2024 Senate Resolution 85

Whereas, In 1937, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. was founded 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, Inc. 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, Inc., the organization has conserved and protected more than 90,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in Michigan; and

Whereas, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. has nearly 30,000 passionate members across Michigan; and

Whereas, Since the founding of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the organization has invested over $55 million on nearly 500 individual projects throughout the state, benefitting wildlife, enhancing recreational opportunity, and supporting Michigan’s robust outdoor economy; and

Whereas, Their wetland projects 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, Inc. maintains the vital mission of conserving, restoring, and managing wetlands and associated habitats for the waterfowl of North America, a mission that also benefits all wildlife and people; and

Whereas, The ecosystem services provided by the wetland conservation work done by Ducks Unlimited, Inc. are critical to sustaining and improving quality of life in Michigan; and

Whereas, 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; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate January 28-February 3, 2024, as Wetland Conservation Week and to recognize Ducks Unlimited, Inc. on their achievements in habitat conservation; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the important contributions of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and its members across Michigan to the conservation of wetlands and associated habitats, and to the waterfowl of North America.