How does Ducks Unlimited select lands to purchase?
A science-based approach is used to identify lands that DU might consider purchasing. Areas with the potential for high densities of breeding ducks and large tracts of remaining grassland are preferred. DU also purchases land that already provides valuable waterfowl habitat, but is at high-risk of cultivation or development. DU purchases land as a last resort. DU would rather see landowners enroll their land in permanent grassland and wetland easement programs, foregoing the need for DU to purchase the land. However, there are times when the landowners choose not to place easements on their land and, instead, choose to sell their property. If the land contains valuable waterfowl habitat, DU may contact the landowner to make an offer for the land. In other cases the landowner contacts DU. DU normally pays full market price for the land, based on an independent appraisal.
