About DUC

Disputed Lakes (top) has become DUC’s newest Cariboo conservation project, used during the breeding season by waterfowl species like bufflehead (bottom) for nesting and raising their young.

Cariboo family transfers Disputed Lakes' water rights to Ducks

100 Mile House, B.C., May 7, 2010—Through the generosity of a local ranching family, the ducks in 100 Mile House have something to quack about. Last year the Doman family agreed to transfer their water rights for Disputed Lakes to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in order to preserve the area’s habitat for waterfowl and wildlife. Situated on Crown land approximately 20 kilometres east of 100 Mile House, Disputed Lakes – actually just a single wetland comprised of two open water areas connected by a short channel – has become DUC’s newest Cariboo conservation project.

Grant Doman first pitched the idea to Ducks Unlimited Canada in 2008. At that time, the dam and control of the 12 hectare wetland were authorized by irrigation and storage water licenses that Doman held for his hay fields to the south. While the ranch no longer needed the water, Doman could not stand the idea of having to remove the dam if he abandoned the licenses because he knew how valuable the area was to wildlife. “In the fall the lake is usually full of ducks; and a few years ago there used to be all kinds of young ones on the dam when you’d drive up,” Doman said. “It’s good habitat and good moose country too.”

Located on Crown Land, the transfer of the water rights to Ducks Unlimited Canada required partnership with the Ministry of Environment (MOE). Through a 30-year Crown protocol agreement signed with MOE, Ducks assumed responsibility for operation and maintenance of the works while retaining the natural habitat.

While the lakes may be disputed, there’s no doubt they are a haven for waterfowl. During the breeding season, the area is used by scaup, ring-necked duck, hooded merganser and bufflehead for nesting and raising their young. In spring and fall many other species of ducks and geese also use the wetland to feed and build up their energy reserves for long migration journeys.

“This project exemplifies the type of future conservation projects DUC is interested in pursuing,” says Brad Arner, manager of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited Canada. “It allowed DUC to conserve the wetland for another 30 years with little expense because the dam and water control were already built, and built to a high standard.”

For more information, contact:

Wendy Thatcher, w_thatcher@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: 604-312-4632