DU Surpasses Conservation Milestone

by
posted on June 3, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
LEDEDU Logo

For the first time in its 87-year history, Ducks Unlimited has delivered one-million acres of conservation across North America in a single year, thanks to more than a million supporters and partners including private landowners, hunters, corporations, major donors, and state and federal agencies. This achievement happened in fiscal year 2024 and reflects a national surge in public and private interest to restore and protect wetland habitats.

One million acres of conservation—about the area of Rhode Island—includes long-term and permanent projects, such as conservation restorations and easements, in addition to short-term or annual efforts—including agricultural cover crop programs, as well as both new and revisited project sites. The announcement was made during Ducks Unlimited’s 87th National Convention in San Diego, Calif. Since its founding, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres.

“One million acres of tangible conservation in one year is an achievement that’s nearly 90 years in the making,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “This is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers following years of exponential conservation growth. We don’t just advocate for wetlands - our mission moves dirt. Ducks see it. Communities see it. Partners see it. Each acre represents in-the-field success. Combined with our most ambitious comprehensive campaign in history, Conservation For a Continent, DU members and supporters are more motivated than ever before to make an impact on the wetlands and waterfowl we love.”

The historic international fundraising campaign, “Conservation For a Continent. Our Wetlands. Our Legacy,” aims to raise $3 billion by 2026 to provide cleaner water for communities and wildlife. One of the largest fundraising efforts launched in North America devoted to landscape conservation and the future of our outdoors heritage, the campaign recently surpassed the $2 billion mark with two years remaining.

Also announced was a $100 million gift to support conservation in honor of Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises and chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation. The gift will help support protection and restoration efforts of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region. Jim Kennedy is DU’s largest supporter, has been a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited for over 50 years, has served on its board of directors and was Wetlands America Trust’s founding president. The gift directly supports the continental campaign and prepares DU to conserve millions more acres of habitat.

"Wetlands provide many services to our communities, including flood storage, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, enhanced fish habitat and more," said DU chief conservation officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. "But we can’t do this alone. The unprecedented success during FY24 is because of DU’s industry-leading partnerships with state and federal agencies, private corporations, farmers and individual donors.”

For more information about DU’s continuing wetlands conservation work across North America, visit ducks.org.

Latest

Lasagna Soup Lede 3
Lasagna Soup Lede 3

Recipe: Venison Lasagna Soup

Lasagna is comfort food for many, and an energy-rich meal for hunters spending the entire day afield. To shorten the cook time and enjoy the same flavors, try this excellent lasagna soup recipe from Brad Fenson.

New for 2025: Chiappa 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown

Chiappa has continued its tradition of producing fine modern firearms with a pedigree in the past, with the 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown, a lever-action worth a closer look.

How To Use Trail Cameras to Find More Bucks and Bulls

Get some tips from Scott Haugen on how to optimize your trail cam grid this season.

New for 2025: Davidson's Exclusive Bergara B-14 FSP Hunter Stainless

Davidson’s has collaborated with Bergara to produce the first complete Bergara rifle with a stainless-steel barreled action available in the USA.

New for 2025: Leica USA Rangemaster CRF Max

Leica Sport Optics USA has unveiled the Leica Rangemaster CRF Max. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand precision and reliability, the CRF Max combines Leica’s optical performance with cutting-edge digital integration and a new heads-up display.

Boone and Crockett Club Poaching Data Published

Did you know that the majority of wildlife violations never result in citations? Sure, with so much ground to cover, it may be easy to guess that most violations committed deep in the backcountry will never see the light of day, but the scale is still quite surprising. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.