Group’s Land Policy Was Mischaracterized

To the Editor:

Your cover article “Preserving Open Space for the Ages” profiles a very important issue that should concern every American, and I applaud you for giving all of us in the land-conservation movement such a boost.

Unfortunately, your comment that “Ducks Unlimited preserves wetlands primarily for use by waterfowl hunters” is not accurate. Our easement and acquisition programs focus entirely on the values of the land for wildlife, and all decisions related to hunting and other recreation are left strictly to the landowner to determine within state and federal law. In fact, the majority of our conservation easements restrict commercial enterprises related to hunting and fishing when that is necessary to protect the values of the land.

Our perpetual conservation-easement efforts are targeted to high-priority wetlands and other habitats in places where there are no threats to the environment. Our mission focuses exclusively on the habitats that the birds need and not on secondary issues such as temporary recreational uses.

W. Alan Wentz
Group Manager for Conservation
Ducks Unlimited
Memphis