Ducks Unlimited has announced that after a busy fiscal year in 2006, it has surpassed its conservation goals by conserving nearly 170,000 acres.

“We’re proud of this accomplishment and we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous dedication and support of the entire DU family,” said Don Young, DU executive vice president. “But we can’t rest on our laurels now. Every 10 minutes, an acre of invaluable wetland habitat vanishes.”

Across the continent members and supporters of DU have banded together to conserve more than 11.6 million acres over the past 70 years.

Through ongoing land protection strategies and fund-raising efforts, DU exceeded its annual goal for conserved acreage by 21 percent in 2006. In addition, DU engineers and biologists worked with landowners on nearly 650,000 technical assistance acres to institute land practices that are more environmentally friendly.

With more than 1 million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization. The U.S. alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Baxter programs changed

Two evening programs scheduled to take place in Baxter State Park this month have switched dates.

On Aug. 23, the park will sponsor the “Togue Pond Ramble,” with park naturalist Jean Hoekwater.

Hoekwater will show visitors what lives on the shores of the pond. Visitors will meet at Togue Pond Beach at 6 p.m., and should wear footwear and clothing for a dip in the pond. The program is appropriate for families with children ages 6 to 12.

On Aug. 31, a program called “An SMFA Introduction – Scientific Forestry in Baxter State Park – from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The tour with Baxter State Park foresters will illustrate forest development and the modern sustainable forestry that occurs in the park.

Space is limited to 12 people and children attending must be older than 12. Call 723-8537 to sign up or see a ranger for more information.

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