HomeDucks Unlimited Canada Opens Conservation Lands to Drought Stricken Ag. Producers
Offers Drought Response Program to producers in need
Ducks Unlimited Canada, Brooks, Alberta, April 12, 2002 - In recognition of record dryness in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is substantially increasing the amount of land it opens to landowners for haying and grazing. A minimum of 40 per cent of DUC's conserved lands will be opened in extreme drought areas across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
"The drought will limit duck production this year, just as it's limiting forage and crop production for Alberta's agricultural landowners, our partners on the landscape," said Gord Edwards, DUC's Director of Regional Operations for the Prairie Region. "With our wetlands drying up, many Ducks Unlimited Canada conservation lands will have limited benefit to waterfowl and other wildlife."
DUC is currently meeting with agricultural groups in Alberta and Saskatchewan to finalize details in its Drought Response Program. Selected areas of DUC's grassland nesting cover will be opened to grazing and haying in regions identified by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as being record dry or near record dry. These locations all occur in Alberta and Saskatchewan. DUC's Manitoba field offices will not be participating in the Drought Response Program. While Manitoba has received below normal precipitation this winter, consecutive wet years have ensured the province's water supplies will be sufficient to support waterfowl and agriculture.
"The amount of land we open up will reflect the severity of drought in an area," said Dave Kay, DUC's Manager of Field Operations in Brooks. "Our lands are managed to provide quality nesting cover for waterfowl so, in times of drought, these areas can provide good forage reserves."
Starting the week of April 15, DUC encourages agricultural producers to watch their community newspaper or contact their local DUC office for details on the Drought Response Program. In extreme drought areas, DUC's additional drought alleviation strategies may include relaxing hay cutting restrictions for landowners enrolled in DUC's forage conversion or forage management programs. This will help producers salvage as much feed as possible. Producers should also contact DUC for information on using DUC wetland projects for stock watering.
"Water's value as a resource is amplified in Alberta's rural landscapes during times of drought," said Ken Bailey, DUC's Manager of Field Operations in Edmonton. "DUC projects are often among the few sites holding water. Where it's accessible, the water from our projects has always been available to landowners for stock water or household use in times of critical water shortages."
For more than 60 years, Ducks Unlimited Canada has been conserving wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife and people. Visit www.ducks.ca for more information on Canada's Conservation Company.
