Water for agriculture and waterfowl
Date
1996-06
Authors
Bultsma, Paul M., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Waterfowl need a variety of wetland types along with secure uplands to successfully complete their annual life cycle. This production habitat is used on the Northern Great Plains primarily during the spring and summer seasons. Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) creates and restores various types of wetland habitat for waterfowl depending on the unique characteristics and opportunities provided by the landscape. Diversions from irrigation channels and return flows from irrigated fields are used by DU whenever possible to provide water for developed or created wetland habitat. DU has completed over 600 projects out of its Great Plains Regional Office since it opened in 1984. In total over 82,000 surface acres of wetland habitat have been restored, created, or enhanced. All of those projects have benefited waterfowl and many other wildlife species, and most of those projects have also provided benefits to other special interest groups. Hay production, livestock grazing, sediment control, domestic water, irrigation, ground-water recharge, and flood control are some of the other benefactors of DU projects. DU seeks to provide for the habitat needs of waterfowl and at the same time provide benefits to both public and private landowners. It is important to have wildlife habitat developments that are compatible with profitable and sustainable agriculture.
Description
Presented at Water for agriculture and wildlife and the environment: win-win opportunities: proceedings from the USCID wetlands seminar on June 27-29, 1996 in Bismarck, North Dakota.