Home2010 National News Releases
Iowans prioritize public investments connecting natural habitats to clean water, flood reduction and erosion control
November
Canadian governments and people alike could learn from the public stand Iowa voters took recently on behalf of their natural habitats. In a result that had North American conservation advocates beaming, 62 per cent of voters in the agriculture-dominated state voted for a Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund to be created and ultimately funded by a 3/8th of one percent increase in the IA sales tax.
Cold front sends Saskatchewan’s ducks south in numbers
November 3
The “weather bomb” that recently wreaked havoc in numerous ways on much of North America also sent flight after flight of ducks south from Canada’s Prairies. The warm October weather coupled with the amount of food available on the ground had not given the ducks much reason to move south, but when the cold snap crossed the Prairies last week, huge numbers of ducks took off south.
Federal government’s biodiversity report confirms staggering wetland loss
October 21
Canadian biodiversity: ecosystem status and trends 2010, a detailed assessment of the health of Canada’s ecosystems from a biodiversity perspective, has confirmed what DUC has been saying for years: A high loss of wetlands has occurred in Southern Canada. The report was prepared by federal, provincial and territorial governments based on input and information from more than 500 experts, including representatives from DUC.
Government of Canada partners with Ducks Unlimited to conserve valuable habitat in Montérégie
October 15
Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice, recently joined the representatives of Ducks Unlimited Canada to announce the acquisition, for conservation purposes, of the Marguerite-d'Youville Wildlife Refuge. The project was funded in part by Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program, with an overall budget of $1,375,000.
Call in the family
October 8
The goose calling prowess of the brother and sister combo of Cole and Alexis Russell is even more impressive considering their ages: nine and four years old respectively. And now Cole is the 2010 Canadian Junior Goose Calling Champion after DUC’s Duck and Goose Calling Championships held at Bass Pro Shops in Vaughan, Ont.
Forest Week celebrations highlight need for balance in land-use decisions
September 21
As one of Canada’s natural treasures, the boreal forest provides breeding and migration habitat to millions of waterfowl, making it one of DUC’s top priority areas for conservation. This vast region of trees, lakes, rivers and wetlands is incredibly valuable and should be appreciated not only during National Forest Week celebrations, but should also receive our ongoing attention to ensure it is sustained for future generations.
Waterfowl fall migration now underway
September 20
As the north winds begin to take hold, endless flocks of waterfowl are trekking their way south from Canada’s breeding grounds. The annual fall migration is now in full swing; but as this autumn scene unfolds, wetlands are being lost across the continent.
DUC employee honoured with national conservation award
September 13
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) proudly recognizes the achievements of Ian Barnett, who was recently awarded the inaugural Blue-winged Teal Award by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) Committee.
DUC honours North American conservation leadership
September 11
Two new plaques were fastened to the North American Waterfowl Conservation Honour Roll wall to celebrate two deserving conservationists. With waterfowl migration at Oak Hammock Marsh as the picture-perfect backdrop, DUC officially honoured John Frampton and the late Dr. James (Jim) Patterson as the Honour Roll’s second inductees.
Big country, big heart
August 2010
Canadian country music superstar Paul Brandt found time recently to meet with DUC’s Conservator magazine to have his career, conservation experiences and growing love for the outdoors profiled.
DUC’s online land auction now on
August 10
Bids are now being accepted on the Ducks Unlimited Canada lands being sold through our online land auction which runs August 10-12, 2010. Proceeds from this second annual online auction will be put back into DUC programs to help us achieve our conservation objectives.
Future conservationists take on a Canadian Wetland Adventure
August 9
DUC is hosting the first Canadian Wetland Adventure Camp this week by bringing 12 conservation-minded teens together to gain an insider’s look at the world of science and conservation, while learning about some of Manitoba’s world-class wetlands. Although there’s plenty of fun planned, the experience will help give these youth skills and knowledge that will provide a great advantage for them in future studies and work endeavors.
Take a “quack” at becoming the country’s top duck and goose caller
August 6
DUC is proud to presentthe Canadian Duck and Goose CallingChampionship on Saturday, August 21 at Bass Pro Shops in Vaughan, Ont. This exciting event features junior and senior level duck and goose calling events and is the only Canadian calling contest to be sanctioned by the World’s Duck Calling Contest.
Gulf Oil Spill stopped; DU monitoring
August 5
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is relieved to hear that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico seems to have been stopped. However, we are still deeply concerned about the impact of the oil and what potential short- and long term consequences it could have for habitat, waterfowl and other wildlife on the Gulf Coast.
Agrium supports legacy wetland restoration across Canada
July 20
Agrium actively seeks new and innovative ways to make a difference on the landscape. They found a synergy with DUC that has resulted in a pledge of US$1 million to the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign in support of the new Wetland Restoration Legacy Program. Agrium’s donation will be used to purchase habitat in DUC’s waterfowl target areas across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
AAFC Growing Forward partners with DUC to expand winter wheat research
July 13
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is providing just over $1.25 million through the Developing Innovative Agri-Products (DIAP) program to DUC, three Prairie producer commissions and its funding partners to increase winter wheat acres across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This funding is part of the federal government’s Growing Forward initiative.
Annual survey reports North America’s ducks holding their own
July 7
The annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat (BPOP) Survey has estimated a total continental duck population of nearly 41 million birds which is similar to last year’s estimate and 21 per cent above the long-term average. While this year’s report is considered encouraging in the duck world, holding the status quo is not by any means call for celebration.
DUC’s online land auction preview now on
July 7
Preview the DUC lands being sold through our upcoming online land auction August 10-12, 2010. Learn more about the auction and how proceeds will be reinvested in our conservation programs.
Duck numbers hold steady across North America
July 2
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its preliminary report today on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. The total duck population is nearly 41 million, which is similar to last year’s estimate and 21 percent above the long-term average.
Winter wheat crop solution for wet conditions
June 21
Many growers across the Prairies are facing challenging circumstances this spring due to high moisture levels. Through the Winter Cereals: Sustainability in Action initiative, DUC and Bayer CropScience are offering growers substantial financial incentives to seed winter wheat this fall. Winter wheat offers yields up to 40 per cent higher than spring wheat. And winter wheat helps the environment by providing wildlife habitat.
Canada’s wet prairies may bode well for ducks
June 17
Water on most of Canada’s prairies wasn’t abundant a few short weeks ago. It is now. And while farmers and communities are dealing with the wet hand they have been dealt, ducks in some of the water-logged areas are likely going to benefit because of the moisture.
DU establishes Gulf Coast Oil Spill Action Centre
June 8, 2010
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. in the U.S. has established an Action Centre to keep all DU supporters up to date on our efforts concerning the Gulf region's newest threat.
Ducks to benefit from renewed forage partnership
May 28
DUC and Viterra are pleased to announce a renewed partnership for their forage incentive program in 2010. Through this unique partnership, Viterra and DUC will offer producers an incentive to plant forages for pasture and hayland in key waterfowl areas. Research conducted by DUC has shown that perennial forages provide safe and attractive nesting habitat for upland nesting waterfowl and other birds.
Forest agreement good for ducks
May 18
DUC applauds the unprecedented agreement signed today between 21 members of the Forest Products Association of Canada, the Pew Environment Group, Canadian Boreal Initiative, and nine environmental organizations as it helps to protect important wetland habitat for North America’s ducks.
Conservator wins Maggie Awards
May 14
Manitoba's magazine community recently celebrated its own at the second annual Maggie Awards at the Inn at the Forks in downtown Winnipeg. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Conservator magazine won two awards in the Business to Business/Association group - Best Cover and Best Non-Fiction Feature- and also placed the first runner-up in the Best Non-Fiction Feature.
Louisiana Gulf Coast oil spill
May 5
DUC is deeply concerned about the impact of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico and is monitoring the situation. Our colleagues in DU’s Southern Regional Office have long been involved in coastal marsh conservation, and are seeking constructive ways to respond to this disaster.
Earth Day a reminder that wetlands are not wastelands
April 22
Canada is home to a quarter of the world’s wetlands. Astronauts have described these water bodies from space as “glinting” in the sun. Back on earth, though, the reality is that these rich, productive and hardworking ecosystems are considered by many to be “wastelands,” not glittering gems. This belief has unfortunately resulted in up to 70 per cent of wetlands already been lost in the settled areas of Canada. Earth Day is a chance to take stronger action to halt their further loss before it is too late.
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. announces new CEO
April 16
Ducks Unlimited, Inc., DUC’s sister organization in the United States, has announced that H. Dale Hall has been named its chief executive officer. A former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 2005 to 2009, Hall is widely respected throughout the conservation community for his dedicated service and exceptional leadership on behalf of North America’s wildlife resources.
National Volunteer Week (April 18 – 24)
During National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, DUC salutes our volunteers for their enthusiasm and for donating their valuable time and energy to wetland conservation.
- Brandi Bedson of Fox Creek, Alberta
- Russ and Pat Bolitho of Quesnel, British Columbia
- Kerry Coleman of Crystal City, Manitoba
- Chris Jamieson of Harvey, New Brunswick
- Katrina Oxford of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Steve Gibson of Amherst, Nova Scotia
- Gerald Venturi of Coniston, Ontario
- Todd Macleod of Montague, Prince Edward Island
- Luc Baillargeon of Victoriaville, Quebec
- Brad Fennig of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
President Obama signs on for Canada’s wetland conservation efforts
March 29
While the world watches his plans for health care take shape, U.S. President Barack Obama also made a significant contribution to the health of continental wetlands conservation. On March 25, 2010, President Obama signed into law a bill to allow for funds raised in Canada to become eligible match for North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects funded for Canada.
Government and First Nation praised for moving Buffalo Lake, River and Trails closer to conservation
March 22
DUC congratulates the Government of the Northwest Territories for announcing the sponsorship of Buffalo Lake, River, and Trails as a proposed Critical Wildlife Area. DUC also commends the Kátlódeeche First Nation for nominating this area, which will continue to be used for traditional hunting and trapping, while providing important habitat for waterfowl such as mallard, scaup and bufflehead, and other wildlife.
Canada’s wetland conservation efforts receive great news from U.S. Senate
March 10
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bill to allow for funds raised in Canada to become eligible match for North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects funded for Canada. This is a major step toward expanding wetland conservation efforts across the country.
This is not your typical summer camp: DUC
March 3
If you are into the outdoors, conservation, wetlands, wildlife, science, and the environment; and if you want to get away for a week this summer for an exciting outdoor adventure of a lifetime then this is your chance! Applications are now open for DUC’s new youth outdoor adventure camp and DUC wants you to be selected as the winner of the Name Our Camp Contest.
National Art Portfolio
DUC announces the 2010 line-up of Canadian artists helping to raise much-needed funds for wetland conservation.
- Neil Blackwell of Bobcaygeon, Ont.
- Fred Buchwitz of Delta, B.C.
- Owen Garratt of Spruce Grove, Alta.
- Adeline Halvorson of Chilliwack, B.C.
- Denis Mayer Jr. of Burnaby, B.C.
- Olaf of Etobicoke, Ont.
- Liz Mitten Ryan of Kamloops, B.C.
- Glen Scrimshaw of Duck Lake, Sask.
- Jake Vandenbrink of Brooklin, Ont.
Calgary artist named Ducks Unlimited Canada's Artist of the Year for 2010
February 25
Darren Haley of Calgary, Alta., has been selected as Ducks Unlimited Canada's 2010 National Artist of the Year for his painting, The New West.
Establishment of large park system in Labrador great news for waterfowl
February 12
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have teamed up to set aside 13,000 square kilometres of Canada’s boreal forest for a new national park reserve. An area of high waterfowl use, the park system will serve as a large anchor of protected boreal forest, wetland and tundra along the Atlantic Flyway, helping alleviate the risk of habitat destruction that can negatively impact waterfowl populations.
2010 is International Year of Biodiversity
February 4
In light of the Prime Minister’s invitation for input on the upcoming federal budget, the Green Budget Coalition is highlighting its three priority budget recommendations, whose adoption could stimulate over 8,000 new jobs in renewable energy, ensure clean sources of drinking water for millions of Canadians, and help Canada meet its commitment under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to establish national and regional systems of protected areas.
