HomeDucks Unlimited Canada Opens Conservation Lands to Drought Stricken Ag. Producers 
Offers Drought Response Program to producers in need
Ducks Unlimited Canada, Regina, Saskatchewan, April 12, 2002 - In recognition of record dryness in Saskatchewan and Alberta, 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 Saskatchewan and Alberta.
"The drought will limit duck production this year, just as it's limiting crop and forage production for Saskatchewan's agricultural landowners, our partners on the landscape," said Gord Edwards, Director of Regional Operations for the Prairie Region. "With our wetlands drying up, many Ducks Unlimited Canada lands will have limited benefit to waterfowl and other wildlife."
DUC is currently meeting with agricultural groups in Saskatchewan and Alberta 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 Saskatchewan and Alberta. 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 Keith LePoudre, DUC's Manager of Field Operations in Saskatoon. "We know what landowners are dealing with in terms of drought. It's the driest we've ever seen it in some areas. Many of our properties in drought stricken areas will provide good forage reserves for our neighbors on the landscape."
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 is a valuable resource in Saskatchewan's rural landscapes," said Brent Kennedy, DUC's Manager of Field Operations in Regina. "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.
