| WASHINGTON July 27,
2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced
a cooperative partnership with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) that will establish
a framework of cooperation relative to the conservation and productivity
of wetlands, uplands, grasslands and other waterfowl and wildlife habitats
on private and public lands.
“This five-year agreement recognizes the importance of public
and private conservation partnerships to wetland and wildlife habitat
objectives,” said Veneman. “Through this partnership, USDA
and Ducks Unlimited will identify and develop cooperative projects and
programs to advance waterfowl and other wildlife habitat conservation
and wetland restoration activities with private landowners.”
The agreement was signed by Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight and DU Executive Vice President Don Young at
the Straight River Marsh Wetlands Reserve Program project in Owatonna,
Minn., during a conservation tour with Council on Environmental Quality
Chair James Connaughton.
USDA conservation programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program,
Wetlands Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and Buffer
Initiative, help protect, restore and enhance essential upland and wetland
wildlife habitats. Activities covered by the agreement include waterfowl
and habitat conservation projects, habitat restoration, technical assistance,
delivery of information and educational materials, collaboration on habitat
and wildlife research, and development of habitat enhancement techniques.
In addition, DU will help train NRCS personnel
relative to waterfowl and associated wetland conservation, management
and habitat restoration.
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