In June 2018, Ducks Unlimited was the first organization to successfully complete a grassland carbon project under a new methodology by the Climate Action Reserve (CAR). DU was awarded roughly 20,000 certified offsets from an approved project in southeast Colorado over the next two years.

The multi-partner project protected more than 13,500 acres on a working family cattle ranch at risk for development. The property contains native prairie mixed with wetlands that store carbon and provide vital habitat for migratory waterfowl. The ranch will remain intact in perpetuity.

The credits were sold to various corporations and local interests in Telluride, Colorado, including the 2019 Telluride Bluegrass Festival. These unique partnerships highlight the benefits resulting from DU's efforts and provide new financial incentives to conservation-minded landowners. Ducks Unlimited was also awarded funds by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to complete a wetland enhancement project on the protected ranch property, to be completed this year.