Home2009 Provincial News Releases
Giving the gift of habitat
December 17 - Saskatchewan
While many people are busy rushing through malls this holiday season, DUC has found a gift in a most unlikely place – on a habitat project near Goodeve, Saskatchewan. This field was the site of a first-of-its-kind community-growing initiative earlier this year, and one that is growing ducks, too.
Wild rice for wildlife
December 17 - Ontario
In Ontario, DUC has teamed up with the staff at South Nation Conservation (SNC) and Plenty Canada to complete a wild rice planting project on 27 properties throughout the 4,000-square-kilometre watershed. A traditionally important food source for First Nations, wild rice also helps to sustain migratory waterfowl, and the fields provide improved habitat for many other species of wildlife and fish.
Bison Transport wins sustainability honours
December 9- Manitoba
DUC supporter Bison Transport has received the 2009 Manitoba Round Table Excellence in Sustainability Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability. The company was recognized for implementing environmental responsibility into its operations, demonstrating leadership in conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Former NHL player wins distinguished conservation award
November 25 - Saskatchewan
At a ceremony at Government House in Regina, wetland conservationist Gregg Sheppard of North Battleford, SK was presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award.
Federal government provides huge boost for wetland conservation in Ontario
November 24 - Ontario
The federal government has made a major commitment for wetland conservation in Ontario by announcing up to $3 million in funding through the Southern Ontario Development Project (SODP) that will help DUC upgrade 72 projects throughout Southern Ontario.
New report high on wetlands
November 5 - Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan River Basin is a big deal for DUC. For starters, more than half of the waterfowl surveyed within the Canadian prairie pothole region are found here. The importance of the basin is highlighted in a recently-released report, which places high value on wetlands and their role in providing wildlife values and in retaining nutrients and contaminants, moderating flood events, providing erosion control and recharging groundwater systems.
McCain wastewater lagoon revitalized
October 22 - Manitoba
Business, government, and conservation interests gathered at the McCain Foods (Canada) plant in Carberry today to celebrate a remarkable achievement. A former wastewater lagoon that for years had been devoid of wildlife, has been revitalized through a wastewater treatment centre and the naturalization of habitat around the area.
Manitoba family honoured for Conservation Agreement on their land
October 16 - Manitoba
Not new to being a partner in conservation, Bob and Willine Young of Newdale, Man. recently signed a Conservation Agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), protecting over 60 acres of habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife in perpetuity.
DUC receives $300,000 from Province to restore two large marshes in Manitoba
October 2 - Manitoba
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) received a grant of $300,000 from the Government of Manitoba as part of a $1 million investment to protect and restore wetlands including the province’s largest marshes.
Ducks Unlimited Canada seeks Saskatchewan wetland leaders
September 24 - Saskatchewan
Nominations now accepted for the 2009 Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award.
McKell Wascana Conservation Park now open!
September 12 - Saskatchewan
Regina’s first park dedicated to conserving and restoring native prairie and wetland habitat is officially open!
Special dedication honours Calgary philanthropist
September 4 - Alberta
Conservation history was made at a dedication to recognize the late Daryl ‘Doc’ Seaman and his commitment and contribution to preserving a significant part of the natural prairie landscape in southern Alberta. The dedication also marks one of Alberta’s largest donated conservation easements and $500 million in land donations for Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program.
Nanaimo, B.C. wildlife area benefits from fall habitat enhancement
August 27 - British Columbia
Buttertubs Marsh Bird Sanctuary, one of the last remaining undeveloped, natural areas in Nanaimo benefits from habitat improvements, ensuring the continued health of the wetland for waterfowl and wildlife.
Ducks Unlimited Canada honours wetland heroes
August 26 - Nova Scotia
Today a pair of wetland heroes were honoured when Francis and Pauline Verstraten of Amherst were presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
Canada’s future conservationists take on Oak Hammock Marsh
August 11
Local youth celebrates International Youth Day with experience of a lifetime.
British Columbia
- 13-year-old Aaron Boehmer, of Okanagan Fall
Saskatchewan
- 16-year-old Greg Willis, of Regina
Manitoba
- 13-year-old Zachary Clemons, of Petersfield
Ontario
- 17-year-old Adrien Powis-Clement, of Richards Landing, St Joseph Island
Ontario
- 15-year-old Laura Ronald, of Branchton
Ontario
- 13-year-old Hunter Grant, of Mallorytown
Ontario
- 17-year-old Cassandra-Lynn Grant, of Thornloe
Québec
- 14-year-old Marc-Antoine Ferland, of Quebec City
Nova Scotia
- 16-year-old Brad Elliott, of Wallace
Newfoundland
- 13-year-old Brendan Kelly, of Paradise
Arkansas, U.S.A.
- 15-year-old Dillon Cox, of Pocahontas
Arkansas, U.S.A.
- 16-year-old Dustin Jeffress, of Beebe
Elkhorn farm has largest DUC wetland restoration project in Manitoba
August 4 - Manitoba
The Kliever family’s 1,600 acre farm had been a grain operation since the 1970s, but a new way of thinking to do what’s right for the land changed the way they had farmed for decades, leading to the largest DUC wetland restoration project in Manitoba.
Regina park’s focus on environmental sustainability garners award
July 23 - Saskatchewan
The City of Regina recently received the 2009 Saskatchewan Municipal Award for Environmental Stewardship for its work at McKell Wascana Conservation Park. DUC is a proud partner of this native prairie park, which is providing a place for Regina residents to experience and learn about the ecology of the city’s plains and wetlands.
B.C. wetlands get boost from new partnership
July 27 - British Columbia
Conservation of B.C. wetlands took a major step forward as Ducks Unlimited Canada, government and several other non-governmental organizations celebrated the launch of the Wetland Stewardship Partnership.
DUC applauds Crown range fencing program
July 16 - British Columbia
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) commends the federal and provincial government’s announcement on July 13, designating $5.5 million to the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) to fund fencing projects on Crown range. As a partner of the BCCA, DUC will be involved in the program delivery on Crown range in the B.C. Interior.
DUC past presidents honoured in Saskatchewan
July 2 - Saskatchewan
DUC recently honoured two of its top volunteers by dedicating a habitat project in each of their names. Both John R. Messer and Peter D. Carton served as DUC president and each was recently recognized at dedication ceremonies in Saskatchewan.
Habitat helps
July 2 - Saskatchewan
Many areas of Saskatchewan are experiencing well below average precipitation this spring, raising concerns about whether or not producers will have enough pasture and feed stocks to get their herds through this summer.
Federal Government seeks to better understand role of wetlands in Lake Winnipeg health
June 29 - Manitoba
The federal government has clearly demonstrated a desire for a better understanding of the role Manitoba wetlands play in the health of Lake Winnipeg by designating nearly $400,000 toward a DUC research project in southwest Manitoba.
New conservation fund honours Alberta philanthropist
June 26 - Alberta
The John E. Poole Conservation Fund is for the formation of a legacy fund to support wetland conservation activities in Alberta, including the development of the John E. Poole Wetland Interpretive Site. The interpretive wetland is adjacent to Lois Hole Provincial Park in St. Albert, Alberta. The park protects an internationally renowned area that provides critical habitat for thousands of nesting and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.
Richardson Foundation funds Sustainable Land Use Centres
June 25 - Manitoba
The Richardson Foundation recently presented Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) with a major donation of $1 million in support of DUC’s conservation programs. Part of this gift will be used to outfit two sites in Manitoba and one in Saskatchewan with a variety of Beneficial Management Practices.
The Vél’Eau Tour: saddle up and ride for the environment!
June 24 - Quebec
Presented by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), in association with the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes, the Vél’Eau Tour is Quebec's first ever cycling tour designed to raise money for the environment.
Ducks Unlimited Canada surpasses $300,000 in funding for wetland conservation and environmental education projects from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
June 15 - Manitoba
A wetland classroom explored by curious, excited children, was the fitting backdrop today for a special presentation by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) in recognition of TD FEF’s many community partnership contributions.
Keeping it natural wins Albertan prestigious conservation award
June 10 - Alberta
If James Potter had his way, he would make sure as much of the wetlands, trees, and grasslands around him stay as natural as possible. Potter’s passion for the natural Alberta landscape has garnered him the 2009 Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award.
Top ranked B.C. estuary protected
June 11 - British Columbia
Over 200 hectares of pristine coastal migratory bird habitat on southeastern Vancouver Island have been secured through a land purchase agreement. Acquisition of the Chemainus Estuary has been a high priority for DUC and its partners for decades.
Oyama, B.C. family donates ecogift to DUC
June 4 - British Columbia
The Young family from Oyama donated four-acres of marshland to Ducks Unlimited Canada, leaving a conservation legacy for generations to come.
Public wants wetland conservation leadership: survey
June 3 - Manitoba
Manitobans feel government should be more involved in wetland conservation.
DUC applauds Ontario’s Far North Planning and Protection Act
June 2 - Ontario
DUC congratulates Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield and Premier Dalton McGuinty for their recent announcement of the Far North Planning and Protection Act, a critical step to protect more than 225,000 square kilometers of the province’s northern landscapes.
Habitat for Habitat project a first
May 29 - Saskatchewan
With support from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and others this spring, Habitat for Humanity - Yorkton will embark on a unique community growing project.
Government of Canada and Atlantic Provincial Governments commit to wetland conservation
May 22 — New Brunswick
The Government of Canada made a funding announcement to the Atlantic Habitat Partnership Initiative. With this announcement, the partnership between the federal and provincial governments, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and private funders is ready to roll for wetland conservation in the Maritime provinces.
International Migratory Bird Day great reason to visit a wetland near you
May 8 —Manitoba
Take the time Saturday, May 9 to appreciate the birds you see and hear every day while you celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD).
Protection for boreal forest near Great Bear Lake
April 20 —Yellowknife, N.W.T.
DUC congratulates the Government of Canada and the community of Délįne for the permanent protection of Saoyú - ?ehdacho, also known as Grizzly Bear Mountain and Scented Grass Hills, as a National Historic Site. Wetlands around the base of these two peninsulas are of significant importance to waterbirds and other wildlife species.
DUC praises protection of Fraser Valley wetlands
April 14 —British Columbia
DUC commends the B.C. Ministry of Environment’s April 13 announcement designating 71 hectares along the Serpentine River in south Surrey and 915 hectares of valuable wildlife habitat at McGillivray Slough, west of Chilliwack, as wildlife management areas.
Ducks Unlimited Canada seeks wetland leaders
March 19 —Prince Edward Island
Ducks Unlimited Canada is seeking nominations for the 2009 P.E.I. Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award.
DUC thanks Province of New Brunswick
March 12 —New Brunswick
The Government of New Brunswick has made a lasting commitment to wetland conservation by contributing $1.5 million to a new fund dedicated to sustaining the province’s wetlands. DUC acknowledges the leadership of Premier Shawn Graham and the Honorable Wally Stiles, Minister of Natural Resources, for their commitment to protecting these important resources.
Working together for the future of our students and Canada’s wetlands
March 10 —Alberta
More students will get their feet wet this year as Ducks Unlimited Canada looks forward to the second year of its five-year partnership with Talisman Energy. In 2008, Talisman sponsored more than 2,600 students for Project Webfoot. An estimated 2,800 students will take part in the program this year.
DUC/LP receive SFI Leadership in Conservation Research Award
February 26 — Manitoba
Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) partnership with Louisiana-Pacific Canada (LP) has garnered the two organizations a SFI Leadership in Conservation Research Award. Presented by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI), the award recognizes DUC and LP for their ongoing work in promoting sustainable management of forests and wetlands in the Duck Mountains of Manitoba – an important wood-supply area for LP.
Île Lapierre : A success story
February 13—Quebec
Last November, a tri-party agreement was signed between DUC, the City of Montreal and Montreal-area resident Alphonso Argento to conserve Lapierre Island, a valuable and undeveloped 5.5 hectare island on the Riviere des Prairies east of the city.
Environmental leaders wanted
February 11—Alberta
Ducks Unlimited is seeking nominations for the 2009 Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award.
Producers target wetland restoration
February 2—Alberta
Ask many producers what’s holding them back from restoring wetlands on their property and chances are they will tell you that they do not want to take valuable farmland out of production.
