[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 31, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            DUCKS UNLIMITED

  (Mrs. BLACKBURN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, it is so true that ``to whom much is 
given, much is required,'' especially when it comes to ensuring the 
blessings of creation for our children and grandchildren. Seventy-five 
years ago, a group of concerned citizens came together to offer their 
time, talents, and treasures to protect waterfowl populations and 
preserve wetland habitats.
  Ducks Unlimited has a purposed beginning. During the 1937 Dust Bowl, 
drought-plagued waterfowl populations were at unprecedented lows. 
Recognizing the waterfowl were dangerously near to unrecoverable 
populations, a small group of sportsmen organized themselves and got to 
work.
  Over the past 75 years, the members of Ducks Unlimited have worked to 
conserve, restore, and manage habitats essential to the well-being of 
our continent's waterfowl populations. Through public-private 
partnerships and the hard work of Ducks Unlimited volunteers throughout 
the country, more than 12 million acres across North America have been 
preserved.
  Madam Speaker, it never ceases to amaze me how the citizenry, bound 
together by common dedication, determination, and focus, and not by 
government fiat, can change the world. Ducks Unlimited has spent the 
last 75 years improving water quality, mitigating the effects of 
floods, safeguarding and expanding recreational opportunities. They are 
to be commended for their 75 years.

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