The Montana Wetland Council's Stewardship Award Team has selected Montana Ducks Unlimited for a 2015 Montana Wetland Stewardship Award for exemplary professionalism and dedication to the conservation of wetland and waterfowl habitat. The Stewardship Award Team cited DU's accomplishments and commitment to Montana's wetlands.

Since DU delivered its first project in Montana 1984, it has been at the forefront of wetland conservation in Montana. Over the last 30 years, DU has worked state-wide to deliver more than 500 projects that have conserved nearly 70,000 acres of Montana's wetlands and associated grasslands.

DU's network of members and volunteers, over 7,000 strong in Montana, provides the grassroots funding base to fuel a diversity of projects, which include wetland restoration, land protection and public policy work. In addition to its on-the-ground conservation successes, Ducks Unlimited's ability to build partnerships that include government agencies, non-profit organizations and private landowners, is arguably its most important contribution to Montana's wetland and wildlife resources. DU's innovative Revolving Lands Program benefits sustainable grazing and protects habitat on the property prior to selling it to local ranchers, honoring traditional land uses and improving habitat.

The award will be presented to Bob Sanders and Abby Dresser, Ducks Unlimited's Montana conservation team, at a 2015 Wetland Stewardship and Watershed Coordination Council Awards ceremony at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 28 at the Montana State Capitol.