2024 House Resolution 172

Whereas, Ducks Unlimited, Incorporated was founded in 1937, when the drought-plagued waterfowl populations of North America plunged to unprecedented lows; and

Whereas, After decades of commitment to conserving waterfowl habitats, Ducks Unlimited has become the largest private organization for waterfowl and wetlands conservation worldwide and one of the most effective private organizations dedicated to that cause; and

Whereas, Since the founding of Ducks Unlimited, the organization has conserved and protected more than 90,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in Michigan; and

Whereas, Ducks Unlimited has nearly 30,000 passionate members in communities all across Michigan; and

Whereas, Since the founding of Ducks Unlimited, the organization has invested over $55 million on nearly five hundred individual projects throughout the state, benefitting wildlife, enhancing recreational opportunity, and supporting Michigan’s robust outdoor economy; and

Whereas, Ducks Unlimited wetland projects also benefit communities by providing lifesaving flood storage capabilities, groundwater recharge, and water quality improvements associated with the natural water filtration that wetlands provide; and

Whereas, Ducks Unlimited maintains the vital mission of conserving, restoring, and managing wetlands and associated habitats for the waterfowl of North America, a mission that also benefits other wildlife and people; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare January 28-February 3, 2024, as Wetland Conservation Week in the state of Michigan. We support collaborative wetland conservation efforts on public and private lands that promote hunting and fishing as well as a wide array of recreational pursuits; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the important contributions of Ducks Unlimited, Incorporated, and its members across Michigan to the conservation of wetlands and associated habitats and to the waterfowl of North America, as their ecosystem services are critical to sustaining and improving quality of life in Michigan.