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Ducks Unlimited Canada's Conserved Lands Offer Critical Forage Supply 
Red Deer, AB, May 10, 2002 - Over 30,000 acres of Ducks Unlimited Canada's conservation lands will be opened to Alberta landowners in need of forage this year under DUC's Drought Response Program announced last month. These lands are targetted to the dry and record dry areas of southern and central Alberta. This equals 40 per cent of DUC's lands in this targeted area.
The majority of land being opened lies in central Alberta where DUC's grasslands are concentrated as a result of conservation programs targeting local cow calf producers. DUC lands opened for forage have been managed to increase nesting cover for waterfowl. During times of drought, waterfowl usually overfly dry nesting areas in favour of better water conditions or forests further north. They may also forego breeding.
"Our offices across the province have been receiving a number of inquiries regarding this program," said Les Wetter, DUC's provincial coordinator of the Drought Response Program. "We've evaluated our lands and opened those with poor waterfowl value given this year's very dry conditions. Where we have opened land, we're trying to ensure that the forage is used in local communities within a 10 mile area of our lands."
Lands are being opened through tender or existing agreements with landowners. Revenue generated in Alberta will be reinvested into forage and livestock projects in the province to improve habitat while developing the beef and forage industry.
At the tail end of the 1930s drought and dustbowl, Ducks Unlimited Canada formed to conserve waterfowl habitat by working with landowners. Over the past 60 years, millions more acres of land have been brought into cultivation for agriculture.
"From day one we've recognized the importance of working with landowners to provide land management techniques that are sustainable, profitable and beneficial to wildlife," Wetter said. "The need is even greater now to ensure that lands are managed for both agricultural and ecological purposes."
In addition to its Drought Response Program designed to assist producers in immediate need, DUC is working with landowners to help manage Prairie weather extremes over the long-term. DUC and its conservation partners offer programs that assist producers in growing forage more sustainably and economically. Increased pastureland and hayfields improve nesting habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife while forage and grazing management programs contribute to the agriculture industry's goal of increasing beef production in Western Canada.
DUC has also proposed to the federal government a framework for a conservation cover program that would see government led payments to landowners who voluntarily conserve and restore grasslands and riparian areas. These lands offer great societal benefit in terms of their ability to clean air and water and conserve soil and provide a financial return to producers for securing habitat. Grasslands created if the proposed Conservation Cover Incentive Program were adopted could serve as a forage reserve for producers in times of drought and through periodic grassland management.
For over 60 years, Ducks Unlimited Canada has been conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. For more information on DUC's programs, contact your local Ducks Unlimited Canada office. Call 1-800-665-DUCK (3825) to be connected.
