Mission of Ducks Unlimited
Waterfowl, like all organisms, are intimately linked to the ecosystems in which they evolved. Understanding these relationships and assuring environmental conditions that support each species are crucial to successful waterfowl conservation. This is the fundamental business of Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is the leader in the conservation of habitats that are essent
ial to North America’s waterfowl and countless other species of plants and animals. Because they cross an enormous scope of geography, waterfowl and other migratory species have especia lly complex needs. The continent’s 36 species of ducks, 10 species of geese, and 2 species of swans depend on a broad array of wetland and upland habitats at each phase of their annual cycle. The broad approaches that exemplify DU’s work greatly improve the overall environment. Soil and water conservation are core benefits. DU’s waterfowl conservation work also leads to major improvements in water quality and flood control. In short, waterfowl conservation is at the heart of the most effective natural resource conservation movement in history. DU works with a broad array of public and private partners. The organization’s approach to habitat conservation recognizes the paramount need to find cooperative, common sense solutions to increasingly complex problems. DU avoids confrontation and litigation. Public policy issues are addressed only when they have a direct and substantial impact on the fulfillment of DU’s mission. DU’s unique legacy has been driven by the unequalled commitment of millions of individual members and a history of successful conservation since 1937. Combined with the strong leadership of exceptional staff in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, these conservationists have been directly responsible for the restoration and protection of millions of acres of habitat. Many acres have been conserved because of the organization’s effective public policy work. Still more acres have been conserved because of individual members who conserve habitat on their own land and support public land conservation programs locally and across the continent. Wildlife habitats are under constant and increasing pressure. Factors as diverse as agricultural development, commodity markets, climate change, disease, pollution, and harmful public policies all have serious ramifications. Identifying these issues, designing effective counter measures, securing resources and partners, and delivering conservation on the ground all present enormous challenges. DU’s decision-makers must approach these challenges with a comprehensive plan of action that identifies and pursues the most important needs. It is equally important to avoid wasting time and resources through ineffective programs. DU’s focus is on efficiently addressing imperative waterfowl habitat conservation issues. Based on strong science, DU’s programs are dynamic, allowing the organization to mature, grow, and change as goals are reached, new information is developed, and new challenges arise.
