WASHINGTON – Sept. 22, 2009 – Ducks Unlimited testified before a congressional subcommittee today to urge the expansion of the popular North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Director of DU's Governmental Affairs Office Scott Sutherland presented testimony to the House Resources Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee, supporting a bill from Congressman Robert Wittman (Va.) that would encourage increased funding from Canadian sources for the program.

"NAWCA continues to be one of the great success stories for conservation, and by enhancing the program to allow investment from Canadian sources that success can continue," Sutherland said before the hearing. "Allowing Canadian funds to match the federal grants will help continue NAWCA projects to be matched by an average of $2 for every dollar from the U.S. government."

In the 20 years of the program, there have been more than 1,600 NAWCA projects that have conserved more than 25 million acres of habitat across North America.

For the full story, please go to ducks.org -- Jay Casssell