SITKA Spearheads Efforts to Restore Washington Wetlands

Ducks Unlimited and the SITKA Ecosystem Grants Program have joined forces to address the ecological degradation of Washington’s Columbia Basin, a historically significant region for North America’s waterfowl. Before the 1950s, more than 670,000 acres were converted from native sagebrush shrubland steppe to irrigated croplands, jeopardizing breeding, migration, and wintering habitats for waterfowl and other birds.

Recognizing the importance of this area, especially for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl migrating along the Pacific Flyway, DU, with the support of the SITKA Ecosystem Grants Program, is spearheading efforts to restore wetland functions and enhance water-management capabilities within the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, which encompasses more than 160,000 acres on multiple units. The project leverages long-standing partnerships within this bird-rich landscape to rejuvenate habitat on public lands. These restored wetlands will not only support waterfowl but also provide improved opportunities for hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation.

The partnership between DU and SITKA exemplifies the power of collaboration in conserving essential wildlife habitats. By restoring the ecological integrity of natural landscapes, these organizations are ensuring that this crucial hub for North America’s waterfowl continues to thrive for generations to come.

In total, the SITKA Ecosystem Grants Program has provided more than $100,000 in funding to Ducks Unlimited to support on-the-ground conservation in Pennsylvania, Montana, and Washington. DU applauds SITKA for its commitment to projects that improve ecosystems, allow for the growth of the hunting experience through access and education, and create opportunities for collaborative conservation.