By Andi Anderson
Ducks Unlimited (DU) has secured $95 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
This funding aims to enhance nearly 55,000 acres of agricultural lands by improving wildlife habitats and water quality. DU will lead conservation efforts in California’s Central Valley and Illinois, with projects focused on sustainable practices for farmers and ranchers.
The RCPP incentivizes voluntary, partnership-driven approaches to conservation on working lands. Of the $95 million, about $32 million will be directed toward DU-led projects in California and Illinois.
According to DU CEO Adam Putnam, these partnerships support both farmers and the environment, ensuring more sustainable operations while benefiting wildlife, particularly waterfowl.
The USDA’s overall investment of $1.5 billion targets voluntary conservation practices on agricultural landscapes across the U.S., which also provide additional income for farmers and ranchers, while promoting ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and increased biodiversity.
One of DU’s key projects is in California's Central Valley, where $12.8 million will be used to offer voluntary conservation easements to rice producers. This will conserve at least 4,000 acres of rice lands vital for migratory waterfowl.
Another project in southern Illinois, with $18.9 million in funding, will help reduce sediment runoff and restore wetlands, covering over 48,000 acres with no-till cover crops to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff.
Ducks Unlimited will also provide technical assistance for conservation projects in Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin, focusing on wetland restoration and soil health improvements.
These projects will have a lasting impact on both agriculture and wildlife conservation, ensuring long-term sustainability for generations to come.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy