WEBSTER, Iowa - March 30, 2012 - Iowa's new Ducks Unlimited State Chairman Frank Mertz is sounding the DU battle cry for conservation: "Conservation for Generations." Mertz, who hails from Webster, is asking DU volunteers to help get the word out about the value of wetlands conservation now and for years to come.

"We want to get the message to the public that we really do not own the land, but are only borrowing it from our children, grandchildren and future generations," Mertz said. "I am asking DU volunteers to take every opportunity to explain to others the value of wetlands conservation and the goals of Ducks Unlimited."

The new state chairman has been a DU volunteer for 28 years, serving within his local chapter committee and as a regional and district chairman. After spending 33 years teaching grades 7-12 math and science, Mertz is in his eighth year as a math instructor at Kirkwood Community College.

Mertz would like to see Iowa DU members reach a major milestone of $2 million grassroots income during this year's celebration of DU's 75th anniversary.

Since beginning work in Iowa in 1986, DU has conserved more than 70,600 acres of critical wetland habitat in the state. Through its Living Lakes initiative, launched in 2004, DU has worked with many partners to improve waterfowl habitat throughout the state.

"Ducks Unlimited is striving to do what's needed to help enhance and protect our wetlands on private and public lands so we do not lose the positive impact they have on our economy and environment," Mertz said.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, DU is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, with special events, projects and promotions across the continent. Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ducksunlimited, follow our tweets at twitter.com/ducksunlimited and watch DU videos at youtube.com/ducksunlimitedinc.

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Media Contact:
Becky Jones Mahlum
(701) 355-3507
bjonesmahlum@ducks.org