John Acker🇺🇸🦆

somewhere between Ernest Hollings & Ernest Hemingway | Bluffton, SC

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Yesterday, Mike McShane, DU’s Advisory Senior VP for Public Policy, was presented with the Order of the Palmetto by @SenatorCampsen on behalf of Governor @henrymcmaster.

Recognition in the Order is the state of South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. It is presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale. The Order of the Palmetto recognizes individuals who have selflessly given their time, resources, and goodwill through a variety of different causes and pursuits to the benefit of their neighbors, fellow citizens, and the fabric and prosperity of South Carolina.

Mike embodies all of these ideals, and his steady leadership and unmatched dedication have helped conserve and connect habitat in the Lowcountry and around the Palmetto State, helping make the state a better place to live. We are proud that Governor McMaster has given him this well-deserved recognition.

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

This week in Oklahoma City, Ducks Unlimited hosted our annual Capitol Dinner. This tradition, now in its second year, brings together state legislators and our strongest supporters to celebrate the important conservation work of Ducks Unlimited and our partners in state government, the energy sector, agriculture, and tribes.

Dr. Steve Adair, DU Chief Scientist, delivered the keynote to highlight how we have worked to conserve over 38,000 acres of habitat in the state, including on @OKWildlifeDept WMAs. This event would not be possible without the dedicated hard work of our OK DU Volunteers. Thank you to all those who attended, and we will see you next year! #DuckPolicy

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Thanks to @SenBillCassidy for meeting with DU staff, volunteers, and college students from Louisiana during our Washington, DC fly-in!

We appreciate your support for federal policies that further wetlands conservation and benefit hunters in Louisiana. #DuckPolicy

[John Acker🇺🇸🦆 @john_j_acker]

https://t.co/XzauhupWFO

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

89 Years of Conservation: Eighty-nine years ago today, conservation was transformed by the founding of Ducks Unlimited.

In 1937, a small group of waterfowlers, visionaries, and community leaders set out to save North America's waterfowl populations while celebrating the continent's solid waterfowling heritage. Stressing the critical role wetlands play across North America, DU committed to this mission at the height of the Great Depression and one of the worst droughts in history.

Never underestimate what a group of passionate people can accomplish together for the special places left on earth. We're making a continental impact, just as our founders envisioned nearly 90 years ago. Through your support and the tireless efforts of our other members, volunteers, and partners, DU has protected or restored more than 19 million acres . . . and counting.

On behalf of Team DU, we say—Happy Anniversary, Ducks Unlimited!

Learn more: https://t.co/FKKiuj7rok

#DucksUnlimited #89YearsOfConservation
Photos: Ducks Unlimited

[John Acker🇺🇸🦆 @john_j_acker]

Thinking of my dad Today, on the 19th anniversary of his passing. Always grateful for the greatest gift he ever gave me. His name🩶

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

In this article by @NACDconserve, they explain how perpetual conservation easements benefit landowners and waterfowl in equal measure – and are immensely popular with farmers and ranchers.

They address some common misconceptions about conservation easements and inform on the role Conservation Districts can play in helping producers utilize easements to keep their land working.

“If we don’t protect working lands, our ability to feed, clothe, and fuel ourselves is at risk. One tactic to keep working lands working is to permanently protect them through conservation easements.” #DuckPolicy
https://t.co/hqAssYrnpm

[John Acker🇺🇸🦆 @john_j_acker]

America has lost a great man today.

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Ducks Unlimited joins our friends on both sides of the aisle in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA).

“As a farmer, representative, and chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Doug was a committed conservationist and a true friend of the Ducks,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “He understood rural America as well as anybody, and his consistent work on conservation, agriculture, and water policies benefited his constituents – people, ducks, and wildlife alike. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Northern California community.”

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

🌊 Major Conservation Milestone in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed!

Thanks to a generous $2.5 million grant from the James M. Cox Foundation, Ducks Unlimited is accelerating wetland restoration efforts in Virginia. These projects will protect critical habitat, improve coastal resilience, and support clean water for over 18 million people across the region.

This gift continues a legacy of support from @CoxEnterprises and Jim Kennedy, DU’s largest donor, whose commitment to conservation has now surpassed $200 million.

The Chesapeake Bay fuels a $63 billion outdoor economy and supports 20,000 seafood industry jobs—this investment helps to ensure its future.

🔗 Learn more: https://t.co/IpO51hOju9

#WetlandsMatter #ChesapeakeBay #DucksUnlimited #CoxConserves #EnvironmentalStewardship
Photo: Ducks Unlimited

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

News: the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to reauthorize Pittman-Robertson interest for wetlands conservation. #DuckPolicy

https://t.co/SrqvUOcvMN

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

The availability of public lands is paramount to hunters, anglers, hikers, and many other outdoor enthusiasts. A government shutdown would limit access to the outdoors for millions of Americans in national parks, national wildlife refuges, and many other areas designated for public recreation.

Likewise, a shutdown could disrupt ongoing projects to conserve and restore critical habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife that support our cherished outdoor traditions.

With hunting season already underway in some states and right around the corner for others, we urge Congress to come together and keep the government open for the benefit of all Americans.

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Congratulations to the following appointees, who were confirmed tonight by the U.S. Senate!

@USDA
-Richard Fordyce, Undersecretary of Farm Production & Conservation
-Dudley Hoskins, Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs

@Interior
-Andrea Travnicek, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
-Will Doffermyre, Solicitor

@EPA
-Jessica Kramer, Assistant Administrator for Water

@WHCEQ47
-Katherine Scarlett, Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality

We look forward to working with you all! #DuckPolicy

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Thanks to @Interior, who announced a $54 million investment in waterfowl habitat was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, further expanding outdoor recreation & hunting access on 21,737 acres on national wildlife refuges. #DuckPolicy
https://t.co/b107VZ4mDg

[Ducks Unlimited Conservation @DUConserve]

MILESTONE ACHIEVED! We've conserved 55,000 acres through the Cox Prairie Easement Program! This incredible accomplishment wouldn't be possible without the generous financial support of the @CoxEnterprises in partnership with the James M. Cox Foundation.

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Thanks to @SecRollins for meeting with DU this week at @USDA. We agree that farmers & ranchers are among our nation's best conservationists, and their success is America's success. #DuckPolicy

[Ducks Unlimited Conservation @DUConserve]

Ducks Unlimited joined a panel with @HunterandAngler, @BC_Club1887, & @NWTF_official at the @NCSLorg summit on the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Topics ranged from the key role hunters play to the importance of the duck stamp. #DuckPolicy

[John Acker🇺🇸🦆 @john_j_acker]

A great day! 🦆

@CBCInstitute

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

News - the Senate just voted to confirm Brian Nesvik as the Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (@USFWS). #DuckPolicy

"We’re glad to see Brian Nesvik confirmed as the next director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service," said DU CEO @adamputnam. "The history of collaboration between DU and the USFWS dates back to our founding in 1937 and represents the incredible impact hunters have on conserving America’s natural places through programs like NAWCA and the duck stamp. Nesvik’s distinguished career as a public servant, including his leadership of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, will make him a great partner as we continue our shared goal of stewarding America’s waterfowl and their habitat."
https://t.co/h787QlLHFT

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Thank you to Sen. @JohnBoozman for all you do in support of the ducks! 🦆

Your championing of waterfowl hunters in the Senate and on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission has benefited duck hunters immensely, both in the Natural State and across the country. #DuckPolicy

[Ducks Unlimited @DucksUnlimited]

Ducks Unlimited is opposed to the sale of public lands through reconciliation and without due process, and is actively engaged in the defense of America’s public estate. Our current efforts are particularly focused on protecting the National Wildlife Refuge System, the integrity of conservation easements, and the Prairie Potholes that generations of duck hunters have invested in.