Ducks Unlimited Canada share information at open house
On March 13th, Jane Haglund-Scott, a representative from Ducks Unlimited Canada-Manitoba, (Ducks Unlimited) attended the Baldur Drop-In Centre to share information on current landowner programs and incentives.
The turnout exceeded their expectations, demonstrating a growing interest in these initiatives.
Ducks Unlimited offers various programs for landowners while emphasizing the importance of wetland management. Their aim is to help us understand why wetlands are critical to the health and balance of our ecosystem in numerous ways.
At the forum, Jane provided attendees with an informational booklet containing a wealth of information. The booklet highlighted the multifaceted importance of local wetlands and the significant impact their destruction can have.
Did you know that research shows wetlands can support nearly 100 insect species that actively aid in pollination?
Better pollination leads to higher crop yields. Pollinators and insects in wetlands can also help control or even eradicate common crop pests.
Wetlands also mitigate flooding by retaining water that would otherwise run off, causing erosion and potential flood damage. Studies indicate that drained wetlands used for crop production yield only a fraction of the profit per acre compared to non-wetland crop areas.
Draining wetlands lowers the water table, reducing dugout water levels and less sub-surface soil moisture available for crops. Water naturally migrates upward during winter, which supports the water needs for crop production.
Furthermore, nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into waterways can cause significant environmental issues and add to the costs for already financially burdened farmers due to the need for reapplication. Retaining or restoring wetlands can drastically reduce this runoff.
Other programs offered by Ducks Unlimited include:
*Coverage of all project-related costs, including surveying and construction, for landowners wishing to restore previously drained or altered wetlands;
* Buying and selling land;
* Haying and grazing tenders;
* Forage program;
* Marginal areas program;
* Winter wheat program;
* Sod seeding;
* Grazing clubs.
Additionally, a lease program and a habitat retention program will be launched soon.
There is so much more happening at Ducks Unlimited.
If you haven’t visited their website recently, now is the perfect time!
Visit their website at https://ag.ducks.ca/programs/manitoba/ to learn more about the programs offered, download guidebooks, listen to podcasts, or sign up for text notifications about incentives and programs.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jane Haglund-Scott from Ducks Unlimited Canada-Manitoba was in Baldur last week to provide information on the numerous programs and incentives they offer. PHOTO SUZANNE PADDOCK
