Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License

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Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
Montana Ducks Unlimited
        Proposal to
Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks
 2021 Shiras Moose License
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
July 13, 2020

Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission
Dan Vermillion, Chairman
Richard Stuker, Vice-Chairman
Tim Aldrich, Commissioner
Logan Brower, Commissioner
Shane Colton, Commissioner

Dear Sirs:

Please find attached the Montana Ducks Unlimited (MTDU) proposal for the 2021
Shiras Moose License. MTDU is uniquely positioned to promote a competitive auction
for the moose license. Ducks Unlimited (DU) has an extensive nationwide membership.
Additionally, DU has over 5,000 major donors who we will actively solicit for their
interest.

At our Helena banquet in March of this year we successfully sold the 2020 Shiras
Moose license at auction for $36,000! We were very pleased with our 6-year average of
+$36,750 for this much sought after permit.

We have attached some additional reference material on our State and National
organization. This information is contained in Appendix B.

Thank you for the opportunity to again participate in the Montana Shiras Moose Auction
License process.

Sincerely,

Jake R Hansen
Montana Ducks Unlimited State Chairman
Bozeman, MT

Barry Allen
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Sr. Regional Director - Montana
Reed Point, MT

Bob Sanders
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Sr. Conservation Manager - Montana
Elliston, MT
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
Following are the Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal Contents as per
ARM 12.3.131(3):

  A. Statement of the Organizations purpose
     Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl
     conservation. DU got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North
     America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to
     unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s
     waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined
     together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited.
     Its mission: habitat conservation.

     Ducks Unlimited: Our Mission
     Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated
     habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other
     wildlife and people.

  B. Copies of By-Laws or articles of incorporation
     Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and 501(c)(3) Tax Status documents are
     contained in Appendix A

  C. Details of organizations previous involvement in the conservation of the
     species hunted under the license

     Ducks Unlimited has been delivering wetland restoration and protection
     projects in Montana since 1984. Many of these provide quality habitat for
     Shiras Moose.

     There exists no better example of prime moose habitat than the pristine
     wetland and riparian complexes that cover the landscape from the Rocky
     Mountains to the prairies across the state. These moist soil complexes
     continue to be a principal focus for Ducks Unlimited. Our work along
     riparian corridors and in wetland complexes have restored and conserved
     critical habitats. These areas are used by a multitude of important wildlife
     species; including moose as they move from their summer ranges to their
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
wintering habitat. Healthy populations of both ducks and moose go hand-
in-hand with wetlands conservation. There are no better advocates for
wetlands than the members of Ducks Unlimited.

Montana DU has members in every county of the state. Our members and
volunteers have embodied the spirit of wetlands conservation since our
founding. Furthermore, Montana DU has four full-time conservation
employees widely recognized for their knowledge of wetlands habitat
conservation. Each biologist has an intimate knowledge of the state’s
wetland areas thus assuring the successful implementation of habitat
projects.

In Montana for the period from 1984 to present DU has:
    Spent over $28,870,000 on habitat conservation
    Conserved 326,300+ acres
    Provided technical assistance on 72,000+ acres
    Conserved over 2,400 acres thru the federally funded Wetland
     Reserve Program (WRP)

Over the last 7 years, Ducks Unlimited has assisted the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) with the perpetual protection of approximately
2,400 acres of wetland, riparian, and adjacent upland habitat (e.g. grassland
and forestland) across Montana through the Wetland Reserve Program
(WRP), a conservation easement funded by the Farm Bill. These easements
provide habitat for a diverse array of wildlife including moose, elk, deer,
grizzly bear, pronghorn antelope, migratory waterfowl, and grassland bird
species. Ducks Unlimited is currently working with NRCS to protect another
10,500 acres of wetland and associated habitat through the Wetland
Reserve Easement (WRE), also administered through the Farm Bill.
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
D. Details of the organizations previous experience in auctions or lotteries
   General:
   Since its founding in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has been the leader in
   conservation fundraising techniques. Montana’s DU chapters host events
   throughout the state including dinner banquets, sporting shoots, youth
   events, and sealed bid auction sales. DU was the originator of the
   conservation fundraising dinner event structure. Live and silent auctions
   are typically features at our banquets. Every fundraising event also
   includes numerous raffles involving active ticket sales and detailed control
   of money and tickets. DU events are held throughout the year with peak
   event times in the spring and fall months. In addition, Montana DU
   annually hosts a state volunteer celebration in Bozeman.

   Specific to the Shiras Moose License:
   The Montana FWP has awarded the auction Shiras Moose license to
   Montana Ducks Unlimited the past six years (2015-20) where it is offered
   annually at our Helena banquet in March. MTDU’s 6-year average over
   $36,750.

E. Information on how the auction or lottery would be conducted and
   estimate of the potential revenue that will be generated
   Montana Ducks Unlimited will, if awarded the moose license, offer it at
   auction at our spring 2021 Helena fundraising banquet. Auctioning this
   license was the banquet highlight the past five years, so we expect the
   same in 2021. At the Helena DU banquet in March 2020 we sold the Shiras
   Moose license for $36,000; far above 1997-2012 sale average of $15,000.

   We will take advantage of our sizeable membership database (+725,000) to
   market this program to DU members both in Montana and nationwide. We
   will promote the moose license auction by:
       Local distribution of posters advertising the event
       Mailers will be prepared highlighting the moose license banquet
          date. These will be sent to past attendees.
       Up to two “Email Blasts” to our local, state, and national major
          donors.
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
 Aggressive internet advertising utilizing our DU national and state
        websites.
       Advertise and promote this opportunity through our national
        monthly “DU Magazine” (circulation of +675,000).

   During the auction of the moose license we will again be equipped to
   accept phone bids. At the 2020 auction, we had 5 pre-registered phone
   bidders. All of those actively participated in the auction. The successful
   bidder was one of those six.

F. A statement indicating whether the organization plans to retain up to 10%
   of the proceeds to cover reasonable auction expenses and that the
   organization will submit expenses associated with the auction of the
   license.
   Yes, Montana DU would like to retain up to 10% of the moose license
   auction proceeds to cover expenses. We will submit documentation
   associated with those expenses.
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
Appendix A

    Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

 Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws,
and 501(c)(3) Tax Status Documents
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
Montana Ducks Unlimited Proposal to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks 2021 Shiras Moose License
Appendix B

Additional Information on
  Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
           and
Montana Ducks Unlimited
Montana celebrates Bruce Posey
Ducks Unlimited volunteers and staff gathered on the
prairies of Montana to dedicate a plaque and cairn
to Bruce Posey, a long-time DU sponsor, leader and                                                                                                                                                                                                              2525 River Road
volunteer. The fundraising tribute, which began in                                                                                                                                                                                                   Bismarck, ND • 58503-9011
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            (701) 355-3500 • ducks.org/montana
2018, raised more than $6 million for DU’s work in the
Prairie Pothole Region and other priority areas.
  Bruce developed a love for the outdoors at an early

                                                                                                                                               STATE CONSERVATION REPORT
age while hunting with his father. His volunteer
leadership positions included area chair, state chair,      habitat and a creek. The land was acquired through DU’s revolving
national board member and senior vice president.            habitat program. The habitat on the property is permanently protected                                      2020
  The 30-acre dedication site is on a 1200-acre property
of native shortgrass prairie with wetlands, riparian
                                                            and the land will likely be sold to an area rancher. DU will work with the
                                                            future landowner to maintain access to the dedication site.
                                                                                                                                                               Montana
                                                                                                                                              INSIDE
                Montana Projects                                      Phillips County, a focus for DU’s
   1984 through the end of Fiscal Year 2019                                                                                                    Rescue Our Wetlands celebrated                Agricultural Land Easement programs. During 2019, the USDA and DU
                                                                      conservation work                                                        Cover crop education workshop                 partnership secured 76,896 acres of permanent and term habitat protection
                       Completed projects
                                                                      Through word-of-mouth, attractive conservation programs,                                                               agreements and provided more than 85,000 acres of technical assistance on
                                                                                                                                               Million-dollar incentive
                                                                      and hard work by ranchers over the last couple of years, Ducks                                                         private lands. Thanks to this incredible partnership, Montana ranks number
                                                                      Unlimited and partners created a complex south of Dodson                 Couple supports DU                            one in USDA easement deliveries in the United States.
                                                                      that includes more than 11,000 acres of protected wetlands               Bruce Posey celebration                         The partnership among DU, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
                                                                      and grasslands. At the same time, the protected acres are still          Conservation accomplishments                  and private landowners focuses on our highest priority landscapes along
                                                                      in agriculture and the majority are in private ownership.                                                              Montana’s Hi-Line. With many landowners converting marginal croplands to
                                                                                                                                               Focus on Phillips County
                                                                         “DU and our partners want to keep ranchers in                                                                       permanent grass cover, demand for USFWS programs has reached all-time
                                                                      business,” said Bob Sanders, DU manager of conservation                                                                highs. Ranchers pursuing easements on their lands receive a cash payment
                                                                      programs for Montana. “Helping Phillips County landowners
                                                                                                                                          What a year!                                       and qualify for cost-sharing to improve infrastructure such as stock water
                                                                                                                                          By Bob Sanders, Manager of Conservation Programs
                                                                      find conservation programs that work with their operations                                                             for livestock and fencing. In 2018-19, USFWS and DU finalized easements
                                                                                                                                          Ducks Unlimited, in concert with our many          with six landowners that will permanently protect 12,638 acres of Montana’s
                                                                      has helped keep grass and water on the landscape. That’s good
                                                                                                                                          partners, impacted a record 100,037 acres          Prairie Pothole habitat. These easements allow flexibility for ranchers to
                                                                      for cattle and wildlife.”
                                                                                                                                          and provided 85,508 acres of technical             operate while keeping grasslands and wetlands intact.
   Fiscal Year 2019                                                     Ducks Unlimited and its partners have invested more than          assistance in Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19). Strong
   • Impacted acres - 100,037                                         $2 million in these efforts which include assistance with                                                                Restoration of wetlands, grasslands and ranch infrastructure through
                                                                                                                                          partnerships and generous contributions from
   • Technical assistance acres - 85,508                              fencing, water and protecting and improving grassland. The                                                             the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife program improved 10,490 acres
                                                                                                                                          donors and volunteers are the backbone of the
                                                                      U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA’s Natural Resources                                                               of priority waterfowl breeding habitat. This voluntary program provides
   • Dollars invested - $1,259,638                                                                                                        conservation accomplishments in Montana.
                                                                      Conservation Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks                                                              conservation and financial assistance to private landowners who conserve
                                                                                                                                            DU is celebrating its ninth year of              fish and wildlife habitat on their properties for federal trust resources.
   From 1984 to 2019                                                  offer a variety programs tailored to fit landowners’ specific
                                                                                                                                          cooperation with USDA’s Natural Resources
   • Impacted acres - 326,314                                         needs.                                                                                                                   The 2019 Montana legislative session was a resounding success thanks to
                                                                                                                                                                   Conservation Service
   • Technical assistance acres - 259,995                                                                                                                                                    numerous DU volunteers and other conservation supporters. This was the
                                                                                                                                                                   (NRCS) in Montana.
   • Dollars invested - $28,471,600                                                                                                                                                          second session where DU partnered with like-minded conservation groups
                                                                                                                                                                   DU conservation
                                                                                                                                                                                             to form the Montana Sporting Coalition, a collaborative effort to lobby
                                                                                                                                                                   staff play key roles
                                                                                                                                                                                             legislators for pro-conservation legislation. As a result, important bills that
State           For information on DU’s conservation programs:                      For information on event fundraising:                                          in delivering USDA
                                                                                                                                                                                             provide funding for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks were successfully
contacts:       Bob Sanders, Manager of Conservation Programs - MT                  Scott Johnson, State Chair - MT                                                programs, including
                rsanders@ducks.org • (406) 492-2002                                 montanastatedu@gmail.com • (406) 370-6346                                                                passed and a bill that would complicate the establishment of state-held
                                                                                                                                                                   the Wetland Reserve
                                                                                                                                                                                             conservation easements was defeated.
                For information on Major Donor support or corporate partnerships:   Barry Allen, Senior Regional Director - MT                                     Easement and the
                Chris Hildebrandt, Director of Development - MT, ND, WY             ballen@ducks.org • (406) 780-0523
                childebrandt@ducks.org • (406) 203-2503                                                                                     Bob Sanders
                                                                                                                           Close File>>
DU celebrates                                                                                                                                                     A unique incentive to make Montana a million-dollar state
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       reached our goal in June. Never in the history of
Rescue Our Wetlands                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    DU has a state with a population of a million or
Ducks Unlimited supporters celebrated                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  fewer people raised $1 million.”
Montana’s Rescue Our Wetlands project                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Montana State Chair, Scott Johnson, saw
at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge                                                                                                                                                                                                                                making Montana a million-dollar state as an
(NWR) near Great Falls. Supporters who                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 achievable challenge. He traveled across the state
made a formal commitment to DU during                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  with his mom, Shirley Johnson, attending events
                                                                                                Montana DU supporters at the Benton Lake NWR dedication
the campaign in Montana were recognized on                                                                                                                                                                                                                             and rallying volunteers.
a special bronze plaque. Ducks Unlimited’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         “My mom and I attended 32 events in 18
Rescue Our Wetlands campaign raised $2.34 billion and             control structure to help NWR staff more efficiently manage water                                           Montana supporters at DU convention in Hawaii celebrating $1 million accomplishment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       months. It gave us an opportunity to spend time
conserved more than 2.2 million acres of wetlands and             levels. The two structures allow for independent water management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       together and interact with volunteers who are as
associated habitats across North America.                         capabilities, essential to the refuge’s ongoing selenium remediation                           Ducks Unlimited Senior Regional                      Hildebrandt and Allen will shave
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       passionate about DU as we are,” said Johnson.
  Benton Lake NWR is part of a 163,304-acre national              and water availability challenges. Better water control capabilities also                      Director Barry Allen and DU                        their heads at the Montana Volunteer
                                                                  allow managers to provide optimal foraging conditions for migratory                            Director of Development Chris                      Celebration on Feb. 8 to mark                        When donors John and Alexandra “Alex”
wildlife refuge complex. It encompasses a diverse
                                                                  waterfowl and other birds.                                                                     Hildebrandt say raising $1 million for             Montana’s success. The challenge was               Spizziri finalized their benefactor gift at the
landscape of wetlands, mixed-grass prairie, forests,
                                                                                                                                                                 DU in Montana is a great reason to                 set in 2016 and the volunteers kicked              2019 DU National Convention in Hawaii, it
intermountain grasslands, rivers and lakes. Ducks                   Staff at Benton Lake were concerned about the refuge’s increased
                                                                                                                                                                 shave your head.                                   their fundraising into high gear                   put the state over the top. The DU volunteers
Unlimited and partners restored 2,194 acres of wetland            levels of selenium, a naturally occurring substance that can be toxic.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    during the following three years.                  and supporters in Montana will now have the
habitat on the refuge.                                            In addition to water challenges, the Great Falls-area NWR wanted to                              “We thought if we were willing to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       distinction of accomplishing a unique goal and
  Ducks Unlimited’s biology and engineering team                  improve the overall quality and quantity of its habitat.                                       sacrifice our hair, our volunteers and               “We had a big gain during the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       seeing Barry and Chris lose some hair.
designed a water conveyance system and water-control                The project partners included Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife                        supporters would be willing to give                first year, but last year we fell short            Front Page >>
structures for several wetland units on the refuge. In the        Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Pheasants Forever, and                           their time and donations,” Allen said.             by $35,000,” said Hildebrandt. “We
second phase of the project, DU installed another water-          utilized funds from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
                                                                                                                                        Front page >>

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Montana couple supports DU’s mission
                                                             During the workshop NRCS Area Resource Conservationist Marni Thompson used a rainfall simulator to demonstrate                                     John and Alex Spizziri are long-time
                                                           how different land management practices impact water infiltration into the soil. The simulator compares rainfall on five                             DU members who started volunteering
                                                           different field samples simultaneously.                                                                                                              in the 1980s. John was introduced
                                                             “The amount of water the soil can efficiently use to build soil health on a field with a cover crop compared to wheat fallow is                    to DU when his best friend invited
                                                           immediately evident,” said Adam McDaniel, DU conservation specialist in Montana. “The cover crop field absorbs the water                             him to a dinner. He soon started
                                                           and soil run off is minimal, whereas the wheat fallow sample has significant soil erosion and poor water infiltration.”                              volunteering for the local committee.
                                                             The group visited cover crop fields planted with various seed mixes and discussed the importance of designing a seed mix                           John served as a state chair for two
                                                           that will satisfy a producer’s objectives. Depending on the operation, a producer may want to increase soil organic matter,                          years when he lived in New Jersey and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                was an officer for the Hudson River
   Workshop held to educate                                reduce soil compaction, improve water infiltration or enhance grazing and haying opportunities for livestock. One way to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                DU Chapter before he and Alex moved                               John and Alex Spizziri, with their great grandchildren,
                                                           increase plant diversity and improve soil cover is to plant cover crops.
   producers about cover crops                                                                                                                                                                                  to Montana to be closer to family. The                                    receiving Benefactor Roll of Honor recognition
                                                            The workshop ended with a social hour and discussion about cost-share opportunities through programs offered by the
   Ducks Unlimited partnered with NRCS, Blaine                                                                                                                                                                  Spizziris now live in Ryegate, Montana,
                                                           partners conducting the workshop. Ducks Unlimited staff in Montana is getting guidance from DU biologists in North                                                                                         The couple has a history of giving to DU. They
   County Conservation District and Pheasants                                                                                                                                                                   a ranching community 60 miles
                                                           Dakota to develop a cost-share cover crop program for farmers interested in incorporating cover crops into their rotations.                                                                              are on the Benefactor Roll of Honor and have been
   Forever to host a cover crop workshop. Producers                                                                                                                                                             northwest of Billings, and are involved
                                                             By helping producers plant cover crops, DU’s objective is to improve water quality by reducing chemical and fertilizer                                                                                 members of the President’s Council for several years.
   from Blaine, Hill and Phillips counties learned                                                                                                                                                              with the Montana State Council.
                                                           runoff and decreasing sedimentation in wetlands. This leads to healthier wetlands and improved waterfowl habitat. The                                                                                    Even their dogs have gotten in on the DU giving as
   about the benefits of five soil-health principles and                                                                                                                                                          “I’ve always been an outdoor
                                                           cover crop program also seeks to alleviate grazing and haying pressure on native grasslands and pastures during peak nesting                                                                             part of DU’s Retriever Club. At the DU convention
   how to incorporate them into their operations.                                                                                                                                                               person and I enjoy the environment,”
                                                           season by increasing forage opportunities for producers with mixed operations. These practices improve waterfowl nesting                                                                                 in Hawaii, John and Alex completed their Benefactor
   Benefits include minimizing disturbance,                                                                                                                                                                     John said. “I support DU’s habitat
                                                           habitat in agricultural areas of the Prairie Pothole Region.                                                                                                                                             level pledge of $100,000, putting Montana over the
   increasing plant diversity, maintaining living                                                                                                                                                               enhancement and protection                          top for its $1 million fundraising goal. Front Page >>
   roots in the soil, keeping the soil covered and         For more information about Montana’s cover crop program contact Adam McDaniel at 406-564-0709 or amcdaniel@ducks.org.            Front Page >>       efforts and I like the goals of DU’s
   incorporating livestock.                                                                                                                                                                                     conservation programs.”
Montana celebrates Bruce Posey
Ducks Unlimited volunteers and staff gathered on the
prairies of Montana to dedicate a plaque and cairn
to Bruce Posey, a long-time DU sponsor, leader and                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2525 River Road
volunteer. The fundraising tribute, which began in                                                                                                                                                                                                       Bismarck, ND • 58503-9011
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (701) 355-3500 • ducks.org/montana
2018, raised more than $6 million for DU’s work in the
Prairie Pothole Region and other priority areas.
  Bruce developed a love for the outdoors at an early

                                                                                                                                                   STATE CONSERVATION REPORT
age while hunting with his father. His volunteer
leadership positions included area chair, state chair,          habitat and a creek. The land was acquired through DU’s revolving
national board member and senior vice president.                habitat program. The habitat on the property is permanently protected                                      2020
  The 30-acre dedication site is on a 1200-acre property
of native shortgrass prairie with wetlands, riparian
                                                                and the land will likely be sold to an area rancher. DU will work with the
                                                                future landowner to maintain access to the dedication site. Front Page >>
                                                                                                                                                                   Montana
                                                                                                                                                  INSIDE
                    Montana Projects                                      Phillips County, a focus for DU’s
   1984 through the end of Fiscal Year 2019                                                                                                        Rescue Our Wetlands celebrated                Agricultural Land Easement programs. During 2019, the USDA and DU
                                                                          conservation work                                                        Cover crop education workshop                 partnership secured 76,896 acres of permanent and term habitat protection
                          Completed projects
                                                                          Through word-of-mouth, attractive conservation programs,                                                               agreements and provided more than 85,000 acres of technical assistance on
                                                                                                                                                   Million-dollar incentive
                                                                          and hard work by ranchers over the last couple of years, Ducks                                                         private lands. Thanks to this incredible partnership, Montana ranks number
                                                                          Unlimited and partners created a complex south of Dodson                 Couple supports DU                            one in USDA easement deliveries in the United States.
                                                                          that includes more than 11,000 acres of protected wetlands               Bruce Posey celebration                         The partnership among DU, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
                                                                          and grasslands. At the same time, the protected acres are still          Conservation accomplishments                  and private landowners focuses on our highest priority landscapes along
                                                                          in agriculture and the majority are in private ownership.                                                              Montana’s Hi-Line. With many landowners converting marginal croplands to
                                                                                                                                                   Focus on Phillips County
                                                                             “DU and our partners want to keep ranchers in                                                                       permanent grass cover, demand for USFWS programs has reached all-time
                                                                          business,” said Bob Sanders, DU manager of conservation                                                                highs. Ranchers pursuing easements on their lands receive a cash payment
                                                                          programs for Montana. “Helping Phillips County landowners
                                                                                                                                              What a year!                                       and qualify for cost-sharing to improve infrastructure such as stock water
                                                                                                                                              By Bob Sanders, Manager of Conservation Programs
                                                                          find conservation programs that work with their operations                                                             for livestock and fencing. In 2018-19, USFWS and DU finalized easements
                                                                                                                                              Ducks Unlimited, in concert with our many          with six landowners that will permanently protect 12,638 acres of Montana’s
                                                                          has helped keep grass and water on the landscape. That’s good
                                                                                                                                              partners, impacted a record 100,037 acres          Prairie Pothole habitat. These easements allow flexibility for ranchers to
                                                                          for cattle and wildlife.”
                                                                                                                                              and provided 85,508 acres of technical             operate while keeping grasslands and wetlands intact.
   Fiscal Year 2019                                                         Ducks Unlimited and its partners have invested more than          assistance in Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19). Strong
   • Impacted acres - 100,037                                             $2 million in these efforts which include assistance with                                                                Restoration of wetlands, grasslands and ranch infrastructure through
                                                                                                                                              partnerships and generous contributions from
   • Technical assistance acres - 85,508                                  fencing, water and protecting and improving grassland. The                                                             the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife program improved 10,490 acres
                                                                                                                                              donors and volunteers are the backbone of the
                                                                          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA’s Natural Resources                                                               of priority waterfowl breeding habitat. This voluntary program provides
   • Dollars invested - $1,259,638                                                                                                            conservation accomplishments in Montana.
                                                                          Conservation Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks                                                              conservation and financial assistance to private landowners who conserve
                                                                                                                                                DU is celebrating its ninth year of              fish and wildlife habitat on their properties for federal trust resources.
   From 1984 to 2019                                                      offer a variety programs tailored to fit landowners’ specific
                                                                                                                                              cooperation with USDA’s Natural Resources
   • Impacted acres - 326,314                                             needs. Front Page >>                                                                                                     The 2019 Montana legislative session was a resounding success thanks to
                                                                                                                                                                       Conservation Service
   • Technical assistance acres - 259,995                                                                                                                                                        numerous DU volunteers and other conservation supporters. This was the
                                                                                                                                                                       (NRCS) in Montana.
   • Dollars invested - $28,471,600                                                                                                                                                              second session where DU partnered with like-minded conservation groups
                                                                                                                                                                       DU conservation
    Front page >>                                                                                                                                                                                to form the Montana Sporting Coalition, a collaborative effort to lobby
                                                                                                                                                                       staff play key roles
                                                                                                                                                                                                 legislators for pro-conservation legislation. As a result, important bills that
State               For information on DU’s conservation programs:                      For information on event fundraising:                                          in delivering USDA
                                                                                                                                                                                                 provide funding for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks were successfully
contacts:           Bob Sanders, Manager of Conservation Programs - MT                  Scott Johnson, State Chair - MT                                                programs, including
                    rsanders@ducks.org • (406) 492-2002                                 montanastatedu@gmail.com • (406) 370-6346                                                                passed and a bill that would complicate the establishment of state-held
                                                                                                                                                                       the Wetland Reserve
                                                                                                                                                                                                 conservation easements was defeated.
                    For information on Major Donor support or corporate partnerships:   Barry Allen, Senior Regional Director - MT                                     Easement and the
                    Chris Hildebrandt, Director of Development - MT, ND, WY             ballen@ducks.org • (406) 780-0523
                    childebrandt@ducks.org • (406) 203-2503                                                                                     Bob Sanders
                                                                                                                               Close File>>
FACT SHEET
                                                                      MONTANA
(Based on numbers available 01/01/2020)

MEMBERSHIP                                                             YOUR STATE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO DU FOR
GRAND TOTAL: 8,012                                                     CANADIAN PROJECTS:
• Members: 7,882                                                       • Total contributions granted: $108,000
  General Members: 6,745                                               • Location of projects: Alberta: Pine, Buffalo, Sullivan Lakes
  Greenwings: 440                                                        Landscape
  Legacy Greenwing Members: 350
  Sponsor Members: 347
                                                                       MONTANA STATE CHAIRMAN
• Major Sponsors: 130
                                                                       Jake R. Hansen, State Chairman
  Life Sponsor: 72
                                                                       82 Makenna Court
  Diamond Life Sponsor: 20
  Sponsor in Perpetuity: 9                                             Bozeman, MT 59718
  Diamond Sponsor in Perpetuity: 5                                     (801) 661-9045
  Heritage Sponsor: 6                                                  hansendocfish@gmail.com
  Diamond Heritage Sponsor: 3
  Benefactor Roll of Honor: 8                                          FOR INFORMATION ON DUCKS UNLIMITED EVENTS
  Gold Benefactor Sponsor: 1                                           CONTACT:
  Diamond Benefactor Sponsor: 1                                        Barry Allen
  Legacy Sponsor: 4                                                    Senior Regional Director
  Gold Legacy Sponsor: 0                                               2 Vigilante Trail
  Platinum Legacy Sponsor: 1                                           Reed Point, MT 59069
  Diamond Legacy Sponsor: 0
                                                                       (406) 780-0523
  Conservation Pioneer Sponsor: 0
                                                                       ballen@ducks.org
  Waterfowl Patron Sponsor: 0
  Wetland Guardian Sponsor: 0
                                                                       Greg Dinkel
                                                                       Director of Fundraising & Volunteer Relations - Region 2
FEATHER SOCIETY MEMBERS: 70                                            (308) 237-2950
• Silver: 59                                                           gdinkel@ducks.org
• Gold: 5
• Emerald: 5
                                                                       FOR INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MAJOR SPONSOR
• Platinum: 0
                                                                       CONTACT:
• Diamond: 1
                                                                       Chris Hildebrandt
• Legacy Conservation Pioneer: 0
                                                                       Director of Development
• Legacy Waterfowl Patron: 0
                                                                       (406) 203-2503
• Legacy Wetlands Guardian: 0
                                                                       childebrandt@ducks.org

U.S. CONSERVATION PROGRAMS (Central / Pacific Flyways)                 Eric Lindstrom
• Total acres conserved in flyways:              C) 2,434,359          Managing Director of Development
                                                 P) 1,144,675          (701) 355-3503
• Total acres conserved in this state:           C) 325,782            elindstrom@ducks.org
                                                 P) 532
• Amount spent to date on projects in flyways: C) $415,614,575
                                                 P) $518,232,065       FOR INFORMATION ON DU’S GIFT PLANNING PROGRAM
• Amount spent to date on projects in state:     C) $28,082,482        CONTACT:
                                                 P) $789,159           Chris Cole
• Primary waterfowl species that benefit from DU’s efforts include:    Managing Director of Gift Planning
Mallard; Northern Pintail; Canada Goose; Blue-Winged Teal; Green-      (901) 758-3763
Winged Teal; Cinnamon Teal; Lesser Snow Goose; Gadwall and             ccole@ducks.org
American Wigeon
                                                                       FOR INFORMATION ON DU’S CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
STATE FUND-RAISING EFFORTS                                             CONTACT:
• Total event income dollars raised: $982,802                          Johann Walker
• Number of committees: 32                                             Director of Conservation Programs
• Number of fund-raising events: 49                                    (701) 355-3504
• Local chapter volunteers: 784                                        jwalker@ducks.org

                                                     LEADER IN WETLANDS CONSERVATION
                                                                   (over)
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