Full story link: http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0308.04.html Release No. 0308.04 Wayne Baggett (202) 720-4623 Terry Bish (703) 932-8956 USDA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED 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. # USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ---------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to oc.news@xxxxxxxx and reference your email address.
