Ducks Unlimited Canada
CONTACT INFORMATION
Darwin Chambers, Head of Conservation Programs |
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Organization's mandate
"Ducks Unlimited Canada's mission is to conserve wetlands and associated habitat for the benefit of North America's waterfowl, which in turn provide healthy environments for wildlife and people."
In Alberta, the Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) core business is the restoration of wetlands.
Geographic area of conservation program
All of Alberta
Areas (geographic) of particular focus
The DUC direct program activity is focused on priority landscapes as identified by the Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP).
Thematic or ecological areas of focus
Restoration and protection of wetlands and associated upland habitats
Donation or sales
In regards to conservation easements DUC will accept donated conservation easements or DUC will purchase conservation easements where there is priority area and wetland fit.
Compensation
Ducks Unlimited can provide tax receipts, cash, and split receipts for conservation easements.
Minimum parcel size
Forty acres (legal subdivision) at a minimum
Associated programs
Ducks Unlimited Canada has a wide array of other land securement and extension programs, where landowners enroll their land in DUC programs, change land use, undertake wetland and upland conservation or restoration projects, or donate their land to DUC. DUC may also assist with programs for forage conversion and then place an easement on the land.
Relationship with landowners
Ducks Unlimited Canada has a very open relationship with landowners, and a clear language approach to conservation easements.
Support for landowners
Ducks Unlimited Canada will pay for appraisals in most cases. They will also do a lot of advising on the eco-gift process and act as a conduit to the eco-gift administrator for Alberta.
Stewardship activities
WHO: Ducks Unlimited Canada
HOW OFTEN: DUC monitors on an every other year basis. Informal monitoring (field visit) takes place on an annual basis.
INFORMATION PROVIDED: Generally not a lot of information is provided to the landowner unless there is an issue, as DUC is monitoring for no break/no drain (status quo) on conservation easement lands.
Endowment fund
Ducks Unlimited Canada has a $70 million fund for continuing habitat operations. For conservation easements specifically, they will secure money from the landowner up front. In the case of some donated easements, DUC will ask for a donation (typically 10% of the value of the easement) to cover the costs of monitoring.
Grazing
Grazing is an allowable use on a typical no break no drain conservation easement.
Public access on conservation easement lands
The landowner has the right to control access. DUC must have access for monitoring purposes.
Defense fund
DUC does not have a specific defense fund, although endowment fund dollars may be used for this purpose.
