Partnering for wetland preservation

By CONNIE MERTZ

In a survey polled by Ducks Unlimited, 76 percent of Americans surveyed had a medium to high interest in wildlife. The survey further showed that 44 percent participated in bird watching in the past year, and more than half of those responding said they had observed wildlife away from their homes. But when asked if they donated monies or were members of a conservation organization, 82 percent said no.

It is clear that more education is needed to learn about the importance of wetlands. For instance, 46 percent said there are too few wetlands, while 64 percent stated that wetlands should be conserved. However, 80 percent said they would support waterfowl and wetland conservation if they were aware that endangered species were dependent on wetlands, and 81 percent said they would support preservation if they knew wetlands reduce pollution by purifying water.

Most Americans enjoy wild places and wild things, but they do not become personally involved or to support the conservation efforts. As a result, the United States continues to lose more than 100,000 wetland acres every year.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation group. They can provide educational guidance to anyone who wants to put their money where their mouth is. For information log on to www.ducks.org.