By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Ducks Unlimited has improved more than 16 million acres of habitat across North America. The organization’s efforts aim to improve the landscape for waterfowl, wildlife and communities.
Jerry Ney, member of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter in the Great Bend area, said protecting the wetlands for future generations is an ongoing effort.
"Wetlands are being destroyed," said Ney. "We're losing wetlands at a huge rate and have since the early 1900s. Ducks Unlimited's core mission is to provide and enhance existing wetlands. Part of that involves water quality. Ducks Unlimited is a big part of the Kansas Water Initiative, which is for water quality and water quantity."
The Cheyenne/Quivira chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host their annual banquet on Feb. 10 at the Columbus Club in Great Bend. Ney said this year, Ducks Unlimited wants to expand activities for the youth.
"We did a shoot for them, a bonus thing for the kids last year, went over to Crosby Wild Game Adventures," said Ney. "We had a European-style shoot. We had seven kids there. They had a fantastic time. There was an excellent shooting and gun safety information. We'd like to have 12 kids do it this year."
Tickets for the banquet in Great Bend can be purchased at Eldridge Fencing or by calling Ney at 620-786-1017. View ducksunlimted.myeventscenter.com.