WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 5, 2025 – This week, nearly 100 Ducks Unlimited (DU) volunteers, including state chairs, state policy chairs, senior leaders, college students and staff gathered in the nation’s capital to meet with Members of Congress and advocate for policies that protect and restore wetlands and migratory bird habitat.

"It’s inspiring to see so much energy and enthusiasm for wetlands conservation right here in the nation’s capital," said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. "The passion and support of our volunteers make Ducks Unlimited the most effective force in conservation, and that message resonates with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who see our projects making an impact across America."

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Meetings focused on the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), the Farm Bill, and other regional initiatives and programs throughout the nation. 

"Programs like NAWCA directly support the more than 1.5 million Americans who hunt waterfowl in all 50 states," said Putnam. "Duck hunters spend in excess of $2 billion annually pursuing their outdoor passion, and that’s made possible by NAWCA projects in their states."

NAWCA is a voluntary matching grant program that leverages non-federal and federal funds for wetlands restoration. Since its enactment in 1989, NAWCA has conserved more than 32 million acres and created an average of 7,500 new jobs annually. Every dollar the federal government spends, on average, receives a $3 match from program partners like Ducks Unlimited. NAWCA grants totaling over $2 billion over the last 33 years have leveraged almost $5.6 billion in contributions from partners. 

"NAWCA is critical to our continued success in conserving habitat that benefits waterfowl, other wildlife, duck hunters and our communities," said Mike McShane, DU Senior Vice President for Public Policy. "It’s incredibly rewarding to provide an opportunity for several young college students to experience our public policy efforts firsthand, and their presence – combined with that of our volunteers – is especially impactful when delivering our message to Congress."

Visit the brand-new DU Media Toolkit page for essential resources to help explain and promote Ducks Unlimited’s conservation mission.

For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to Follow DU’s Twitter feeds – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

 

Media Contact:
Parker Williams
(202) 621-1646
pwilliams@ducks.org