One of the most successful federal conservation programs has been the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), which provides a voluntary, non-regulatory, incentive-based way for private landowners, farmers, and ranchers to protect and restore wetlands on their property. The continental United States has already lost more than 50 percent of its wetlands and continues to lose these habitats at an alarming rate. farmland.Īgricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) In addition, conservation compliance has helped reduce soil erosion by approximately 295 million tons per year on more than 140 million acres of U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 3 million acres of "farmed wetlands" (areas that can be cultivated and planted in dry years, but can't be drained or filled by producers without losing farm program benefits) have been conserved nationwide thanks to this policy. Research has confirmed that this policy has been very effective in conserving wetlands on private lands over the past three decades. This policy of "conservation compliance" has helped provide an effective safety net for America's farmers, ensure an abundant and safe food supply for consumers, and conserve crucial habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
The 2014 Farm Bill re-coupled conservation compliance to crop insurance, which was de-coupled in 1996. Since the passage of the 1985 Farm Bill, federal agricultural policies have encouraged producers to cultivate the most productive lands and minimize impacts on wetlands and highly erodible soils in exchange for federal farm program benefits. The agricultural conservation programs that are authorized and funded through the Farm Bill are the backbone of DU's cooperative conservation work with our partners in agriculture. The Farm Bill is the most effective tool for conserving wildlife habitat on private land, which is central to DU's mission.ĭU has a long history of working with ranchers, farmers, and other private landowners across the country to enhance and restore millions of acres of critical waterfowl and other wildlife habitat. In addition, DU supports agricultural policies that conserve soil, water, wetlands, grasslands, and forests that people and wildlife depend on.
To further our mission, DU supports balanced agricultural policies that can help American farmers and ranchers be more competitive and successful in meeting demands for food, fiber, and energy. The majority of the remaining wetlands in the United States are on private land, where most waterfowl are raised, migrate and winter. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Guided by sound science and supported by legions of dedicated volunteers and members, DU has conserved more than 14 million acres of waterfowl habitat across North America.ĭU's mission is to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. Founded by concerned waterfowlers and forsighted conservationists in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has taken a continental, landscape approach to wetlands and waterfowl conservation.