S.C. Ducks Unlimited contributes $25K to conservation initiative

Leaders from the South Carolina Chapter of Ducks Unlimited recently presented a $25,000 check to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources from the SCDU Tag Fund to support the work of the S.C. Coastal Bird Conservation Program.

"Ducks Unlimited is a long-standing partner with SCDNR and other members of the S.C. Coastal Bird Program," DU Director of Conservation Programs James Rader said. "We make this donation in support of our continual efforts in South Carolina to enhance habitats for waterfowl, other wetland-dependent species and people."

The SCDU Tag Fund supports SCDNR's Wood Duck Box Program, which provides 1,200 wooden boxes per year for breeding wood ducks to nest in and raise their young, stabilizing and bolstering their populations for generations. DU has also provided financial support for maintenance and enhancement projects at many SCDNR properties, including Category I Waterfowl Areas like Bonneau Ferry, Santee Coastal Reserve and Broad River WMAs, as well as heritage preserve sites like Botany Bay and Capers Island.

"We're honored to be able to continue our mission of funding wetland and waterfowl habitats here in South Carolina simply through the public's continued purchase and renewals of our SCDU license plates," SCDU incoming State Chairman Brian Ford said. "Our Tag program is one of the easiest means for ensuring conservation projects in our own backyard."

"DU has always been a reliable leader in migratory bird conservation," SCDNR Director Alvin Taylor said. "We are proud to work with them on various wetland projects providing benefits to not only waterfowl, but also shorebirds, seabirds, wading birds and marsh birds. It was no surprise to see them step up to support the efforts to renourish Crab Bank, and we are grateful for that type of dependability in our partnership."

This isn't the first time that DU has supported projects aimed specifically at aiding colonial nesting seabirds and shorebirds. At Louisiana's Pass a Loutre WMA, dredged material was used to create a bird nesting island in open water near the mouth of the Mississippi River that provides a safe nesting area for colonial seabirds without the threat of land predators.

"Ducks Unlimited has been such a leader in habitat management and restoration of our critical wetlands," said Sharon Richardson, executive director of Audubon South Carolina. "It is no surprise to see their leadership and investment in this once in a lifetime habitat restoration for South Carolina. We are so proud to have them as a Conservation partner."

"Ducks Unlimited is among the most effective conservation organizations on the planet. They are international in their scope and their efforts have protected more than fourteen million acres of migratory bird habitat in North America alone," said Chris Crolley, chief steward of Coastal Expeditions and the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. "I couldn't be prouder for DU to join the growing list of organizations, companies and individuals supporting the S.C. Coastal Bird Conservation Program. Having DU at the table with us is incredibly significant for the success of our initial project to restore Crab Bank and as a partner for the Coastal Bird Conservation Program as we grow into the future. Thank you to the Ducks Unlimited Family!"