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Ducks Unlimited (DU) hosted the Capitol Evening of Conservation in Oklahoma City earlier this week. More than 100 guests were in attendance, including members of the Oklahoma legislature, DU leadership and volunteers from across the state.

“This event in Oklahoma’s capital is a shining example of how passionate conservationists and our elected officials can come together to make a lasting impact,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. Events like this one are the lifeblood of our mission—bringing communities together to support wetlands, waterfowl, and the future of our outdoor heritage.”

Ducks Unlimited’s work with Oklahoma conservation partners has helped conserve more than 38,000 acres of critical habitat across the state. Randall Cole, DU Regional Vice President, said the annual Capitol Evening of Conservation provides a way for DU to bring conservation groups, state legislators, state agencies and industry partners together for a night. “ We get to highlight how important bipartisan conservation policy is for our mission in a bipartisan way,” he continued. “I want to thank the legislators that attended, our partner organizations, & industry partners. I also want to thank our team of Oklahoma volunteers, staff, & CEO Adam Putnam for supporting this event.”

DU matches the dollars from events like this with state and federal funding to enhance waterfowl habitat on public lands in the state, most of which are open for waterfowl hunting. In addition to providing habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, conserved and restored wetlands support Oklahoma communities by filtering water, replenishing groundwater, capturing and storing carbon and providing other recreational opportunities.