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DUC Drought Response Program now includes Manitoba: 
8000 acres tendered to agricultural producers - Long-term solutions possible
Brandon, Man., Aug. 29, 2002 - Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has tendered nearly 8000 acres of its lands to cattle producers in southwest Manitoba. In order to respond to the needs of its neighbours in the agricultural community, some upland wildlife habitat areas have been opened to provide valuable forage supplies for cattle.
With record dry conditions in many areas of the Prairies, DUC is attempting to assist farmers wherever possible. Earlier this year, DUC staff in Alberta and Saskatchewan made their grasslands available to farmers under DUC's Drought Response Program of forage assistance. The program has been well received and now warrants expansion in Manitoba.
"There is clearly a need in southwest Manitoba now, and we are doing everything we can to support our partners in land management," said Bob Grant, DUC's manager of field operations in Brandon. "At this time, our uplands can sustain a limited amount of agricultural harvesting without causing long-term damage to their productivity, both in terms of wildlife and biomass. We need to ensure these lands are productive in the long-term," he said.
DUC's Drought Response Program provides cattle producers with additional forage to get through the feeding season, but this is a short-term solution. "Alternating cycles of flood and drought will always govern life on the Prairies, and these cycles provide a great diversity of plant and animal life, along with many challenges for agricultural production," said Grant. "The severity of the current Prairie-wide drought is a reminder the long-term value of conserving water on the landscape."
From its southwest Manitoba field offices, DUC offers a variety of additional programs designed to help producers improved their land management and financial returns for the long-term - in harmony with the habitat needs of waterfowl and other wildlife. These efforts include improved grazing, pasture management, and cattle watering systems - which result in higher returns for Manitoba producers, and a myriad of environmental, economic, and social benefits. Other efforts focus on the promotion of alternative crops such as winter wheat - which takes advantage of soil moisture available early in the growing season - a key benefit during dry years.
DUC will continue monitoring Prairie drought conditions to explore effective long-term solutions. Over the winter months, partner agencies will be contacted to discuss drought response options for next year and beyond.
Since 1938, 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 drought proofing and water management, contact any local Ducks Unlimited Canada office or call 1-800-665-DUCK (3825).
