaboard of the United States, a duck hunter sat patiently in his blind. With his collar turned to the wind, he scanned the sky for birds, hoping that his luck was about to improve.

With NAWCA funding approved at $35.5M, DU turns focus to reauthorization MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Dec. 21, 2011 - Ducks and other wetland-dependent wildlife will benefit from last week's congressional approval of a $35.5 million budget for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) program for FY 2012. While significantly less than what the administration recommended months ago, this number is much improved from an initial $20 million figure proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the spring, largely through the work of Ducks Unlimited, its supporters and other conservation organizations.

Ducks Unlimited board member, volunteer Bill D’Alonzo nominated for 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, Del., has been named a finalist for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year. The annual Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and conservation.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports Ducks Unlimited, partners in Sheboygan Marsh conservation activities Ducks Unlimited has received a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant to conduct a feasibility analysis of the Sheboygan Marsh dam in northwestern Sheboygan County near Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Tell Congress to support conservation funding The House of Representatives, Senate, Super Committee and administration are in significant discussions regarding the fate of conservation funding for Fiscal Year 2012 and beyond. It is imperative that we make our voices heard.

DU 2011 Annual Report An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

The Farm Bill, Ducks and You The 2012 Farm Bill is scheduled to be reauthorized next year, and depending on the outcome, this single piece of legislation will either positively or negatively impact millions of acres of wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitat across the United States.

The Birth of DU Excerpted from The Ducks Unlimited Story, which explores original source materials to provide the definitive account not only of DU's founding, but also of how DU's dedicated volunteers created the fundraising engine that made DU the world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

A Banquet for Ducks Hunters have long recognized the importance of rice to wintering and migrating waterfowl. Why is rice agriculture so important to dabbling duck populations?

Live Stream of Federal Duck Stamp Competition

Effort underway to restore Open Fields program Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Senate co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, offered an amendment to restore the popular Open Fields initiative and foster public hunting access on private land. Sen. Tester introduced this amendment after the initiative failed to receive funding in a recent Senate appropriations bill.

Department of Interior Announces Four New Conservation Areas Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar visited both Capitol Hill and the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida last week to celebrate the establishment of four new conservation areas and wildlife refuges.

DU testifies before Congress in support of a more efficient federal duck stamp Ducks Unlimited voiced its support of legislation that would make the federal duck stamp more readily available to the general public during testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs.

DU Chairman Joins U.S. Secretary of the Interior and USFWS Director to Commemorate New National Wildlife Refuges DU Chairman of the Board John Pope joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and USFWS Director Dan Ashe last week to install four new planks on the boardwalk at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Ducks Unlimited live streaming 2011 Federal Duck Stamp Competition The 2011 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W. Va., on Oct. 28 and 29, and Ducks Unlimited will provide waterfowl enthusiasts an opportunity to view the contest live.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Briefing Statement Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Prime Hook) in Sussex County, Delaware, was established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act with the explicit purpose of providing habitat for migratory birds. It supports approximately 300 avian species and is a key stopover and wintering area for shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway.

Early Fall Habitat Conditions in Canada Due to favorable habitat conditions throughout Canada, fall flight expectations remain high. Overall migration still depends heavily on timely weather patterns.

Ducks Unlimited announces 2014 Wetlands for Kids Day

ST. LOUIS – March 4, 2014 – Did you know wetlands support more than 900 species of wildlife, many of them threatened or endangered, in addition to providing us with clean water and flood protection? Join Ducks Unlimited for the upcoming 15th annual Wetlands for Kids Day and you and your children can learn even more about wetlands through engaging hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Conservation: The America's River Initiative

Restoring the glory of the lower Mississippi River floodplain for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. By Andi Cooper.

Four national conservation organizations team up for conservation

Four of the nation’s largest wild bird conservation organizations have joined forces to ensure that wild bird habitat conservation and our shared hunting heritage remain strong for generations to come. Ducks Unlimited (DU), the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of furthering sporting traditions across North America.

Ducks Unlimited Protects “Wilderness” Wetland

Unimin donates to enhance Minnesota shallow lakes

OTTAWA, Minn. – January 9, 2014 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) is the beneficiary of a $40,000 donation from Unimin Corporation to help protect, restore, and enhance habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife in Minnesota. The gift provides merchandise underwriting at select DU fundraising events and invests in shallow lake habitat through the Living Lakes Initiative.

New Great Plains director of conservation programs

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Jan. 7, 2014 – Mike George is now leading Ducks Unlimited’s conservation work in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming as director of conservation programs for those states. George is located in DU’s field office in Grand Island, Neb.

Scot Storm named 2014 Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year

Wildlife artist Scot Storm, of Freeport, Minn., has been named as the Ducks Unlimited (DU) 2014 Artist of the Year. Storm’s painting Tranquil Waters catapulted him into his second Artist of the Year title for DU.

DU's Regional Fundraising Initiatives

Connecting waterfowl and conservationists across North America. By James Powell, Rich Smith, David Schuessler, and Ken Babcock.

Irby named director of operations for DU national conservation efforts

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dec. 11, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited has named Lisa Irby the new director of operations for conservation at its Memphis-based national headquarters. Irby will focus on DU’s land programs and support national budgeting, strategy and business-planning efforts. She will also be DU’s staff representative for the North American Wetlands Conservation Council.

Brakhage takes lead in Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes and Atlantic Region

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Dec. 9, 2013 – David Brakhage has been named the director of operations for Ducks Unlimited's Great Lakes and Atlantic Region. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of DU's work in the region’s 21 states, including habitat conservation, research, engineering and public policy.

New Jersey waterfowl to benefit from major wetland grant

CAPE MAY, N.J. – Nov. 11, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited was recently awarded a North American Wetlands Act (NAWCA) grant to fund habitat enhancement work with several partners as part of their Southeast New Jersey Coastal Program. These funds will be used to enhance nearly 1,000 acres of diverse wildlife habitat in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Partners contributed more than $2.5 million in matching funds toward the $1 million federal grant.

MDWFP continues support for waterfowl habitat conservation

JACKSON, Miss. – Nov. 4, 2013 – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission elected to continue their involvement in the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' state grants program at their recent meeting. Contributions to the program support habitat conservation for waterfowl in Canada.

It’s time to throw away your razor and support DU’s Beards for Conservation

It’s no surprise that waterfowl hunters enjoy growing out their beards during season for various reasons. If that description fits, then Ducks Unlimited has a program just for you: Beards for Conservation.

It’s time to throw away your razor and support DU’s Beards for Conservation

Fueling the Duck Factory

For almost 50 years, states have worked with DU to conserve vital waterfowl habitat across Canada. By Scott C. Yaich, Ph.D.

DU Participates in Chesapeake Bay Partnership Meeting

Ducks Unlimited recently participated in a Chesapeake Bay partnership meeting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to discuss funding opportunities through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).

Wetlands Enhanced on Deal Island Wildlife Management Area

Ducks Unlimited and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Waterfowlers Association, Agri-Drain Corporation, and other partners are working to enhance wetland habitat on Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Weber Wetland Restoration Project Completed in Nebraska

Ducks Unlimited recently completed a wetland restoration and enhancement project on a property near Bridgeport, Nebraska. The property holds special meaning for its owners, Jim and Peggy Weber, because it once belonged to Jim's parents.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Increases State Grant Contribution

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department increased its state grant allocation from $75,000 to $250,000 in 2013. This commitment brings Texas's cumulative contribution to $3 million for habitat conservation work on the Canadian breeding grounds.

Oklahoma Project Will Benefit Waterfowl and Hunters

Ducks Unlimited recently began work on a three-phase project to improve more than 300 acres of waterfowl habitat on Waurika Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in southern Oklahoma.

Louisiana Coastal Project Receives $1 Million NAWCA Grant

Ducks Unlimited and partners recently received a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to restore coastal marshes in south Louisiana.

DU and University of Delaware Partner in Waterfowl Research

Researchers at Ducks Unlimited and Dr. Chris Williams of the University of Delaware (UDEL) were recently awarded a generous grant from the Black Duck Joint Venture to assess the influence of wintering habitat quality on black duck populations.

Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area Project Dedicated in Georgia

Ducks Unlimited, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and several community partners gathered in April to celebrate the completion of a wetland enhancement project on Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area in Floyd County.

Beards for Conservation: Face-off!

Pick a beard...again and again!

Greenwing chair a Hero of Conservation

Ducks Unlimited volunteer Jeff Gorr was a finalist in the Field & Stream 2013 Heroes of Conservation contest. Jeff is the chair of the Greenwing program in Sheboygan, Wis., and works to get more kids outdoors and involved in duck hunting.

ITC donates to enhance shallow-lake habitat

ALBERT LEA, Minn. – Oct. 2, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently received a $10,000 donation from ITC Holdings Corp. to help protect and restore habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife on the shallow-lake-dotted landscape of Minnesota and Iowa.

Beards for Conservation Mobile Apps

Download the Beards for Conservation mobile app for your iPhone or Android device.

Ducks Unlimited Beards for Conservation

This season, you can grow your beard and support wetlands and waterfowl conservation at the same time through the Ducks Unlimited Beards for Conservation program.

DU CEO Dale Hall on the Federal Duck Stamp

A letter from Ducks Unlimited Chief Executive Officer Dale Hall on the eve of the 2013 Federal Duck Stamp Art Competition in Maumee, Ohio, September 27-28.

Ducks Unlimited Milk River Banquet set for Oct. 12 in Malta

MALTA, Mont. September 16, 2013 - Join Ducks Unlimited for a fun evening and help support habitat work in the Montana nesting grounds. The Milk River DU Chapter Banquet offers a night of good food, games and fellowship on Saturday, Oct. 12 in Malta. The event will be held at the Malta City Hall with cocktails beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a prime rib and shrimp dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Dusseau Tract Restoration Completed in Michigan

Ducks Unlimited recently completed a project to restore the 66-acre Dusseau Tract on the Erie State Game Area in Monroe County, Michigan. Once drained for agriculture, the tract now comprises 38 acres of rare lake-plain wet prairie and 28 acres of coastal wetlands along southwestern Lake Erie, benefiting nesting, migrating, and wintering waterfowl.

DU Helps Identify Coastal Restoration Projects in Florida

Ducks Unlimited is working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to identify potential projects for funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This funding is part of the recent $2.4 billion settlement with BP stemming from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The funds received by NFWF will be directed toward coastal acquisition, restoration, and enhancement projects.

DU and Partners Seek Solutions to Save California's Salton Sea

Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist Chris Hildebrandt recently took part in a roundtable discussion focused on the plight of the Salton Sea, a 376-square-mile body of water about 40 miles south of Palm Springs, California.

DU Partnership Conserves Priority Habitat in Montana

Ducks Unlimited and its conservation partners have designated the Hi-Line, which encompasses Montana's portion of the Prairie Pothole Region, as a high-priority area for conservation work.

DU to Complete Green Tree Reservoir Project in Louisiana

Ducks Unlimited and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are partnering to improve a 1,900-acre green-tree reservoir on the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Monroe, Louisiana.

DU and the Nature Conservancy Enhance South Carolina Reserve

The Nature Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited have been working collaboratively to help maintain the Washo Reserve's habitat value for wintering waterfowl as well as wading birds.

Central Valley Joint Venture Partners Receive Conservation Awards

Two longtime members of California's Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) were recently honored for their contributions to wetlands and waterfowl conservation under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). CVJV Coordinator Bob Shaffer received this year's National Blue-winged Teal Award and Eldridge "Red" Hunt was honored with the International Canvasback Award.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awards Ducks Unlimited $200,000

HOUSTON – June 28, 2013 – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded Ducks Unlimited $200,000 in state grants funding this year. This commitment brings Texas' cumulative contribution for habitat conservation on Canadian breeding grounds important to Texas' waterfowl to nearly $3 million.

Conservation: Renovating Greentree Reservoirs

Careful management is required to maintain the productivity of these classic waterfowl habitats. By Jody Pagan.

Waterfowl Band Return Maps

Bands play an important role in the management of North America's waterfowl by providing important information on waterfowl movements, harvest and survival rates. View maps to see where your ducks come from.

Wetland Will Serve as Memorial to Dr. Guy Baldassarre

This fall, DU and its partners will dedicate a 90-acre restored wetland on New York's Montezuma Wetland Complex in memory of the late Dr. Guy Baldassarre. Guy's Marsh will be a lasting tribute to Dr. Baldassare, who was a distinguished teaching professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for 25 years, where he specialized in ornithology and wildlife management.

Habitat Project Completed on Montezuma Wetland Complex

Ducks Unlimited restored 120 acres of wetlands on New York's Montezuma Wetland Complex, one of the premier waterfowl areas in the northeastern United States.

DUMAC's First Fundraiser a Big Success

Ducks Unlimited de Mexico (DUMAC) held its first-ever fundraiser last February. The event was hosted in conjunction with the DUMAC and Ducks Unlimited Inc. board meetings in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ducks Unlimited Acquires Native Prairie in Montana

Ducks Unlimited recently completed the purchase of a 3,000-acre grassland and wetland complex in Phillips County, Montana. The purchase of the Anderson Tract includes 2,000 acres of state and federal grazing leases adjacent to the property.

Mississippi Reaches $1 Million State Grant Milestone

Last fall, Ducks Unlimited presented the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Commission (MDWFP) with an award recognizing $1 million in state grant contributions made by the commission to DU for waterfowl habitat enhancement on the Canadian prairies.

Louisiana's Carencro Bayou Project Receives Full Funding

DU Launches Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative

Ducks Unlimited and its partners recently launched a new conservation initiative in the Garden State. The goal of this initiative is to protect, restore, and enhance vital wetlands in southeastern New Jersey's coastal region, where the pressures of development and the risk of severe storm destruction of the kind caused by Hurricane Sandy continue to threaten these already altered landscapes.

Photo Essay: The Northern Pintail

In the world of ducks, the northern pintail takes the prize for elegance. Even its nickname—sprig—suggests a certain amount of refinement, as in the sprig of parsley a chef might use to garnish a fancy dish.

Scientists Call For Boreal Forest Protections

The International Boreal Conservation Science Panel recommendations were announced today at the International Congress for Conservation Biology in Baltimore.

Ducks Unlimited Canada - Revolving land program

Ducks Unlimited Canada's Revolving Habitat Conservation Program is another tool to ensure protection of natural and restored habitat across the Prairies.

Boreal Forest takes center stage during Wetlands America Trust meeting

North America's Boreal Forest is the world's largest remaining intact, productive ecosystem encompassing more than 1.5 billion acres of forest, wetlands, lakes and streams that remain largely pristine but potentially threatened. To see firsthand the ongoing efforts to conserve this vital ecosystem that accounts for 25 percent of the world's remaining intact forest and more than a fourth of the world’s wetlands, members of Ducks Unlimited's Wetlands America Trust (WAT) board chose the location for their annual spring meeting. Discussions during the three-day gathering centered on the Boreal Forest's importance to North America's wildlife and people.

DU Volunteers Host Veterans on California Duck Hunt

Last November a group of eight American military personnel stepped onto unfamiliar ground. Dressed in full camouflage, they were far from any battlefield. They were in fact at beautiful Bird Haven Ranch in northern California for a weekend of duck hunting, courtesy of Paul Bonderson Jr. and Ducks Unlimited volunteers.

DU Launches Southeast New Jersey Coastal Initiative

Lowcountry Bear Island Project Nearly Completed

Ducks Unlimited is wrapping up its last project under Phase II of a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant supporting DU's South Carolina Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative.

North Platte River Wetlands Grant Approved

Ducks Unlimited and the Platte River Basin Environments Inc. (PRBE) received approval last September from the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to restore and protect important wetland along the North Platte River.

DU and Partners to Restore Habitat on Tule Lake Marsh

Ducks Unlimited has been invited by Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) management to partner in a multiphase, multi-million-dollar project to revitalize a portion of the 9,500-acre Tule Lake Marsh.

South Carolina Initiative Receives Third NAWCA Grant

Ducks Unlimited and partners received a third North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant last fall as part of South Carolina's Lowcountry Wetlands Initiative.

DU Receives National Conservation Award

Ducks Unlimited's Great Lakes and Atlantic Region (GLAR) was recently honored with the National Blue-winged Teal Award during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

Mason Neck Project Dedication Held in Virginia

In March, a group of organizations gathered to celebrate a successful partnership that enhanced habitat on Virginia's Mason Neck State Park. This area provides vital habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

Oregon Floodplain Project Will Benefit Fish and Waterfowl

Last October, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) Willamette Valley Wildlife Mitigation Program approved Ducks Unlimited's proposal to protect and restore a 90-acre parcel of floodplain habitat along the Yamhill River near Amity, Oregon.

Arkansas Greenwing Camp a Resounding Success

Eighteen youths attended this year's Arkansas Greenwing Conservation Camp hosted at DU President George Dunklin's Five Oaks Lodge near Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Ducks Unlimited receives Wells Fargo grant to support Gulf Coast conservation

RICHMOND, Texas – June 10, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently received a grant from Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) to support wetlands conservation along the Texas coast. The $50,000 grant is part of a $3 million Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program, which awarded grants to 64 community-based nonprofits nationwide to help support land and water conservation, energy efficiency, infrastructure and educational outreach.

Action Alert: Critical Farm Bill Vote Underway

The Senate is edging close to partisan-induced gridlock on the Farm Bill unless they can get 60 votes tomorrow to invoke cloture, thereby allowing the full Senate to vote on the bill. Please contact both of your Senators as soon as possible, but no later than 9 am EDT tomorrow (Thursday) and respectfully urge them to vote “yes” for cloture.

Living Lakes Initiative

Conserving Minnesota and Iowa's wetlands and shallow lakes as vital stepping stones for waterfowl migrating between southern wintering and northern breeding grounds each year.

Preserve Our Prairies Initiative

Conserving North America's highest-priority waterfowl nesting habitat—and the glory of bountiful fall flights—in the face of mounting threats.

Wings and Wetlands Initiative

In Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, significant wetland habitats have been lost. As human populations soar, the demand for water increases, putting even more pressure on remaining wetlands.

Gulf Coast Initiative

Saving the most critical wintering waterfowl habitat in North America by conserving coastal prairies and marshes along the rapidly disappearing Gulf Coast.

Southern Prairies and Playas Initiative

Protecting, restoring, and enhancing the grasslands and wetlands of the Southern Great Plains to support migrating waterfowl populations in the Central Flyway.

Peaks to Prairies Initiative

Restoring wetlands in the shadow of America's iconic Rocky Mountains and conserving the Duck Factory for outdoorsmen and women to enjoy.

Heartland Heritage and Habitat Initiative

Providing innovative water solutions for ducks and people in the Southern Great Plains, one of America's most important waterfowl migration areas.

Ducks in the Desert Initiative

Restoring the valuable wetland oases of America's desert landscape for waterfowl, other wildlife, and communities across the West, from the Great Salt Lake to the Lower Colorado River.

Great Lakes Initiative

Protecting the pristine waters of the Great Lakes and conserving critical habitat for many species of waterfowl that utilize this vast watershed throughout their life cycle.

California Wetlands Initiative

Restoring Golden State wetlands to healthy wintering habitats and helping provide water solutions for waterfowl, other wildlife, and Californians.

America's River Initiative

Rebuilding the glory of the Mississippi River floodplain by conserving key wintering habitat for millions of waterfowl and reinforcing the region’s rich waterfowling legacy.

The Alaska Initiative - Born to Fly

Protecting one of the world's most pristine landscapes for breeding and brood-rearing waterfowl—the vast wetlands and river deltas of the Alaskan wilderness.

Conservation Initiatives

The regional initiatives below, organized geographically, function to connect people and resources with critical habitats, and recognize each region's role in sustaining the future of waterfowl and in achieving DU's vital mission.

Senate Agriculture Committee reports farm bill with strong conservation title

WASHINGTON – May 14, 2013 – The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee successfully reported a five-year farm bill out of Committee to the Senate floor, with a bipartisan vote of 15-5.

DU Q&A with Senator David Vitter (LA)

Ducks Unlmited's Governmental Affairs Office sits down with Senator David Vitter of Louisiana to discuss the importance of DU's habitat and legislative work on the Gulf Coast.

U.S. Representatives Garamendi and Peterson Meet Constituents

U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA) and Collin Peterson (MN) met with Sacramento Valley waterfowl hunters, rice growers, ranchers, and conservation groups last December at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.

A Primer on Moist-Soil Management

Managing seasonal wetlands for seed-producing natural vegetation has many advantages over planting crops

Ducks Unlimited biologist receives Gary T. Myers conservation award

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – April 1, 2013 – Ken Babcock, Ducks Unlimited’s senior director of conservation, has received one of the top honors bestowed upon a conservation leader: the Gary T. Myers conservation award. The award is presented to an individual or group that has shown exceptional accomplishments in bird conservation to further the goals of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative and national/international bird initiatives, including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

DU recognizes four states for significant financial contributions

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – During its annual Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards breakfast last week, Ducks Unlimited recognized four state agencies for significant investments toward conserving waterfowl breeding habitat in Canada.

DU Partners with Skagit Land Trust to Protect Barney Lake

After decades of effort, Skagit Land Trust recently closed on the purchase of 225 acres on the eastern edge of Mount Vernon, Washington, which will protect Barney Lake.

DU Completes Rainwater Basin Project in Nebraska

Ducks Unlimited has completed a wetland restoration project on the 640-acre Hansen Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Clay County, Nebraska.

Ducks Unlimited's Governmental Affairs Director awarded Wildlife Management Institute's highest honor

WASHINGTON – March 27, 2013 – Gary Taylor, Ducks Unlimited's director of governmental affairs, received the Wildlife Management Institute's (WMI) 2013 George Bird Grinnell Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Natural Resource Conservation today. The award was presented during the Conservation Administrators Luncheon at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Va.

DU 2013 Annual Report

An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

Conservation Q&A

With Gary Taylor, DU's Director of Governmental Affairs; on a variety of topics, including the RESTORE Act, NAWCA and DU's top legislative priorities.

Conservation: The Easement Advantage

Conservation easements are a powerful tool for protecting threatened waterfowl habitat on private lands

Farm Bill Letters to the Editor

Check out these sample letters to the editor, personalize them and submit them to your local newspaper to spread the word about the importance of the farm bill where you live!

DU board member appointed to foundation

CHICAGO – Jan. 17, 2013 – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed Barbara Johnson to the board of directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF). Johnson, also a member of Ducks Unlimited's board of directors, will serve on the volunteer committee that has raised more than $30 million for conservation in Illinois since its formation in 1994.

Ducks Unlimited reaches conservation milestone

Ducks Unlimited (DU) is proud to announce it has reached a conservation milestone with more than 13 million acres of habitat conserved in North America. The groundbreaking number is a cumulative accomplishment of the millions of DU members, as well as volunteers and partners, who have been a part of the organization over the past 76 years.

Video Celebrates Ding Darling's Legacy

Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, who won two Pulitzer prizes for his editorial cartoons, was one of America's true conservation pioneers.

DU Supporters Surpass Horicon Challenge

Only halfway through a four-year challenge grant issued by the Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation, DU volunteers and supporters surpassed their $500,000 goal, ensuring a $1 million investment by the foundation in Wisconsin's Horicon Marsh.

CN Supports Boreal Forest Conservation Plan

Wetlands America Trust board member David McLean was well aware of the size and beauty of North America's boreal forest. After all, the forest covers 1.4 billion acres in his native country of Canada. But he didn't realize the full importance of this vast landscape to waterfowl and other bird populations until he heard about DU and The Pew Charitable Trusts' partnership to conserve 1 billion acres of this region by 2022.

DU Recognizes Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana

Ducks Unlimited presented the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with its Montana DU Conservation Partner of the Year award in August at the Montana DU state convention in Great Falls. The award is presented annually to agencies and individuals who make outstanding contributions to the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat in Montana.

DU Applauds Plan to Protect Alaska Waterfowl Habitat

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced a new strategic plan to manage the 22.8-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

New Hunter Check Station Opens in California Grasslands

This fall, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) formally dedicated its new Salt Slough-San Luis Hunter Check Station in Los Banos, California.

Freshwater-Introduction Project Proposed in Louisiana

Ducks Unlimited has submitted a $250,000 proposal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) for a freshwater-introduction project in southeast Louisiana.

More Land Acquired for Wildlife in Indiana

Ducks Unlimited recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to acquire the 1,043-acre Columbia Mine property adjoining Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern Indiana.

A Weekend of Art, Oysters, and Fun in the Lowcountry

The East Cooper DU chapter, in partnership with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), hosts an annual oyster roast and auction that is one of the largest and most successful DU fundraisers in the nation.

National Wildlife Refuges Vital to Wildlife and People

Ducks Unlimited joined other conservationist groups in celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week on October 14-20. "Every state has at least one national wildlife refuge," said Paul Schmidt, DU's chief conservation officer.

Virginia Joins State Grants Program

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ducks Unlimited to join the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' State Grants Program. The MOA was signed at DU's Granders Society event near Richmond.

Coastal Conservation Association Supports DU Projects

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) recently contributed $200,000 to a DU project that will help conserve important coastal wetlands in Matagorda County, Texas.

DU Statement on Firearms

The potential for new firearms regulations or legislation is a complicated and divisive issue, and while there are no simple answers to the problem of reducing violence in our country, DU will continue to remain steadfast and focused on our mission of wetlands and waterfowl conservation, and in our support for hunters and a continued strong waterfowling tradition.

Fiscal Cliff included important conservation extensions

At the eleventh hour before its final adjournment, Congress passed a bill to avoid the “fiscal cliff” and the president signed it into law on Jan. 2, 2013.

Sportsmen’s legislative priorities in 2013

This month, the Waterfowl Advocate interviewed Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Government Affairs Gary Taylor about legislative priorities affecting sportsmen in the coming year.

Wetlands and Watersheds

The 19th-century explorer and geographer John Wesley Powell defined a watershed as "a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community." Powell wisely recognized that all living things in a watershed, including waterfowl and people, are united by and dependent on its central element—water.

A Brush with Greatness

A wildlife painter by trade and a duck hunter at heart, David Maass has made a waterfowl-hunting pilgrimage to Manitoba's Delta Marsh during each of the past 35 years. The man has seen plenty of ducks, but in his eyes the good old days might be right now.

Partnerships Achieve Results in Mississippi

In recent years, Ducks Unlimited has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP); USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and private landowners to conserve wetlands across the Magnolia State.

Houston Chapter Makes History

Ducks Unlimited's 75th Anniversary will be remembered by many as the year the single-event fundraising record was broken... four times!

Maryland's Middle Chester River Partnership Moving Forward

Last year, Ducks Unlimited partnered with several governmental, educational, and private organizations to form the Middle Chester River Partnership (MCRP). The goal of the MCRP is to restore the Middle Chester River Watershed in Kent County, Maryland, by implementing a long-term plan to address various factors contributing to the degradation of the watershed.

North Carolina Attorney General Awards Grant to DU

Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the North Carolina Attorney General's Office for wetland restoration work on Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land in Wake, Durham, and Granville counties. This is the eighth grant that DU has received through the attorney general's Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) Program.

Shell and DU Partner to Conserve Pennsylvania Habitat

Shell Oil Company recently donated $250,000 to Ducks Unlimited's Northwest Pennsylvania Priority Habitat Restoration Program.

Waste Management named 2012 Wings Over Wetlands winner

Ducks Unlimited and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) recognized Waste Management as the winner of the 2012 Wings Over Wetlands award today.

2012 DU Logo Pumpkin Carving Contest

The 2nd Annual DU Logo Pumpkin Carving Contest was a huge success. With so many great DU-themed pumpkin carvings we had to share these with everyone. Thanks for participating this year!

DU's Next 75 Years

The future holds great challenges and opportunities for wetlands and waterfowl conservation

Conservation: Winning at the Ballot Box

Dedicated funding amendments have bolstered wetland and waterfowl conservation programs in Iowa and several other states

DU and XTO Energy Conserve Pennsylvania Habitat

Ducks Unlimited and XTO Energy are building a partnership to conserve vital habitat for migrating waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife in Pennsylvania.

National Wildlife Refuge Week highlights importance of refuges to conservation and sportsmen

The importance of America’s wildlife refuge system to conservation and wildlife habitat is in the spotlight as part of National Wildlife Refuge Week, Oct. 14-20.

Alberta Conservationists Receive International Recognition

DU Major Sponsors from California, Alaska, and Canada recently gathered to honor Jay and Karen Bartsch of Alberta for their dedication to conserving waterfowl habitat.

DU Explores New Salt Marsh Restoration Technique

In early 2010, DU received a $75,000 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant and partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to test experimental techniques to restore ditched tidal salt marshes on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Massachusetts and the Rachel Carson NWR in Maine.

Protecting Double Dog Ranch

Ducks Unlimited has secured a perpetual conservation easement on the Double Dog Ranch on the South Platte River in Nebraska between Paxton and Sutherland.

Nebraska Environmental Trust Approves Platte River Project

The Nebraska Environmental Trust board has approved the Darr Strip Habitat Complex proposal, awarding DU a $224,000 grant with potential for an additional $127,000 next year.

Colorado Project Conserves Water and Waterfowl Habitat

Ducks Unlimited and United Water and Sanitation District recently worked together to develop the 50-acre Haren Wetland Recharge Project near the South Platte River in southern Weld County.

Two Ducks Unlimited members nominated for conservation awards

Thirty-three year DU member Eddie Bridges was announced Field & Stream's 2012 Hero of Conservation.

Ducks Unlimited elevates Texas water involvement

Conservation leader lends voice to water requirements of wetlands, wildlife

Fritz Reid Receives Holly Andre Award

The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture recently honored Dr. Fritz Reid with its Holly Andre Award for leadership. Reid is director of conservation programs at DU's Western Regional Office in Sacramento, California.

Fall Flight Update: A Year of Extremes

Ducks Unlimited Chief Scientist, Dale Humburg shares his thoughts on habitat and hunting in 2012-2013.

Revolving Land Strategy Protects Native Prairie

Proceeds from the sale of part of DU's Goebel Ranch in South Dakota are being reinvested to conserve more native prairie nesting habitat for waterfowl.

MeadWestvaco and DU Partner in South Carolina

Ducks Unlimited recently partnered with the MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) to create an impoundment for waterfowl on the Featherbed Plantation in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

Prairie Dog Waterfowl Production Area Project Completed

Ducks Unlimited recently completed a large wetland restoration project on the Prairie Dog Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Nebraska's Rainwater Basin.

NAWCA Grant Supports Conservation in Western Michigan

Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to conserve key wetland habitat in western Michigan.

Minnesota's Harder Lake WPA Project Completed

Breeding and migrating waterfowl found much improved habitat this spring on Minnesota's Harder Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), thanks to a wetland enhancement project conducted by Ducks Unlimited in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

California's Honey Lake Wildlife Area Projects Completed

Ducks Unlimited recently completed another series of habitat enhancement projects on the California Department of Fish and Game's Honey Lake Wildlife Area (WA), located in the Great Basin region of California near Susanville.

Conservation: Gains and Losses

While progress has been made in conserving the nation's wetlands, these vital habitats continue to decline at an alarming rate

DU applauds Interior plan's protection of critical waterfowl areas

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aug. 13, 2012 - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today a new strategic plan to manage the 22.8-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). Known as Alternative B-2, the new guidelines protect 11.8 million acres - roughly half of the reserve - as critical habitat area, while allowing oil and gas development on the remaining half. Salazar made the announcement this morning in Anchorage, Alaska, hailing the plan as the most responsible and equitable approach to managing the reserve.

DU and Bass Pro Shops continue strong partnership for wetlands and waterfowl

Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shops are teaming up again this August for Ducks Unlimited Conservation Month. With every $2 donation made to DU's conservation efforts through Bass Pro's website, donors will be entered to win one of 10 $500 Bass Pro Shops gift cards.

North Carolina attorney general awards grant to Ducks Unlimited

RALEIGH, N.C. – July 30, 2012 – Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the North Carolina Attorney General's Office for wetlands restoration on Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land in Wake, Durham and Granville counties.

Northeastern Ohio Partners Receive NAWCA Grant

In 2011, Ducks Unlimited and its partners were awarded a $1 million grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to conserve 1,909 acres of wetlands and associated wildlife habitat in northeastern Ohio.

Diamond Legacy Sponsors Make a Difference

Diamond Legacy Sponsors John and Cheryl Dale are making a significant difference for the ducks through their philanthropic investment in the conservation of prairie grasslands and Canada's western boreal forest.

TRCP's Conservation Field Notes: Interconnected Habitats

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has teamed up with Steven Rinella, host of the show MeatEater on the Sportsman Channel, to serve you up a helping of conservation.

Partners protect critical Saginaw Bay wetlands

In the spring of 2008, Ducks Unlimited applied for a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to protect, restore, and enhance more than 4,000 acres of vital upland and wetland habitat throughout Michigan's Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie watersheds.

Wisconsin's Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area Enhanced

Ducks Unlimited recently completed wetland enhancement work on the Island and Elm pools on Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Winnebago County, Wisconsin.

Partners celebrate conservation on Sauvie Island

During the past decade, DU and partners have completed more than a dozen projects—totaling approximately 2,000 acres of habitat—on Sauvie Island Wildlife Area in Portland, Oregon.

NAWCA is key to conserving California's Tulare Basin

As in other parts of California and the Pacific Flyway, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) has provided essential funding for the restoration of historical waterfowl habitat in the Tulare Basin.

Video: 2012 Duck Numbers

For the past 75 years, Ducks Unlimited has had the best waterfowl science in the business guiding our work. Today, Ducks Unlimited's Chief Scientist, Dale Humburg, discusses this year's Waterfowl Habitat Report and what it means to your bag this fall.

Habitat conservation priority for healthy bird populations in Canada

The North American Bird Conservation Initiative in Canada (NABCI-Canada), a collaborative group made up of federal, territorial and provincial governments, conservation non-government organizations (NGOs), and private sector organizations, released The State of Canada's Birds, a new national report that draws on 40 years of data to explore the current health of Canada's birds.

Ted Turner Honored as Chip Allen Conservationist of the Year

Each year, DU's Chip Allen Chapter hosts an event in Atlanta to recognize a Georgia conservationist who has exhibited a history of conserving both habitat and wildlife. Ted Turner, of Turner Broadcasting fame, was named 2012 Chip Allen Conservationist of the Year at this year's event, held at Cox Enterprises.

DU applauds Senate passing 2012 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON - June 21, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced its appreciation today following the U.S. Senate's 64-35 passage of the 2012 Farm Bill. The $969.9 billion bipartisan bill maintained a conservation title that will benefit wildlife and people. Critical conservation initiatives include the Conservation Reserve Program, a conservation easement program with a strong wetland component, a regional partnership program aimed at improving water quality and a Sodsaver provision. The Senate also moved to link eligibility for federally subsidized crop insurance to compliance with conservation practices.

DU Acquires First Conservation Easement in Northeast California

DU recently partnered with the Wood family to acquire its first conservation easement in northeast California, a 1,781-acre perpetual easement on the Leavitt Lake Ranch and the Wood Ranch.

Texas Wildlife Management Area Enhanced

Two DU projects are nearing completion on Mad Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Bay City, Texas.

DU Trailer Helps Beginning Hunters in North Dakota

Several North Dakota youth were able to go on their first waterfowl hunt this past fall, thanks to a new trailer stocked with decoys and blinds.

California DU Event Breaks Fundraising Record

The final results are still being tallied but Ducks Unlimited's 75th Anniversary event at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, California, has netted at least $1.5 million, which is great news for the DU's wetlands conservation programs in the state and across the continent. To date, DU has protected, enhanced, or restored more than 700,000 acres across California.

Florida Increases Funding for Conservation Work in Canada

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has committed an additional $10,000 to Ducks Unlimited through its state grant program, bringing the commission's total contribution to $35,000 for the current fiscal year.

Kansas' Jamestown Wildlife Area Growing Strong

Ducks Unlimited and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are in the final stages of completing Phase II of the Jamestown Wildlife Area Acquisition Project with funding provided in part by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant.

Tennessee Commissioners Tour DU Canada Projects

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has long recognized the importance of waterfowl production in Canada to its state's waterfowlers, contributing to waterfowl conservation on the Canadian prairies since 1992.

Winter Wheat Acreage Up 75 Percent in North Dakota

Waterfowl will find more winter wheat on the landscape this spring when they return to North Dakota's prairie pothole country.

2012 Late Spring Habitat Conditions in Canada

Overall summary and regional Canada habitat conditions for late spring 2012.

Action Alert: Contact Congress Today!

We need you to contact your members of Congress today to make sure they support these programs: the RESTORE Act and the reauthorization/funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Conservation: Nature's Multipurpose Habitats

Wetlands provide a host of benefits in addition to their waterfowl habitat value

The DU Story - Part 5

Part 5 of the DU story focuses on where DU's priorirty conservation are, and how we can move towards the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

DU backs Sodsaver legislation

Ducks Unlimited supports newly introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting native grasslands at high risk of being converted to cropland.

Oakwood Bottoms Project Completed in Southern Illinois

Ducks Unlimited recently completed its latest project at the Oakwood Bottoms greentree reservoir in Jackson County, Illinois.

Florida Increases Funding for Conservation Work in Canada

New Project Proposed on North Carolina's Neuse Game Land

Ducks Unlimited recently submitted a proposal to the North Carolina Attorney General's Environmental Enhancement Grant Program to restore 593 acres on Neuse Game Land in Wake County.

Mississippi Increases Funding for Canadian Habitat Work

Dr. Curtis Hopkins, director of operations at DU's Southern Regional Office, and DU regional biologist Tim Willis attended a meeting held by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission in Jackson.

Historical Klamath River Wetland Restored

The Tule Smoke Hunt Club, known locally as the "Rat Club," is located along the Klamath River nine miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Media Advisory: Interior Secretary Salazar to approve NAWMP revision, hold "Town Hall" meeting during DU National Convention in Nashville

Secretary Salazar will sign the 2012 Revision of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), reaffirming his commitment to one of the largest and most successful continental conservation initiatives ever undertaken. The secretary will hold a "Town Hall" meeting after the signing ceremony.

Media Advisory: Sportsmen's groups urge keeping land and water conservation funding in transportation bill

The teleconference will give reporters a chance to hear about the opportunity to secure additional funding for habitat conservation and outdoor recreation access, and will provide an example of the areas that would benefit from funding.

Wood ducks can nest more easily thanks to PSE&G

Wood ducks now have a safer place to nest thanks to members of the Public Service Electricity & Gas Environmental (PSE&G) Partnership Team.

2012 Spring Habitat Conditions in Canada

The following is a compilation of environmental conditions relative to breeding waterfowl submitted by DUC field staff. These observations are not based on systematic surveys or intended to describe hunting conditions.

DU's western regional director honored by Intermountain West Joint Venture

Ducks Unlimited Western Regional Director Mark Biddlecomb recently received the John E. Nagel Award from the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV) for his outstanding achievement and long-term commitment to avian conservation.

DU applauds 2012 Farm Bill committee passage

WASHINGTON - April 26, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced its support and appreciation of the Senate Agricultural Committee today as it passed the 2012 Farm Bill out of committee.

High-Priority Habitats

Following are DU's five highest-priority landscapes, their importance to waterfowl and our efforts to conserve them for present and future generations.

Conservation: Ducks in a Crowded World

Sustaining healthy waterfowl numbers will be a great challenge as the earth's human population grows

Wetland Gobblers: Turkey Photo Essay

The spring transformation from waterfowl hunter to turkey hunter happens in a whirlwind of lightweight camouflage and bug spray.The tactics are significantly different, but waterfowl hunters may find themselves in familiar habitats.

Firearms Industry Contributes Second Grant Installment to Supplement NAWCA

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the industry's trade association, have donated $150,000 to supplement congressional funding of the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA), a grant program providing federal cost-share funding to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This year's payment of $150,000 is the second part of an NSSF five-year initiative that will total $750,000 to support wetlands conservation.

Media Advisory: Sportsmen to attend NAWCA breakfast briefing

Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are hosting a breakfast briefing on the reauthorization and appropriations of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act on April 17, 2012, at Rayburn HOB 2360.

New Senate bill pushes NAWCA one step closer to reauthorization

WASHINGTON - March 30, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is applauding the efforts of a bipartisan group of senators who this week released S. 2282, legislation that would reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017.

DU receives Louisiana land conservation organization designation

LAFAYETTE, La. - March 29, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited and its landholding foundation, Wetlands America Trust (WAT), were jointly certified as a land conservation organization by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) this week. Only five other organizations have been granted this certification, and DU is the only one also accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (2011).

Research Seeks to Unravel Sea Duck Mystery

The 15 species of waterfowl known as sea ducks constitute 42 percent of all duck species breeding in North America. And yet sea ducks are the least understood of all waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited receives Conservation Champion Award

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 23, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited Inc. and Ducks Unlimited Canada were honored with a Conservation Champion Award on March 21 at the North American Migratory Bird Joint Venture 25th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, D.C.

Ducks Unlimited conservation leader receives international NAWMP award

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 22, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer Paul Schmidt received the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's (NAWMP) International Canvasback Award last week for his significant long-term contributions to the implementation of NAWMP's conservation activities throughout North America.

Ducks Unlimited presented with 2012 Theodore Roosevelt Legacy Award

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 21, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited has been chosen to receive the Boone and Crockett Club's (B&C) prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Legacy Award for 2012.

Project Proposed on North Carolina's Neuse Game Land

Ducks Unlimited recently submitted a proposal to the North Carolina Attorney General's Office Environmental Enhancement Grant Program to restore 593 acres on Neuse Game Land in Wake County, North Carolina.

Project Completed on Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area

High-quality wetland habitat has replaced cattails and hardstem bulrush in a 658-acre portion of the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) in northern Utah

Partnerships and Perseverance Conserve Nebraska Wetlands

Restoration of the Spotted Tail wetlands complex, which will be completed this spring, is a prime example of the importance of partnerships in conservation.

New York's Warder Marsh Restoration Dedicated

Ducks Unlimited recently dedicated a wetland restoration project in New York's Montezuma Wetland Complex.

New Breakwaters Will Conserve Texas Coastal Marshes

Ducks Unlimited is building breakwaters on the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to protect Texas coastal marsh habitats.

Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area Project Completed

Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Bay County, Michigan, consists of approximately 1,400 acres of Great Lakes coastal marsh and associated upland habitats along Michigan's Saginaw Bay.

NAWCA Project Will Restore California Waterfowl Habitat

Ducks Unlimited will soon begin work on a project that will restore or enhance more than 5,200 acres of vital waterfowl habitat in the northern Tulare and San Joaquin basins of California.

Historic Partnership Formed to Protect the Guadalupe River System

Conservation organizations operating in and around the Guadalupe River Basin of Texas recently formed a historic partnership to conserve wetlands and wildlife in the Guadalupe River system.

Habitat Improved on California's Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Ducks Unlimited recently partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Board and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to enhance 135 acres of wetlands and restore eight acres of upland nesting habitat in Field 18 at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (WA) in California's Sacramento Valley.

Habitat Enhanced on Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas

Ducks Unlimited recently completed the first phase of a project to enhance waterfowl habitat on Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Issaquena County, Mississippi.

Grants Will Fund Lake Champlain Basin Wetland Restoration

Ducks Unlimited is pleased to announce that it has been awarded two additional grants totaling over $100,000 to continue its work promoting, developing, and implementing wetland restoration projects in Vermont's Lake Champlain Basin.

Florida's Lake Miccosukee Restoration Project Celebrated

Ducks Unlimited and partners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Jefferson County gathered in December to install a new sign and rededicate a wetlands enhancement project on Florida's Lake Miccosukee in celebration of DU's 75th Anniversary.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day

RIDGELAND, Miss. – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day

LAFAYETTE, La. – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day

RICMOND, Texas – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

DU, Iowa DNR Thank Burr Oak Lake Project Partners

Few Ducks Unlimited projects happen without the involvement and support of many different partners. In Iowa, DU supporters and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gathered last fall to thank its many partners and individuals who helped make the Burr Oak Lake enhancement project a success.

DU Receives Coastal America Partnership Honor for Nisqually Estuary Project

Ducks Unlimited received President Obama's prestigious Coastal America Partnership Award on December 10, 2011, for its pivotal role in the highly successful Nisqually Estuary Restoration Project.

"Caller-Times" columnist David Sikes honored at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's winner in the Communications category is David Sikes, outdoors columnist for the "Corpus Christi Caller-Times."

Wetlands PSA

Ducks Unlimited PSA: Wetlands

Kid to Conservationist

Ducks Unlimited PSA: Kid to Conservationist

The Next Generation

Ducks Unlimited PSA: The Next Generation

DU recognizes Interior Secretary Salazar with achievement award

WASHINGTON - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited has awarded one of its highest honors to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

James C. Kennedy named Conservation/Private Citizen award winner at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

ATLANTA - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's recipient of the Conservation/Private Citizen award is James C. Kennedy of Atlanta.

Wildlife and Fisheries Chief Joe Kramer honored at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

GREAT BEND, Kan. - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's winner in the State/Provincial Agency category is Joe Kramer, chief of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Wildlife and Fisheries Division.

Twelve DU conservation projects receive NAWCA grant approval from MBCC, six more from NAWCC

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) met last week and approved more than $24.5 million in federal grants under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for partnership-based conservation projects that will protect, restore and enhance more than 146,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats across the United States and Mexico.

2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

ATLANTA - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta.

Senate vote advances historic conservation funding for Gulf Coast, other key waterfowl habitats

WASHINGTON - March 9, 2012 - After months working side by side with legislators, Ducks Unlimited applauded the Senate's passage of an amendment that could impact not only restoration efforts along the oil-spill-stricken Gulf Coast, but also expand funding for land conservation nationwide.

Late Winter Habitat Conditions in Canada

Habitat Conditions Report for waterfowl habitat regions in Canada for late winter (March 2012).

DU Levee Benefits California Commuters and Wildlife

Construction of a setback levee has already caught the attention of daily commuters on California State Route 37 north of San Francisco. But most drivers probably don't realize that the project, spearheaded by Ducks Unlimited, is keeping their tires out of the tides.

DU Joins Senator Coons in Honoring Refuge System

In October, DU staff and volunteers joined Senator Chris Coons of Delaware at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week. Senator Coons introduced a resolution celebrating the refuge system and recognizing refuge week, which was unanimously adopted by the U.S. Senate.

DU Helps Landowner Restore Nebraska Wetland

It was a late February morning when Mike Perlinger noticed a large cloud of birds circling the South Platte River just outside the window of his Nebraska home.

DU and Partners Enhance Wetlands at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

This year, with help from a $25,000 ConocoPhillips grant, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) embarked on a project to restore and enhance 760 acres of wetland habitat.

Drew County Wetland Restoration Project Completed in Arkansas

Just in time for waterfowl season, Ducks Unlimited and partners last fall completed a wetlands restoration project on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Cut-Off Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Drew County.

Ducks and rice come together on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON – Feb. 23, 2012 – The USA Rice Federation and Ducks Unlimited hosted a joint congressional luncheon to raise awareness of the importance of flooded rice fields to the nation's wintering and migrating waterfowl. Members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and their staffs attended the first-of-its-kind luncheon last week.

DU, Partners to Restore Chester River Watershed

DU has partnered with the Kent County government, Chester River Association, Natural Resources Conservation Service Kent County Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Maryland, Maryland Department of Agriculture and Washington College to form the Middle Chester River Partnership.

DU, Partners Tour Green Bay Restoration Projects

DU recently partnered with the Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition to lead a tour of wetland restoration projects along the western shore of Green Bay.

Manitoba Marsh Magic

A waterfowler's pilgrimage to the Canadian Duck Factory and the birthplace of DU's conservation work. By Wade Bourne. Photography By Rick Adair.

Conservation: Anatomy of a DU Project

A bird's-eye view of the wetland restoration process from beginning to end

2012 Winter Habitat Conditions in Canada

Conditions are variable in the British Columbia / Western Boreal Forest Region, where large flocks of wintering waterfowl can be found around the Fraser River Delta and along the east coast of Vancouver Island. Winter has been dry and warm in the Prairie Region.

World Wetlands Day memorandum of cooperation kicks off DU's 75th anniversary celebration in NYC

NEW YORK - Feb. 2, 2012 - Every Feb. 2, people all over the globe celebrate World Wetlands Day, commemorating the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an intergovernmental treaty signed by 161 countries that recognizes the value and splendor of our wetland resources. This year's celebration was made all the more momentous earlier today as Ducks Unlimited and Ramsar signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in New York City.

Two new wildlife management lakes for Minnesota, funding pending for conservation work

At the end of 2011, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated two new lakes for wildlife management. Teal Lake in Jackson County and Bolstad Slough in Cottonwood County are the 46th and 47th lakes of this type in the state. Ducks Unlimited has partnered with the DNR to complete conservation work on both lakes.

President Obama recognizes 75th anniversary milestone for Ducks Unlimited

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jan. 30, 2012 - Just in time for Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary on Sunday, President Barack Obama issued a special message to DU and its supporters.

Ducks Unlimited 75th Anniversary Conservation Projects

As part of Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary celebration, members of our conservation staff have chosen one special habitat project from each state as the "best of the best" of DU's 75 years of conservation work.

Bill D'Alonzo wins 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award; DU to receive $50k prize

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jan. 19, 2012 - Bill D'Alonzo, Ducks Unlimited volunteer and member of DU's board of directors, was named the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year yesterday at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

DU, conservation partners oppose changes to successful conservation system in Missouri

While Ducks Unlimited looks forward to its 75th anniversary later this month, another organization with 75 years of conservation success is facing some major structural changes that could negatively influence its effectiveness: the Missouri Conservation Commission.

Special DU 75th Anniversary Episode of BirdNote

On Friday, Jan. 27, tune in to the national radio program BirdNote for a special tribute episode in honor of Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary.

Milestones in Conservation

The slogan for Ducks Unlimited's 75th Anniversary, CONSERVATION FOR GENERATIONS, applies to past, present and future generations alike.

Conservation: Waterfowl Energy Demands

Food abundance is presumed to directly or indirectly impact the physiological condition, survival, and even reproduction of waterfowl, which ultimately influences the health of their populations. Why?

DU Turns 75

Seventy-five years ago this month, a small group of avid waterfowlers took bold action to help restore waterfowl populations devastated by drought and wetland drainage.

From waterfowler to conservationist

On the eastern seaboard of the United States, a duck hunter sat patiently in his blind. With his collar turned to the wind, he scanned the sky for birds, hoping that his luck was about to improve.

With NAWCA funding approved at $35.5M, DU turns focus to reauthorization

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Dec. 21, 2011 - Ducks and other wetland-dependent wildlife will benefit from last week's congressional approval of a $35.5 million budget for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) program for FY 2012. While significantly less than what the administration recommended months ago, this number is much improved from an initial $20 million figure proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the spring, largely through the work of Ducks Unlimited, its supporters and other conservation organizations.

Ducks Unlimited board member, volunteer Bill D’Alonzo nominated for 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year

Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, Del., has been named a finalist for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year. The annual Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and conservation.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports Ducks Unlimited, partners in Sheboygan Marsh conservation activities

Ducks Unlimited has received a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant to conduct a feasibility analysis of the Sheboygan Marsh dam in northwestern Sheboygan County near Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Tell Congress to support conservation funding

The House of Representatives, Senate, Super Committee and administration are in significant discussions regarding the fate of conservation funding for Fiscal Year 2012 and beyond. It is imperative that we make our voices heard.

DU 2011 Annual Report

An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

The Farm Bill, Ducks and You

The 2012 Farm Bill is scheduled to be reauthorized next year, and depending on the outcome, this single piece of legislation will either positively or negatively impact millions of acres of wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitat across the United States.

The Birth of DU

Excerpted from The Ducks Unlimited Story, which explores original source materials to provide the definitive account not only of DU's founding, but also of how DU's dedicated volunteers created the fundraising engine that made DU the world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

A Banquet for Ducks

Hunters have long recognized the importance of rice to wintering and migrating waterfowl. Why is rice agriculture so important to dabbling duck populations?

Live Stream of Federal Duck Stamp Competition

Effort underway to restore Open Fields program

Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Senate co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, offered an amendment to restore the popular Open Fields initiative and foster public hunting access on private land. Sen. Tester introduced this amendment after the initiative failed to receive funding in a recent Senate appropriations bill.

Department of Interior Announces Four New Conservation Areas

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar visited both Capitol Hill and the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida last week to celebrate the establishment of four new conservation areas and wildlife refuges.

DU testifies before Congress in support of a more efficient federal duck stamp

Ducks Unlimited voiced its support of legislation that would make the federal duck stamp more readily available to the general public during testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs.

DU Chairman Joins U.S. Secretary of the Interior and USFWS Director to Commemorate New National Wildlife Refuges

DU Chairman of the Board John Pope joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and USFWS Director Dan Ashe last week to install four new planks on the boardwalk at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Ducks Unlimited live streaming 2011 Federal Duck Stamp Competition

The 2011 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W. Va., on Oct. 28 and 29, and Ducks Unlimited will provide waterfowl enthusiasts an opportunity to view the contest live.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Briefing Statement

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Prime Hook) in Sussex County, Delaware, was established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act with the explicit purpose of providing habitat for migratory birds. It supports approximately 300 avian species and is a key stopover and wintering area for shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway.

Early Fall Habitat Conditions in Canada

Due to favorable habitat conditions throughout Canada, fall flight expectations remain high. Overall migration still depends heavily on timely weather patterns.

Ducks Unlimited concerned about drought impacts to waterfowl, rice

River authorities throughout the state, including the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), are struggling to balance the limited supply of water with the needs of various user groups, including agricultural, municipal, industrial, and wildlife management interests.

Latest NAWCA grants awarded

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently awarded 21 grants to conservation projects that will help conserve vital waterfowl habitat across the nation. The grants are being awarded through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which is a cost-effective, bipartisan, match-based program that raises an average of 3.2 non-federal dollars for every federal dollar invested.

DU encourages waterfowl enthusiasts to "Double Up" for the ducks

Ducks Unlimited is asking duck hunters and other waterfowl enthusiasts to "double up for the ducks" by purchasing two federal duck stamps this year.

DU looks forward to working with newly formed Senate Oceans Caucus

In an effort to educate members of Congress on the complex issues surrounding our oceans, the caucus plans to host a variety of briefings and lectures regarding the latest in ocean research and policy.

DU Finds Common Ground with Congressman Garamendi

Congressman John Garamendi of California knows a great deal more about the mission of Ducks Unlimited now, after recently sitting down for a working lunch with Western Regional Office Director Mark Biddlecomb and WRO Public Policy Director Chris Unkel.

Senate committee votes to cut funding for farm conservation programs

During a recent hearing, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to cut farm conservation programs by $726 million for the 2012 fiscal year, which represents a 12 percent reduction from the FY 2011 funding level. Funding reductions of this magnitude will greatly inhibit our nation's ability to preserve native grasslands and other prime waterfowl habitat.

Congress returns from August recess

Congress returns from its month-long recess to resume work on a variety of issues, including finalizing the fiscal year 2012 budget. What does this mean for the future funding of conservation programs?

Sportsmen's community gathers at AWCP Annual Summit

DU and partners discuss America's hunting heritage

DU Education Efforts Applauded by California Member of Congress

Ducks Unlimited earned high praise from Congresswoman Doris Matsui of California recently, when she saluted Ducks Unlimited for its role as a founding partner in funding the Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento, Calif.

Pilot Restoration Project Completed in Idaho Panhandle

The Pack River Delta Project involved utilizing a combination of traditional civil engineering and soil bioengineering techniques to restore unique wetland and upland habitats in the delta, the place where the Pack River and Lake Pend Oreille converge. This is the first known instance in Idaho where this restoration approach has been attempted and early indications suggest that it will be a success.

DU Recognizes Donors, Partners at Iowa's Eagle Flats Project Dedication

Ducks Unlimited supporters and partners gathered on a cold, blustery mid-April morning to celebrate the success of the recently completed Eagle Flats Marsh project in Hancock County, Iowa.

Waterfowl QA with Mark Reed

Recently named "Conservation Officer of the Year" by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the "Mississippi Flyway Officer of the Year" by the Mississippi Flyway Council for his exemplary dedication to protecting and preserving wildlife.

Gov. Mike Beebe Names DU Volunteer Steve Cook to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Governor Mike Beebe has named DU volunteer Steve Cook of Malvern, Akansas as the newest commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support the Ducks

August recess is a great opportunity to reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to support the ducks by supporting conservation programs in FY 2012.

Gulf Coast Public Policy

If actions are not taken now to conserve and restore these vital marshes and wetlands, the continent’s most critical wintering habitat for waterfowl will be lost forever.

The importance of migration habits to waterfowl

While factors on the breeding grounds tend to influence overall waterfowl populations more significantly than others, without sufficient winter and migration habitat, waterfowl return to the breeding grounds in poorer condition.

DU, Partners Secure $1 million Grant for Iowa's Portion of Prairie Pothole Region

Ducks Unlimited received a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant earlier this year for projects in Iowa. NAWCA is a federal matching grants program that provides funding for wetland and migratory bird habitat conservation work across North America.

Ducks Unlimited Donates Mississippi River Property to USFWS

Ducks Unlimited recently donated 318 acres at Rockwood Island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for inclusion in the recently established Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

NRCS, DU Launch Wetland Conservation Partnership in Iowa

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and Ducks Unlimited this spring signed a $1.5-million cooperative agreement to coordinate and deliver the Wetlands Reserve Program in Iowa.

Nestlé Waters North America Continues Commitment to Wetlands Conservation

#1 Bottled Water Company in the U.S. Contributes $250,000 to Ducks Unlimited

Virginia Conservation Easement Protects Critical Habitat

A conservation easement on the Westchester Plantation in Cumberland County, Virginia, was donated to Ducks Unlimited by WTL Properties LLC.

DU Helps Restore Lake Erie Hydrology to Middle Harbor

Middle Harbor is a 350-acre coastal wetland located along Lake Erie on the Catawba Peninsula. Due to the degraded nature of the wetland, its large size, and location along Lake Erie, Middle Harbor was identified by the DNR as a high priority for restoration.

GOP Conservation Cuts Rile Sportsmen

House Republicans fighting the Obama administration’s environmental agenda are finding themselves making decisions that threaten the party’s carefully nourished relationship with the hook and bullet crowd.

Wetlands for Tomorrow Achieves Milestones and Surpasses Goals

DU Canada Habitat Report - July 2011

According to 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service waterfowl surveys, total duck breeding population estimates have increased in most traditional survey areas in Canada.

Missouri DU Ranks in Top Ten Fundraising States

Each Year Ducks Unlimited (DU) recognizes the Top Ten states around the country for their efforts through the National State Awards Program. In 2010, under the leadership of Tom Shryock, Missouri Ducks Unlimited received the Bronze Level Comprehensive State Award.

Missouri Department of Conservation Contributes to Waterfowl Conservation

With this year's state grant program contribution of $275,000, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reached the $5 million mark for donations to waterfowl breeding grounds in Canada.

NAWCA Support Results In Moderate Progress; Final Outcome Uncertain

In the face of the U.S. House of Representatives threatening to eliminate funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Ducks Unlimited members responded by telling Congress about NAWCA’s positive impacts on conservation and America’s economy. Your actions helped partially restore NAWCA funding in the current year to $37.5 million.

Restoration Equals Better Waterfowling at San Luis Valley

Colorado waterfowlers and other outdoor recreationists will enjoy newly restored habitat in the San Luis Valley. Ducks Unlimited enhanced more than 2,000 acres of waterfowl breeding habitat at the Alamosa and Monte Vista national wildlife refuges.

NAWCA Partners Urge Congress to Support Program in FY 2012 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several Idaho partners of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act sent a letter to Chairman of the House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies subcommittee Rep. Mike Simpson (ID) urging him and the committee to include funding for this successful conservation program. Created over 20 years ago, NAWCA is a cost-effective, bipartisan, match-based grant that raises an average of 3.2 non-federal dollars for every federal dollar invested.

Ducks Unlimited Applauds Senate Confirmation of Dan Ashe as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Senate Thursday evening confirmed Daniel Ashe as the 16th Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ashe, a career employee of the agency, will assume his duties immediately.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Appoints DU Representative to North American Wetlands Conservation Council

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced the appointment of Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Operations, Dr. Scott Yaich, to serve on the North American Wetlands Conservation Council.

DU tells Congress: Conservation Cuts are a Loss Americans Cannot Afford To Take

Ducks Unlimited is working to educate national leaders and policymakers on how important conservation programs are to our people, our economy and our future.

DU and Partners Bring Backwater Wetlands Back to Life

Ducks Unlimited and partners recently completed restoration of one mile of backwater slough habitat on the South Platte River near Paxton, Nebraska. DU regional engineer Mitch Messmer designed the Perlinger project, taking advantage of existing river “scars” in the Platte River floodplain to bring these wetlands back to their former glory.

DU Works to Fund Future Mississippi Conservation Efforts

Ducks Unlimited regional biologist Tim Willis recently met with members of the Mississippi Conservation Funding Coalition in Jackson to discuss options for creating a dedicated source of state funding for Mississippi conservation.

Ducks Unlimited saddened by the loss of USFWS biologist/pilot

Today, the tragic loss of FWS pilot Thom Lewis during a training exercise in Florida reminds everyone of the dangers involved in not only collecting this data, but the training required to perform these duties.

Private Marsh Management

Duck clubs and other private landowners provide vital habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation’s Leaders

Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year’s oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Winter Wheat Acres Grow in Dakotas and Montana

South Dakota farmers responded to some unique opportunities this past fall to increase winter wheat acres in the state.

Meadow Valley Flowage Dedicated

Supporters of wetland conservation gathered recently to celebrate the 600-acre Meadow Valley Flowage wetland enhancement project in Juneau County, Wisconsin. Among those assembled were several DU major sponsors and volunteers, project partners, federal representatives and family and friends.

DU Wins Fourth NAWCA Grant in Great Salt Lake Ecosystem

Ducks Unlimited awarded its fourth North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant for conservation work in the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem.

Don''t Put More Fields into Production

Michigan DU state chair Terry Laymon responds to an article in the press regarding conservation programs in the Farm Bill.

Habitat Enhancement Under Way at Minnesota's Smith Lake

A new water-control outlet structure on Smith Lake in Wright County allowed Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) managers to begin drawing down lake levels last December. This habitat-enhancement project is a partnership effort between Ducks Unlimited and the Minnesota DNR to improve water-level-management capabilities and habitat conditions for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Water-Control Structure Project Completed at Iroquois NWR

The Cayuga Pool, a 675-acre unit within the refuge and the site of the Hazard Campbell dedication ceremony in May, was the focus of additional DU support this year when one of the water-control structures needed to be replaced.

California Landowners Enroll 100,000 Acres in WRP

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently reported that California farmers and ranchers have now enrolled more than 100,000 acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

DU Receives Pennington Foundation Gift

Ducks Unlimited awarded a generous grant of $1 million over five years from the Irene W. and C.B Pennington Foundation in support of DU's work in coastal Louisiana.

DU Volunteers Make Their Voices Heard During Capitol Hill Visit

Ducks Unlimited leaders and volunteers traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month to discuss the critical role wetlands conservation programs play throughout the nation. The group, which included several DU senior board members as well as members of the DU Conservation Programs Committee, met with several congressional and federal agency representatives.

Ducks Unlimited Recognized for Role in Acquisition, Donation

The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission recently recognized Ducks Unlimited for its commitment to protect natural resources in Oakland County. The recognition took place during a commission meeting at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg.

Salazar: Sportsmen Must Speak Up or Resource Will Suffer

Funding of critical land conservation efforts, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, is in jeopardy and a variety of public land supporters must get involved to help prevent major reductions on these initiatives, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar told Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall and several other DU leaders this week.

DU to Help Restore Lake Erie Wetland in Ohio

Middle Harbor is a 350-acre coastal wetland located on the Catawba Peninsula in Lake Erie. Disconnected from the lake's historic tidal influences by shoreline development, this wetland basin has over time become almost completely devoid of vegetation and is currently of little value to waterfowl and other wildlife.

DU Leaders Visit Capitol Hill, Discuss Waterfowl Initiatives with Nation's Top Policymakers

Ducks Unlimited leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to discuss the critical role wetlands conservation programs play across the nation.

Floodplain Wetlands Restored in Delaware

The Nanticoke River in Delaware and Maryland is a major tributary of Chesapeake Bay. The Nanticoke watershed, which encompasses approximately 800 square miles, supports many unique biological communities, including many rare and endangered species, and is vital to migrating and wintering waterfowl.

Dominion Resources Funds Local Conservation with Ducks Unlimited

Public recreational land located in a state park along the Potomac River in southern Fairfax County, Va., will gain additional wetland habitat thanks to a $25,000 grant from Dominion Resources. Ducks Unlimited is scheduled to complete the restoration project this summer.

6th Annual Budweiser Duck Jam

DU co-hosted the sixth annual Budweiser Duck Jam in Aggieland on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheatre in College Station, Texas. The weekend of music, barbecue and other activities helped raise money for wetland and associated habitat conservation.

DU Sits Down With Secretary of Interior Salazar in South Dakota

Ducks Unlimited says Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar’s visit to South Dakota this week brings new light to America’s disappearing native prairie. Salazar met with DU and other conservation partners today to talk about the Dakota Grassland Conservation Area that would bring more dollars to retaining grassland through conservation easements on private land.

Importance of Clean Water Protections to Wetlands

When the U.S. Congress passed the Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1972, it intended to “protect and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.” The act was effective in slowing wetland loss and improving the quality of our nation’s waters.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative sheds light on critical habitat

One year ago, the deadly oil spill from British Petroleum’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico had Ducks Unlimited waterfowl biologists fearing the worst possible scenario – potentially millions of barrels of crude oil washing into an already threatened marsh habitat along Louisiana’s Coast.

Stewards of the Prairie

Cattle ranchers manage much of this continent's most important waterfowl breeding habitat

Saving America's Marsh

Coastal wetland loss and degradation are threatening Louisiana's rich hunting and fishing heritage

Court Rules in Favor of Ducks Unlimited's Efforts to Protect Hunting on Public Lands

Ducks Unlimited and waterfowl hunters across the nation are celebrating today's federal district court ruling that supports the opening of waterfowl hunting on a number of public lands. Today's ruling from the Northern Federal Court District of Ohio will help ensure that our country's waterfowl hunting heritage will be protected.

Congress Restores Partial Funding to NAWCA for FY 2011

After facing elimination of funding in the House-passed version of the current year's legislation to pay for the federal government, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act is poised to receive $37.5 million in funding for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

Idaho Project Reverses Wetland Loss and Improves Water Quality

An innovative wetland restoration project that combined efforts to conserve waterfowl habitat and improve water quality in the Snake River watershed was recently completed by DU and partners in Idaho.

Early Spring Habitat Conditions in Canada

A compilation of impressions, collected from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) field staff, of environmental conditions relative to breeding waterfowl. These observations are not based on systematic surveys, and are not intended to describe hunting conditions.

Policy News 3-13

Waterfowl Need Your Help! DU members urge Congress to support NAWCA funding; Ducks Unlimited hails the importance of NAWCA during press conference call; DU urges the continued funding of key conservation programs in written testimony to House Committee on Appropriations

Policy News 3-12

Congress returns from recess to address FY2011 budget issues; DU Western Region staff discuss impact of water shortages with with Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner; Nebraska Senator Addresses Ducks Unlimited state convention

DU, Sportsmen Groups to hold teleconference

Ducks Unlimited, along with several national sportsmen-conservationist organizations and Montana hunters and anglers, will speak out against the proposed budget cuts that strike directly at America's tradition of wildlife and habitat conservation in a March 30 teleconference.

Record Year for Wetlands Reserve Program

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced in December that the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and Native American tribes enrolled more than 272,000 acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) during fiscal year 2010, the highest single-year enrollment since the program began in 1990. More than 2.3 million acres are currently enrolled in WRP nationwide.

Former Leader of Ducks Unlimited Conservation Programs Receives International NAWMP Award

Dr. Alan Wentz was named the recipient of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's International Canvasback Award for his significant long-term contributions to the implementation of the NAWMP's conservation activities throughout North America.

Policy News 3-11

Congress passes another short-term spending resolution, no cuts made to NAWCA funding; U.S. Interior Secretary Salazar visits Nebraska's Rainwater Basin to see conservation efforts in action; DU announces 2011 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards; recipients include Illinois Sen. Durbin

Massive Coastal Restoration Project Completed in California

For the first time in more than 100 years, tidal waters returned in August to the former Napa Plant Site salt-production facility adjacent to the Napa River on the northern reaches of San Francisco Bay.

DU Biologist to Expand New York Wetland Conservation Efforts

Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist Sarah Fleming recently began work in New York to further DU's wetland restoration and conservation efforts in eastern Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River Valley. Fleming will be responsible for developing and implementing DU's conservation mission and goals in the state through protection, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and adjacent wetland habitat.

Policy News 3-10

Senate majority proposes amendment to H.R.1, supports funding crucial conservation programs; DU GAO hosts reception in Washington, D.C., highlights importance of NAWCA program

Nanticoke River Watershed Restoration Plan

ConocoPhillips Alaska Helps Conserve Estuary in Anchorage

Partnership will improve Alaskan waterfowl habitat

Policy News 3-9

Great Lakes staff meets with Congress to express concerns; DU's Southern Region stresses importance of public policy efforts at LA Coastal Experience; Virginia congressman praises DU's efforts to restore NAWCA funding

Canada Habitat Conditions Report

Conditions are looking very good for waterfowl for spring 2011, particularly in the prairies

DU Acquires First Conservation Easement in Eastern Washington

DU recently acquired a 317-acre conservation easement on the Rosenau property in Spokane County, Washington, that will protect wetlands and surrounding upland habitat from development.

North Carolina Grant Supports Cape Fear Acquisition

Ducks Unlimited recently received a $375,000 grant from the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office through the Environmental Enhancement Grant Program. These funds will be used to acquire land along the Cape Fear River that will be managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. This is the third grant received by DU in support of its work in the Cape Fear River Basin. Past projects funded by this grant program have been used to restore wetland habitat on agricultural lands and in bottomland hardwood forests, improve water quality, control flooding, and provide public outdoor recreation opportunities.

DU Honors Iowa Conservation Leaders

Ducks Unlimited volunteers and staff in Iowa presented their 2011 conservation awards during the state convention.

Ducks Unlimited Video: Same Time Each Year

Ducks Unlimited is hard at work each day to make sure waterfowl have a home throughout the year. Enjoy a nostalgic look back at a video that that celebrates our waterfowl hunting heritage and reminds us of the importance of wetland conservation.

Policy News 3-8

Conservation Pays (an op-ed piece by DU CEO Dale Hall); DU biologist attends meeting of coalition aimed at creating a source of state funding for MS conservation

Conservation: Can we save CRP?

Without your help, this important agricultural conservation program faces an uncertain future

Policy News 3-7

DU voices strong opposition to massive federal conservation spending cuts; President announces plan for America's Great Outdoors Initiative; DU supports Senate bill that would make tax relief permanent for conservation donations; Coalition of conservation groups urges Congress to maintain funding for successful Great Lakes programs; DU joins NWF in urging USFWS to make restoration priority at NWR in Montana; DU co-hosts reception for Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation in Washington, D.C.; Change to wetlands law in Wisconsin sets dangerous precedent throughout state; DU regional director urges Nebraska legislators to keep valuable state conservation grant program intact

Lafarge Kansas Plant Named 2010 Wings Over Wetlands Winner

Lafarge wins award for habitat conservation work being conducted at Kansas facility

DU Supports South Carolina Mottled Duck Project

DU and partners to conduct a study of hen mottled ducks

Remarks from President Obama's Speech

A transcript from President Obama's speech on the America's Great Outdoors Initiative.

NAWCA: State Fact Sheets

View NAWCA fact sheets by state (in PDF format)

DU Improves Waterfowl Habitat and Hunting in Alabama

Improving waterfowl habitat and hunting in Alabama

Ducks Unlimited Receives Highest Mark of Distinction in Land Conservation

DU receives highest mark of distinction in land conservation with accreditation approval from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

Policy News 3-6

Arkansas senator newest member of federal board managing duck habitat

Policy News 3-5

DU supports strengthening hunting tradition with additional funding for Open Fields; DU volunteers, staff attend South Carolina Sportsmen's Caucus luncheon; DU thanks state of Louisiana for $2 million support of marsh restoration project; USDA to hold general CRP sign-up for second consecutive year; DU uses Farm Bill easement program to protect critical rice land habitat in California; DU and partners ask state of California, DOI to consider wetlands, waterfowl during water crisis

DU calls attention to threatened Gulf Coast wetlands on 14th annual World Wetlands Day

Tomorrow marks the 14th annual celebration of World Wetlands Day, when government agencies, non-governmental organizations and citizens seize the opportunity to recognize the importance of wetland ecosystems for humans and wildlife alike.

DU Celebrates Second Consecutive CRP Sign-up

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced another general sign-up for CRP, which will begin March 14, 2011, and continue through April 15, 2011, marking the second year in a row that USDA has offered a general CRP sign-up.

DU Celebrates 74th Birthday as World Leader in Waterfowl, Wetlands Conservation

Tomorrow Ducks Unlimited will celebrate its 74th birthday, capping off another momentous year for the world's leader in waterfowl habitat conservation.

Birds Flocking to Newly-Restored Montana Wetland

The restored wetland habitat will provide excellent breeding and migration habitat for a variety of waterfowl species.

Dunklin Uses Budweiser Award to Help Enhance Bayou Meto

Policy News 3-3

DU conservation staff discuss common ground issues with Farm Bureau; Conservation hero makes surprise visit to GLARO office, discusses issues affecting Great Lakes region; Sen. Stabenow, DU present at Farm Bill Forum; DU's Conservation Programs Committee meets to discuss 2012 Farm Bill, Clean Water and other policy issues

DU Announces New Chief Conservation Officer

Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall has announced that Paul Schmidt, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Migratory Birds, has accepted the position of Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited Inc. Schmidt will succeed Alan Wentz, who retired at the end of September, 2010.

U.S. States Support Canadian Habitat Conservation

With the establishment of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in 1986, the United States, Canada, and Mexico embarked on an unprecedented conservation journey. They set out to restore continental waterfowl populations to the levels of the 1970s through targeted conservation efforts in all three countries.

Photo Essay: Waterfowl Feathers

Enjoy the vibrance and beauty of waterfowl feathers

Farm Bill

DU supports agricultural policy that conserves soil, water, wetlands, grasslands, and forests upon which both people and wildlife depend. The Farm Bill is the most effective tool for conserving wildlife habitat on private land, and it's DU's objective that both waterfowl and their habitats benefit from this policy.

DU Continues to Restore California's Largest Wetland

Ducks Unlimited has played an active role in wetland conservation activities in the Grasslands since 1986, when DU began making critical water conveyance enhancements in partnership with the Grassland Water District. To date, DU has helped to restore, enhance, or protect more than 132,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitat on 240 projects in this region.

Ducks Unlimited CEO joins NFWF, NRCS on tour of MBHI sites along Louisiana coast

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Oct. 27, 2010 – DU CEO Dale Hall, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Executive Director Jeff Trandahl and Kevin Norton, Louisiana state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, visited sites in the Vermilion and Cameron parishes in southwest Louisiana that were recently flooded under the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative.

Ducks Unlimited teams with USFWS to present 2010 Federal Duck Stamp Contest

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Oct. 18, 2010 – Ducks Unlimited, along with staff from a host of partnering organizations, served on the steering committee of the 2010 Federal Duck Stamp Contest held this past weekend in Berkeley, Calif. The prestigious event was held in the David Brower Center near the University of California-Berkeley campus.

Ducks Unlimited CEO named "Conservationist of the Year" by America's Wetland Foundation

Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall was honored today as "Conservationist of the Year" by the America's Wetland Foundation at the Inaugural World Delta Dialogues conference; a major international conference of more than 350 representatives from at least 15 countries who join to tackle the challenges and opportunities associated with sustaining deltaic regions worldwide, using the Mississippi River Delta as the focus.

DU CEO named to governor's coastal advisory board

Gov. Bobby Jindal has appointed Ducks Unlimited CEO H. Dale Hall to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration and Conservation. Hall will serve as one of two representatives from the conservation community.

DU's AGO initiatives stress protection of important breeding waterfowl habitat

In a letter applauding the Obama administration for its America's Great Outdoors initiative, Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall also included the organization's recommendations for the initiative going forward.

U.S. Rep. Cohen says "DU mission easy to support" during visit to group's national headquarters

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee's 9th Congressional District paid a visit to DU headquarters yesterday to better acquaint himself with the world's leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation. Before taking a tour of DU headquarters, Rep. Cohen spent time discussing his support of DU's conservation mission with top DU officials, including CEO Dale Hall.

Conservation Fact Sheets

Keep up to date on the latest conservation facts, figures, and more. Click on the fact sheet topic below for more information.

Where Ducks Unlimited Works

Ducks Unlimited takes a continental, landscape approach to waterfowl conservation. While we work in all 50 states, we focus the majority of our efforts and resources on the habitats most beneficial to waterfowl. Learn more about our top priority areas, as well as what DU is doing in your state.

Let's Stand Up for the Duck Stamp

Insights on the Federal Duck Stamp from Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall

DU Projects: Pacific Flyway

The Pacific Flyway stretches 4,000 miles north-to-south and 1,000 miles east-to-west. From the Arctic to the west coast of Mexico and the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, this flyway encompasses the most varied waterfowl habitats in North America. DU and its partners have conserved more than 984,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in the U.S. portion of the Pacific Flyway alone.

DU Projects: Central Flyway

The Central Flyway is massive, covering more than one million square miles across North America’s interior. From Canada’s boreal forest and parklands across the Great Plains down to the Texas Gulf Coast, this flyway is home to a large percentage of North America’s ducks and geese. In the U.S. portion of the Central Flyway, DU and its partners have conserved almost 1.2 million acres of waterfowl habitat.

DU Projects: Mississippi Flyway

More than 2,300 miles long with a watershed of more than 1.5 million square miles, the Mississippi River is North America’s greatest waterway and the most heavily used migration corridor for waterfowl and other birds. DU and its partners have conserved more than 1.6 million acres in the U.S. portion of this flyway.

Forever Wild

Conservation easements are a powerful tool for protecting vital waterfowl habitat on private lands. Ducks Unlimited's land protection program helps landowners conserve their habitat for wildlife and future generations.

Conservation Projects by State

Since 1937, Ducks Unlimited has completed more than 20,000 projects in North America, conserving more than 12 million acres.

World Leader in Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation

Congressman Thompson, DU celebrate historic restoration project in California

Congressman Mike Thompson of California's 1st Congressional District joined more than 100 California conservation and political officials yesterday to celebrate a milestone in U.S. habitat restoration.

Gulf Coast / Yucatan - Mexico

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Gulf Coast / Yucatan - Mexico priority area.

Ducks Unlimited Statement on the Death of Former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens

Ducks Unlimited issued the following statement regarding former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, who died in a plane crash Monday night near Dillingham, Alaska.

House Passes Full Funding For Public Lands Program, Adopts Amendment to Improve Recreational Access

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 3, 2010 – Thanks to action in the U.S. House of Representatives, sportsmen-conservationists across the country received good news late last week. Late Friday, the House passed legislation, H.R. 3534, that includes 30 years of full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The House also adopted an amendment sponsored by Rep. Ron Kind (WI) that will utilize $13.5 million of annual authorized LWCF funding for projects to secure recreational public access from willing sellers on federal lands using easements, rights-of-way or fee title acquisitions.

Ducks Unlimited: CRP sign-up comes at critical time for ducks

BISMARCK, N.D. - July 28, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited says the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new Conservation Reserve Program general sign-up comes at a critical time for duck populations, with nesting grounds continuing to disappear. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday that the agency will allow new enrollments in CRP in 2010, the first time since 2006.

Interior Secretary unveils special-edition Duck Stamp cachet at DU National Headquarters

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 27, 2010 – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar unveiled a special edition Federal Duck Stamp cachet during a press conference held at Ducks Unlimited national headquarters here today. Proceeds from the voluntary purchase of the cachet will be used to acquire wetlands for inclusion in national wildlife refuges along the Gulf Coast.

Ducks Unlimited's Tomke named chairman of federal conservation, hunting council

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 23, 2010 – John Tomke, former DU president and current president of Ducks Unlimited de Mexico, has been named chairman of the new Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council. Tomke was named to the council earlier today by U. S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. His position as chairman was confirmed by those federal departments this afternoon.

DU staff member testifies before congressional committee regarding successes of 2008 Farm Bill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - July 1, 2010 - Dr. Scott Manley, director of conservation programs in Ducks Unlimited's Southern Region, testified today before the Conservation Subcommittee of the House Agricultural Committee regarding the conservation successes of the 2008 Farm Bill. Dr. Manley leads the delivery of DU's conservation programs in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

Ducks Unlimited marks 2010 Federal Duck Stamp "First Day of Sale"

DU encourages members, supporters to get their stamps, support wildlife refuges MEMPHIS, Tenn. - June 25, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited is excited for the Federal Duck Stamp "First Day of Sale" on Friday, June 25. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with Bass Pro Shops, will hold the unveiling ceremony at the Arundel Mills Mall Bass Pro Shops located in Hanover, Md.

DU to receive $2.5 million grant for Gulf Coast habitat work

Funds will restore, enhance habitat near Gulf Coast marshes MEMPHIS, Tenn. - June 24, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited was notified today it will receive a $2.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to provide additional habitat for waterfowl and other birds that will migrate to the Gulf Coast later this year.

DU scientist, member brief congressional committee on impact of oil spill to waterfowl

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2010 – This past Friday, more than 150 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate staffs, representatives from a variety of national news programs and other organizations attended a Ducks Unlimited briefing regarding the Gulf Coast oil spill and its potential impacts on waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited board of directors passes Gulf oil spill resolution

DALLAS - May 28, 2010 - As part of Ducks Unlimited's ongoing response to the Gulf oil spill tragedy, its board of directors passed a resolution yesterday that further emphasized the organization's commitment to restoring wetlands along the Gulf Coast.

Ducks Unlimited issues statement on Gulf oil spill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - May 25, 2010 - In a statement released today, Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall emphasized that the organization has reached out to both federal and state agencies and offered its assistance and technical expertise in the damage assessment and habitat restoration phases of the 36-day-old Gulf disaster.

DU celebrates Boreal wetlands protection announcement

Vital wetland systems in Canada's Boreal Forest conserved After years of turmoil between industry and conservation organizations, 170 million acres of Canada's Boreal Forest are being protected through the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement, which was signed May 18 and organized by the Pew Environment Group.

Ducks Unlimited - Gulf Coast Oil Spill Response

First and foremost, Ducks Unlimited's thoughts and prayers go out to the oil rig workers and their families who have been affected by this accident. As oil from the Louisiana spill moves ashore and into the wetland ecosystems along the Gulf Coast, DU wants to remind volunteers, members and supporters of the region's fragility and its importance to North America's waterfowl.

Spring Habitat Conditions in Canada

Waterfowl have begun to arrive on the Canadian breeding grounds, and the conditions they find play a vital role in nest success. DU Canada produces habitat updates, which provide a glimpse of what Northern-traveling waterfowl might find upon arrival in 2010.

DU presents Louisiana Gulf Coast science-based solutions on Earth Day

DU members are encouraged to recognize habitat conservation solutions on Earth Day As the world's leader in wetlands conservation, Ducks Unlimited is working every day to improve habitat conditions to benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people in North America. Earth Day is no different. But today, DU wants to remind its members and supporters that there are effective, science-based conservation solutions available.

Ducks Unlimited names Dale Hall new CEO

Former U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service director to lead conservation organization MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 14, 2010 – Ducks Unlimited Inc., America's leading wetlands and waterfowl conservation group, announced today that H. Dale Hall has been named the organization’s new chief executive officer.

Enhancement bill signifies milestone

Canadian funding to go toward wetlands conservation projects MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 30, 2010 - For the first time since its inception more than 20 years ago, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) can allow Canadian funding sources to count toward the dollar-for-dollar match required by the U.S. government.

DU announces 2010 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - March 26, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited announced the winners of the 2010 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards at the 75th-annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Milwaukee, Wis., on Friday, March 26.

Ducks Unlimited lauds new roadmap for Gulf Coast restoration

Ducks Unlimited looks forward to working with the Administration to implement their plan to streamline and coordinate restoration efforts along the Gulf Coast. The plan, developed under the leadership of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, brings together stakeholders from the states, federal government, and organizations like Ducks Unlimited to expedite landscape restoration efforts.

Wetlands enhancement measure passes U.S. Senate

Bill will improve wetlands restoration projects across North America WASHINGTON - March 10, 2010 - The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bill to enhance the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and improve continental conservation efforts. Ducks Unlimited supports the measure, which would allow more Canadian investment in the NAWCA program. NAWCA conserves habitat in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ducks Unlimited urges partnership in carp solution

Conservation group releases position on invasive Asian carp WASHINGTON - Feb. 28, 2010 - This week, Ducks Unlimited released its position on the threat to the Great Lakes presented by non-native carp. DU called on both governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop an immediate short-term plan, followed by a comprehensive long-term strategy to deal with Asian carp in the Great Lakes.

DU mourns loss of two conservation giants in waterfowl community

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Feb. 22, 2010 - This weekend the wildlife community, and waterfowl in particular, lost two of its strongest leaders in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton and Harvey Nelson, one of the nation's most respected wetland and waterfowl managers.

Colorado wildlife, waters at risk

New report shows state's streams and wetlands endangered A new report highlights threats to Colorado's waters and wetlands under regulatory guidance resulting from two Supreme Court cases.

Ducks Unlimited welcomes new White House Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack introduce new panel to focus on sporting traditions WASHINGTON - Feb. 4, 2010 - Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the reformation of a White House panel devoted to hunting and fishing traditions today.

DU urges legislature to reinvest in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 4, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited says full funding for the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve program would be a good investment bringing positive economic benefits and leveraging millions in federal dollars.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates World Wetlands Day

DU encourages members and supporters to acknowledge wetlands conservation issues today MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Feb. 2, 2010 - Conservationists across the globe are celebrating World Wetlands Day, recognizing the importance of these valuable ecosystems for humans and wildlife alike. DU strives to raise public awareness about the benefits of wetlands as waterfowl habitat and a key to water quality, and World Wetlands Day focuses on conservation solutions worldwide.

Former DU board member Jim Range receives conservation award posthumously

ST. LOUIS - Jan. 25, 2010 - To honor a life spent championing the outdoors, Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have named the late James D. "Jim" Range of Washington, D.C., the 2010 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year. This is the fifteenth consecutive year the award has been presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and wildlife conservation.

What's good for the landowner can also be good for the ducks

BISMARCK, N.D. - Jan. 21, 2010 - It's all about win-win solutions, say North Dakota's two new Ducks Unlimited conservation program biologists. Krista Reiser and Heather Shaw are working with landowners in the state's Missouri Coteau area to find conservation solutions that protect and/or restore natural resources while improving a landowner's operation.

Sports South LLC challenges SHOT attendees to Rescue the Duck Factory

LAS VEGAS - Jan. 20, 2010 - Skipper Dickson, owner of Sports South LLC, announced a challenge to SHOT Show attendees that he would match up to $500,000 in donations to Ducks Unlimited's Rescue the Duck Factory (RDF) campaign. Challenging other distributors, retailers and show attendees, Sports South's commitment to RDF comes with the understanding that by conserving critical habitat, they are conserving the future of the outdoor recreational industry, especially waterfowl hunting.

Official Ducks Unlimited statement regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife airplane crash

Dr. Alan Wentz, Ducks Unlimited senior group manager for conservation and communications, issued an official statement regarding the news that two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl biologists, Vernon (Ray) Bentley and David (Dave) Pitkin, were killed when their survey aircraft crashed in western Oregon on Sunday, Jan. 17. Please click the link to read the full statement.

Top resolution for waterfowlers: Protect wetlands

WASHINGTON - Jan. 7, 2010 - As the new year begins, waterfowlers are pursuing a top resolution for 2010: restore Clean Water Act protection to wetlands that are vital to keeping the skies filled with waterfowl.

Tide returns to Nisqually estuary

Partners celebrate largest estuary restoration in Pacific Northwest OLYMPIA, Wash., Nov. 12, 2009 - Diked and dammed for more than 100 years, the tide is returning to the Nisqually estuary. After spending 12 years and nearly $10 million, experts have reconnected some 762 acres of estuary with the tides of Puget Sound.

CRP losses in Prairie Pothole Region add up

DU says losses will affect duck numbers in the future BISMARCK, N.D. - Nov. 10, 2009 - Ducks Unlimited cautions that the Duck Factory is on the verge of losing even more of its capacity. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Conservation Reserve Program contracts on more than 500,000 acres expired and were not renewed in the Prairie Pothole Region states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana in 2009.

USDA pushing for full Wetlands Reserve Program enrollment

Ducks Unlimited supports efforts to boost conservation WASHINGTON - Oct. 26, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture aims to have the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) enrolled to its fully authorized acreage by 2012, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Ducks Unlimited has a history of working with landowners to put WRP projects on their land, including more than 250,000 acres in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

Jim Kennedy named Distinguished Conservationist of the Year by Georgia Conservancy

DU leader honored at sold-out gala event ATLANTA - Oct. 19, 2009 - Jim Kennedy, past president of Ducks Unlimited's Wetlands America Trust (WAT) and former chairman of the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign, received the Distinguished Conservationist of the Year Award from the Georgia Conservancy on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Ducks Unlimited senior official discusses coastal restoration with administration

NEW ORLEANS - Oct. 15, 2009 - Ducks Unlimited First Vice President John Newman met with a senior Obama administration official today to discuss coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf Coast.

Clean water critical for sportsmen as hunting seasons open across the country

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2009 - As hunting seasons across the country begin to open, clean water is again on the forefront of sportsmen's minds. An investigation into the effectiveness of the Clean Water Act by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee attracted praise from sportsmen's groups including Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Trout Unlimited.

North America's ducks need Canada

Canadian habitats critical to meeting continental population goals OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, Manitoba, Sept. 30, 2009 - North America is blessed with the greatest populations of waterfowl anywhere on the planet, and North Americans share the heritage and responsibility of being their stewards. That is why Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is genuinely pleased when reports circulate about high duck numbers this year on the United States side of the Prairie Pothole Region.

Wetlands enhancement measure passes House of Representatives

Ducks Unlimited: "Bill will improve North American wetlands restoration program" WASHINGTON - Oct. 13, 2009 - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to enhance the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and improve continental conservation efforts. Ducks Unlimited supports the measure, which would allow more Canadian investment in the program. The program conserves important habitat in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ohio Lake Erie Commission honors Ducks Unlimited as Lake Erie advocate

TOLEDO, Ohio - Sept. 30, 2009 - The Ohio Lake Erie Commission has announced the winners of the 2009 Ohio Lake Erie Awards, which annually recognizes an individual and an organization that have made outstanding contributions to enhance Ohio's Great Lake. Ducks Unlimited received the 2009 Lake Erie Award for its wetland conservation efforts in Ohio.

House committee passes wetlands enhancement bill

Ducks Unlimited applauds House Natural Resources Committee for approving improvements to North American Wetlands Conservation Act WASHINGTON - Sept. 30, 2009 - Scott Sutherland, director of Ducks Unlimited's Governmental Affairs Office, issued a statement today in response to the House Natural Resources Committee passing H.R. 3433, a bill to enhance the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

DU's Wentz recognized by outdoor writer organization

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 28, 2009 - The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers awarded Dr. Alan Wentz, Ducks Unlimited group manager of conservation, communications and marketing, with the group's Golden Glow Individual Award at the association's annual conference this past week.

Statement from Ducks Unlimited on Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative

WASHINGTON - Sept. 24, 2009 - Ducks Unlimited Director of Public Policy Dan Wrinn issued a statement today in response to the Department of Agriculture's announcement of the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Waters Initiative.

Ducks Unlimited calls on Congress to enhance successful wetlands conservation program

WASHINGTON - Sept. 22, 2009 - Ducks Unlimited testified before a congressional subcommittee today to urge the expansion of the popular North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

Wetlands conservation reaches milestone

Projects allocate one billionth dollar for wetlands conservation program WASHINGTON - Sept. 9, 2009 - Wetlands conservation reached a major milestone today. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) program has allocated more than $1 billion in federal grants.

Duck Stamp receives conservation boost from House

Ducks Unlimited supports increasing value of stamp Waterfowl habitat conservation is moving closer to keeping pace with the skyrocketing land values of the past several years today, as the House Natural Resources Committee passed the Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act, sending the bill to the House floor.

Summer habitat conditions in Canada

Despite variable spring conditions, some results from the 2009 U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Canadian Wildlife Services' Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey are encouraging. The greatest increase in total duck breeding populations in Canada was observed in the Alaska-Yukon Territory-Old Crow Flats area, where estimates were 19% above the long-term average this year.

Important conservation program expires soon

Congressional sportsmen renew call for conservation WASHINGTON - July 16, 2009 - A bipartisan group of lawmakers are calling for an extension of a popular habitat conservation program that saves taxpayer's money. Members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus held a briefing to promote conservation easements on private land.

Duck numbers up overall

Greatly improved habitat conditions increase duck populations for 2009 MEMPHIS, Tenn. - July 2, 2009 - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released its preliminary report today on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May and early June. Total duck populations were estimated at 42 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. This estimate represents a 13-percent increase over last year's estimate of 37.3 million birds and is 25 percent above the 1955-2008 long-term average.

House passes record wetlands conservation funding

Ducks Unlimited members make the difference WASHINGTON - June 25, 2009 - The House of Representatives is making a record investment in wetlands conservation by approving more than $52 million for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

DU celebrates Federal Duck Stamp's 'First Day of Sale'

Stamp has provided critical habitat funding for 75 years MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 25, 2009 - Ducks Unlimited urges supporters and conservationists to purchase the 75th Federal Duck Stamp tomorrow, the 'First Day of Sale.' In conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bass Pro Shops, the 'First Day of Sale' will be celebrated by wetland and associated habitat conservationists in more than 20 Bass Pro locations across the country.

Goose Researchers Report Late Nesting Year

Delayed nesting on goose breeding areas on West Hudson Bay was apparent in early June when biologists began 2009 field investigations. Nest searching and surveys since have only served to confirm that 2009 will be among the latest on record.

Senate makes next step toward protecting America's waters

Environment and Public Works Committee passes CWRA WASHINGTON - June 18, 2009 - The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 12 to 7 today to advance an amended Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA) to the full Senate. Ducks Unlimited says this is a positive move to protect wetlands for waterfowl and clean water for America.

Congress recommends record wetlands restoration funding

Strong support for wetlands, refuges from House subcommittee WASHINGTON - June 10, 2009 - A proposed record increase to the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) moved a step closer to becoming reality today when the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved the President's request of more than $52 million for the popular wetlands conservation initiative.

Delayed Goose Production in 2009

From a duck perspective, the record snow cover in portions of the prairies in 2009 signaled an optimistic outlook for production. Resulting wet conditions in the U.S. prairies and into portions of southern Canada should be favorable for ducks that have arrived already to begin the 2009 nesting season. The same is not true, however, from the standpoint of geese arriving on northern breeding grounds.

Statement from Ducks Unlimited on administration support for Clean Water Restoration Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 22, 2009 - The following is a statement Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Operations, Dr. Scott Yaich, issued in response to a letter sent by key legislators on Capitol Hill supporting restoration of Clean Water Act protection to more than 20 million acres of wetlands across the United States.

Ducks Unlimited Calls on Congress to Protect Sportsmen's Investment

Chief Biologist supports increasing value of Duck Stamp, allowing more investment in conservation WASHINGTON – May 13, 2009 – Ducks Unlimited Chief Biologist Dale Humburg recommended a change to a popular and effective conservation initiative to the House Natural Resources Committee: increase the value of the Federal Duck Stamp.

Federal budget contains mixed news for sportsmen

Conservation leaders meet with Obama administration to discuss wildlife needs WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 7, 2009 - The president's budget contains both positive and potentially dubious news for sportsmen, according to Ducks Unlimited. Today's budget request calls for increased funding for wetlands and waterfowl habitat programs, but also limits funding for incentives to allow public hunting and fishing access on private lands.

Saving the Great Plains on Earth Day

Ducks Unlimited Executive Vice President Don Young met with senior Senate leaders on Capitol Hill today to highlight the need to incorporate wildlife concerns into climate change legislation, especially in the endangered prairie ecosystem.

Congress introduces bill to increase waterfowl habitat

Migratory Bird Conservation Commission members Congressman John Dingell (Mich.) and Robert Wittman (Va.) introduced legislation in Congress to increase the availability and buying power of the Federal Duck Stamp, a move designed to continue the success the stamp has had in conserving waterfowl habitat across the United States.

New bill would restore protections for wetlands - Conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 2, 2009 – America's wetlands would have their Clean Water Act protections restored under a new bill introduced today by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (Wisc.) and 23 co-sponsors. The Clean Water Restoration Act, which is supported by Ducks Unlimited and other conservation/sportsmen's groups, would restore protection to more than 20 million acres of geographically isolated wetlands at risk of pollution and destruction under current guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.

Saving the Louisiana Coast

In the last 70 years, the Louisiana coast has lost more than 1.5 million acres of vital wetland habitat - that's roughly a football field every 30 minutes. Ducks Unlimited, in conjunction with private landowners and various agencies, is committed to making a difference in this key area for migrating waterfowl.

DU announces 2009 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

ARLINGTON, Va., March 20, 2009 – Ducks Unlimited announced the winners of the 2009 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards at the 74th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Va. DU’s Wetland Achievement Awards are presented in six categories and recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and conservation of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl.

More access for hunters, more land for ducks announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that approximately 7 million acres of Conservation Reserve Program land would be opened up to hunting and fishing access in the coming year...

Conservation leaders, White House discuss future of hunting

Representatives from conservation community to gather in Reno, Nev., on Oct. 1 to discuss the needs of waterfowl and wildlife resources in the new century.

Conservation Reserve Program land opened to grazing in flood stricken counties - Conservation

Ducks Unlimited supports flexibility for ranchers affected by extreme weather WASHINGTON - JULY 7, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program in counties affected by flooding will be opened for grazing. This action will provide feed and forage for livestock while maintaining the conservation benefits to waterfowl habitat.

Ducks Unlimited staff meets with Senior Senate Agriculture Committee staff to discuss Farm bill

Several DU staff sat down with the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee Tom Harkin (Iowa) recently to discuss the current state of the farm bill in the U.S. Senate. The news that came out of the meeting was mixed for conservation. The latest draft of the bill showed slight gains for conservation, but still left a hole of more than $5.5 billion for the bill.

Conservation Order Means More Snow Goose Hunting

Goose’s Overpopulation is Still a Threat to Arctic Ecosystem February 26, 2007 - Waterfowl hunters can still get in some hunting though duck season is over until next fall. In many mid-continent and Northeastern states, the special light goose - greater and lesser snow geese - conservation-hunting season is now open.

Farm Bill Program Reimburses Wetland Restoration Costs - Conservation

Ducks Unlimited fronts funds to help farmers achieve conservation goals MEMPHIS, Tenn., February 7, 2007 – Every year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases a list of payments it makes for the dozens of programs it administers through the farm bill. Most of those payments are known as “subsidy” payments, which are funds paid by the government to a private entity for the good of the public. Ducks Unlimited (DU) typically ranks high on the list for receiving millions of farm bill dollars. However, these payments to DU are not subsidies, they are reimbursements for on-the-ground wetland restoration projects DU conducts, mostly through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

DU Talks Farm Bill with House Ag. Chairman Peterson

Waterfowl conservation group advocates “Farm the Best, Conserve the Rest” philosophy MEMPHIS, Tenn., January 31, 2007 – House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (Minn.) recently visited Ducks Unlimited’s headquarters to discuss DU’s priorities for the next federal farm bill in working with America’s farmers and ranchers. Peterson, an avid waterfowl hunter, was in the area for a farm bill town hall meeting in Arkansas.

Ducks Unlimited Receives BASF Grant to Control Invasive Plants

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 2, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited will use a matching grant to eliminate invasive salt cedar as part of its wetlands restoration on Cibola National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). DU received $12,500 from BASF for herbicide application to fight the spread of terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants.

Popular Wetlands Program Extended

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 2006 – Congress and the president showed support for waterfowl and wetlands recently, when they reauthorized the North American Wetlands Conservation Act for an additional five years.

Early Fall Habitat Conditions in Canada - Oct 2006

With the exception of central and northern areas of British Columbia and Alberta, habitat conditions are good or better across the country. This years’ fall flight is shaping up to be quite good and numbers of birds are beginning to build in southern areas. Harvest was early throughout the prairies this year and is largely completed.

"Eleventh Hour" Gains for Wetlands Conservation

Congress Extends Key Habitat Programs to Benefit Waterfowl Washington DC - October 2, 2006 – Last minute action proved to be beneficial to waterfowl and wildlife as Congress acted to continue three popular conservation programs. In the waning hours before the electoral recess, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to extend the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act and the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. The conservation bills now await signature by President Bush.

Ducks Unlimited Shows Support for Reauthorization of Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act

Executive Vice President, Don Young Testifies on Behalf WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sept. 14, 2006 - Ducks Unlimited (DU) Executive Vice President Don Young today provided testimony in support of reauthorizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) before the U.S. House of Representatives. The GLFWRA has great potential to expand restoration efforts outlined by the Restoration Strategy that was released by the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration in December of 2005.

Conservation Programs Celebrate 20-year Success Story

Landowners, hunters and wildlife reap the benefits of conservation legislation WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2006 – Two decades of successful cooperative conservation is being celebrated on Capitol Hill, as Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever join members of Congress and federal officials in an event commemorating the 20th anniversaries of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The two programs have improved habitat on more than 24 million acres nationwide.

Ducks Unlimited Surpasses 2006 Conservation Goals

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 3, 2006 - Ducks Unlimited had a busy year in fiscal year 2006. In the last 12 months, Ducks Unlimited has conserved nearly 170,000 acres across America, surpassing its conservation goals for the year.

e-Duck Stamp Makes it Easier for Hunters

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 25, 2006 – The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation (385 to 4) yesterday that will make it easier for waterfowl hunters to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp. The Senate passed the bill earlier. It now goes to President Bush to sign into law.

Summer Habitat Conditions in Canada 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 20, 2006 - Habitat conditions in eastern Canada are generally very good. Conditions are more varied in western Canada, where many areas are experiencing warm, dry weather. Waterfowl production appears to be very good in many parts of the country - the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey conducted by USFWS and CWS showed that breeding waterfowl numbers in the traditional survey area are up 9 percent from the long-term average and up 14 percent from spring 2005.

U.S. Army and Ducks Unlimited Partner for Conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited will soon help conserve wetlands and associated habitats on key areas of the Army’s 16.5 million acres of land, thanks to an agreement signed today.

Duck Numbers up Overall - July 5th, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 5, 2006 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today released its preliminary report on western breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. Overall, duck populations increased 14 percent since last year with an estimated 36.2 million breeding ducks on the prairies. Habitat conditions were also slightly better than last year, thanks to a warm winter and good precipitation.

Senate Subcommittee Recommends Maximum Funding for Wetlands Program

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 20, 2006 – The Senate Appropriations subcommittee for Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies today approved full funding for 250,000 acres for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). This approval agrees with President Bush’s budget request for full funding for the program.

Congressional Effort Underway to Extend Key Wetlands Program

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2006 – House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (Calif.) introduced a bill yesterday to reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Since 1989, NAWCA has successfully fostered hundreds of public-private partnerships to conserve more than 20 million acres of wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl, other migratory birds and wildlife.

Ducks Unlimited Announces History’s Largest Wetlands Conservation Campaign

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 2, 2006 – In the race against time to save North America’s wetlands, Ducks Unlimited and its foundation, the Wetlands America Trust, have announced the launch of the largest wetlands conservation campaign in history. The Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign will raise $1.7 billion over the next five years to conserve North America’s wetlands for future generations.

Future for the Wetlands Reserve Program Uncertain

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2006 – Despite President Bush’s request for full funding at 250,000 acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program, Congress is proposing to drastically cut the program to 144,776 acres.

DU Announcements 2005 Conservation Achievement Award Winners

Arlington, Virginia, March 18 – Ducks Unlimited announced the winners of DU’s 2005 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards today at the 70th Annual North American Wildlife & Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

Ducks Unlimited Receives Seven NAWCA Grants to Conserve Wetlands and Grasslands

Ducks Unlimited Receives Seven NAWCA Grants to Conserve Wetlands and Grasslands WASHINGTON, April 5, 2006– Ducks Unlimited and its partners were recently awarded seven North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants to conserve nearly 40,000 acres of habitat. The grants cover projects in nine states. Approximately $16.7 million in matching funds from project partners and more than $6.4 million in NAWCA grant funds will restore, protect and enhance wetlands critical to waterfowl.

Administration Decision Supports Wetlands Protection - Conservation

Memphis, TN, December 18, 2003 - The Bush Administration took a significant step towards continued protection of wetlands by declaring that there would be no new rules to affect the historical protection of wetlands under the federal Clean Water Act.

The Future of Wetland Conservation May Be Threatened

Memphis, TN, June 12, 2003 --- Ducks Unlimited (DU), a world leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation, voiced its concern over changes to wetlands protection provided by the Clean Water Act before the U.S. Senate this week in Washington D.C.

Congress Approves a Funding Increase for NAWCA - Conservation

WASHINGTON, August 2, 2005 - Congress recently approved $40 million in appropriations for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for the upcoming fiscal year. After remaining flat for the past three fiscal years, this is a net increase of more than $2 million from 2005, an impressive gain considering the current fiscal climate.

Conservation in Ricelands of North America

Research on the present and future state of riceland conservation, from the Rice Foundation and Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Conservation FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Ducks Unlimited Conservation Program.

Oaks and Prairies, Edwards Plateau, Tamaulipas Brushlands and Chihuahuan Desert

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Oaks and Prairies priority area

Sonoran and Mohave Deserts / Sierra Madre Occidental

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts / Sierra Madre Occidental priority area

Sierra Nevada

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Sierra Nevada priority area

Latin America and the Caribbean

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Latin America and the Caribbean priority area

Northeastern U.S. Forests

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Northeastern U.S. Forests priority area

Interior Highlands of Mexico

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Interior Highlands of Mexico priority area

Atlantic Canada

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Atlantic Canada priority area

West Gulf Coastal Plain

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the West Gulf Coastal Plain priority area

West Coast of Mexico

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the West Coast of Mexico priority area

Upper Mississippi River

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Upper Mississippi River priority area

Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont priority area

Peninsular Florida

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Peninsular Florida priority area

Northwestern Great Plains

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Northwestern Great Plains priority area.

Northern and Southern Rockies / Colorado Plateau

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Northern and Southern Rockies / Colorado Plateau priority area.

North Atlantic / New England Coast

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the North Atlantic / New England Coast priority area.

Hawaii

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in Hawaii.

British Columbia Intermountain

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the British Columbia Intermountain priority area.

Baja California Desert

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Baja California Desert priority area.

Southern Great Plains

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Southern Great Plains priority area.

Pacific Northwest

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Pacific Northwest priority area.

Mid-Atlantic Coast

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Mid-Atlantic Coast priority area.

Hardwood Transition / Lower Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Plain - Ontario

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Hardwood Transition / Lower Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Plain - Ontario conservation priority area.

Great Basin

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's conservation efforts in its Great Basin priority area.

U.S. Great Lakes System

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's U.S. Great Lakes System priority area.

Western Boreal Forest - Alaska

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Western Boreal Forest - Alaska priority area, part of the Western Boreal Forest Initiative.

Gulf Coastal Prairie

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Gulf Coastal Prairie priority area.

Central Valley / Coastal California

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Central Valley / Coastal California priority area.

Mississippi Alluvial Valley

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Mississippi Alluvial Valley priority area.

Western Boreal Forest Initiative

Ducks Unlimited's Wetlands Boreal Forest Conservation Initiative, part of the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign.

Western Boreal Forest - Canada

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Western Boreal Forest - Canada priority area, part of the Western Boreal Forest Initiative.

Arctic Plains & Mountains - Alaska

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Arctic Plains and Mountains - Alaska priority area.

Western Alaska / Aleutian - Bering Sea Islands

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Western Alaska / Aleutian - Bering Sea Islands priority area.

Prairie Pothole Region

The Prairie Pothole Region, North America's Duck Factory, is at the heart of Ducks Unlimited's conservation mission. Read more about DU's PPR priority area.

Louisiana Coast: The Time Is Now

Louisiana's coastal marshes are in danger. Ducks Unlimited is working to save them. Learn more about the historical loss of the Louisiana coast.

How Duck Hunters Can Change History

By supporting conservation today, all of us can help ensure a bright future for waterfowl and our sport.

Conservation: Anything But Average

Variability in weather and habitat has a profound influence on ducks and hunters.

NAWCA Turns 20

During the past two decades, this popular program has conserved more than 24 million acres of prime waterfowl habitat.

Waterfowl in the Last Frontier

Alaska has experienced a waterfowl population boom, but future development and climate change could threaten the birds and their habitat.

The World's Best Model for Wildlife

A century after the nation’s first conservation summit, today’s natural resource leaders are exploring ways to strengthen North America’s unique wildlife conservation model.

A New Vision for Waterfowl

To sustain healthy waterfowl populations in the future, DU must adapt to emerging challenges and increase the scope of its conservation work.

DU's Living Lakes Initiative

DU's Living Lakes Initiative protects and manages shallow lake complexes in Iowa and Minnesota

GLARO Conservation: Projects

Conservation projects by state in DU's Great Lakes/Atlantic Region

The Amazing Journey

Following one hen throughout its annual cycle reveals much about the key habitat challenges facing waterfowl.

GLARO Conservation

Biological services in DU's Great Lakes/Atlantic Region

Common Ground

DU works hand in hand with farmers and ranchers to find conservation solutions that benefit both agriculture and waterfowl.

Crisis for Americas Wetlands

Our nation’s wetlands face their greatest risk in 35 years, and federal legislation that would protect them needs your support.

Trouble for Texas Pintails

Wintering habitat loss in this state’s coastal counties may be contributing to declining pintail populations.

GIS Spatial Data Download

Ducks Unlimited Geographic Information Systems mapping data for habitat conservation efforts across North America, available for download.

Conservation's Best Kept Secret

DU’s public policy efforts are more important than ever for wetlands and waterfowl.

Northern Exposure

The boreal forest has always been a bastion for waterfowl, but dramatic changes in land use and climate now threaten this region’s fragile wetlands.

Running on Empty

Water management is a hot topic in California, affecting residents, waterfowl hunters and the birds.

Prairies Under Siege

Ducks Unlimited scientists provide an in-depth look at the conservation of the Prairie Pothole Region in a comprehensive four-part series.

Western Boreal Forest Canada - More Information

More information on the Western Boreal Forest - Canada region, one of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation priority areas and initiatives.

Project RECLAIM

A GIS-based management strategy to help eliminate this destructive encroachment of woody vegetation in Catahoula Lake.

Prairies Under Siege: The Future of the Prairie Pothole Region

Jim Ringelman explains the actions necessary to keep the Prairie Pothole Region functioning and producing waterfowl for future generations.

Prairies Under Siege: Science and Conservation

Science is the most important factor driving Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Prairie Pothole Region.

Prairies Under Siege: New Threats to Ducks & Waterfowling

The Prairie Pothole Region, an area critical to waterfowl, is currently under attack from several sides, putting nesting habitat at risk.

Prairies Under Siege: Ducks, Habitat Conservation & Predators

Ducks Unlimited scientists explain why DU's focus remains on habitat conservation rather than predator control.

Tara's Treasures

The story of a Mississippi Alluvial Valley estate that's been transformed into a wildlife area.

The Other Duck Factory

The Western Boreal Forest of Canada and Alaska serves as the most important breeding habitat for waterfowl in North America.

Conservation Planning in the Playa Lakes

Using a Geographic Information System to facilitate conservation planning in the Playa Lakes region. Research done by DU in partnership with the Playa Lakes Joint Venture.

Quantification of Surface Water

Geographic Information Systems research done by DU and the Gulf Coast Joint Venture to analyze surface water in Gulf Coast marshes.

Project SWAMP

The Siting Wetlands in the Alluvial Mississippi Plain (SWAMP) Decision Support System was created to aid in effective conservation planning in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

Project STREAM

Interactive mapping research done on the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley by Ducks Unlimited's GIS department.

Historical Forest Cover

A GIS profile of forested lands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley in the 1940s.

The Cover Connection

Large areas of protected grasslands are essential for waterfowl populations nesting in the Prairie Pothole Region and across the Great Plains.

Ducks Unlimited International Programs

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) has long recognized that maintaining North America's waterfowl populations requires conservation well beyond U.S. borders. Indeed, migratory birds present one of the greatest conservation challenges on Earth. Responsible stewardship of these species often requires conservation of habitats from the boreal forest of Canada to the tropical mangrove swamps of Venezuela and numerous points between and beyond.

Map Viewers

A list of online GIS map viewers created by Ducks Unlimited Inc. and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Partners for the Forest

DU is working with a variety of partners to save the most productive waterfowl breeding habitats in the vast western boreal forest.

The DU Mission - Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation

Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Learn more about DU and get the latest information on our habitat conservation and grassroots membership programs.

Geese in the 21st Century

North America now has nearly three times as many geese as there were just 30 years ago, offering new opportunities for waterfowlers and management challenges for biologists.

Waterfowling in a New World

Hunted for both food and sport, waterfowl were crucial to the survival of North America's early colonists and pioneers.

What's a Duck Marsh Really Worth

What's a Duck Marsh Really Worth?

Geographic Information Systems

Information about DU's Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing program and how it furthers our conservation mission.

Latin America and the Caribbean - More Information

Background information on DU's Latin America and the Caribbean conservation priority area

Hawaii - More Information

Background information on DU's Hawaii conservation priority area

Interior Highlands of Mexico - More Information

Background information on DU's Interior Highlands of Mexico conservation priority area

Gulf Coastal Prairie - More Information

More info on the Gulf Coastal Prairie of Texas and Louisiana and Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work there.

Sonoran and Mohave Deserts - More Information

Background information on DU's Sonoran and Mohave Deserts conservation priority area

Central Valley / Coastal California - More Information

More information on the Central Valley / Coastal California region and DU's habitat conservation work there.

Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont - More Information

Background information on DU's Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont conservation priority area

Mississippi Alluvial Valley - More Information

More information about DU's Mississippi Alluvial Valley conservation priority area and the region's history.

West Gulf Coastal Plain - More Information

Background information on DU's West Gulf Coastal Plain conservation priority area

Upper Mississippi River - More Information

Background information on DU's Upper Mississippi River conservation priority area

Southern Great Plains - More Information

Background information on DU's Southern Great Plains region

Northwestern Great Plains - More Information

Background information on DU's Northwestern Great Plains conservation priority area

Sierra Nevada - More Information

Background information on DU's Sierra Nevada conservation priority area

North Atlantic / New England Coast - More Information

Background information on DU's North Atlantic / New England Coast conservation priority area

Northeastern U.S. Forests - More Information

Background information on DU's Northeastern U.S. Forests conservation priority area

Hardwood Transition / Lower Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Plain - Ontario - More Information

Details on DU's Hardwood Transition / Lower Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Plain - Ontario priority area.

Prairie Pothole Region - More Information

The Prairie Pothole Region, North America's "Duck Factory," provides critical nesting habitat for migrating waterfowl. Read more about the area's history and how it benefits other wildlife species as well.

Northern and Southern Rockies / Colorado Plateau - More Information

Background information on DU's Northern and Southern Rockies / Colorado Plateau conservation priority area

British Columbia Intermountain - More Information

Background information on DU's British Columbia Intermountain conservation priority area.

Great Basin - More Information

Background information on DU's Great Basin habitat conservation priority area.

Atlantic Canada - More Information

Background information on DU's Atlantic Canada conservation priority area

Pacific Northwest - More Information

More information on Ducks Unlimited's Pacific Northwest conservation priority area.

Western Boreal Forest - Alaska - Region 3

More information on the Western Boreal Forest - Alaska priority area.

Arctic Plains & Mountains - More Information

More information on Ducks Unlimited's Arctic Plains & Mountains - Alaska priority area.

Western Alaska - More Information

Information about the Western Alaska/Aleutian - Bering Sea Islands area, one of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation initiatives.

Biodiversity in the Grassland Biome

Learn about biodiversity, biomes, grasslands and related ecosystems in this article about the declining diversity of grasslands habitats and the impact on waterfowl.

Grazing and Fire

Grassland habitat has been honed into a diverse, hearty ecosystem by centuries of controlled burning and grazing on the prairies.

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	President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law. First duck stamp, designed by Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, issued. Prairie drought peaks.


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