By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The recent drought and solar farm discussion has shined the light on the importance of area wetlands like Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The Cheyenne-Quivira chapter of Ducks Unlimited, commonly referred to as the Great Bend chapter, continues to do its part to support those wetlands. District Chairman Jerry Ney said some 330 people attended the Ducks Unlimited annual banquet at the Knights of Columbus on Feb. 10. The local chapter again raised more than $100,000 for wetlands and water conservation.
"We've made similar money the last three years," Ney said. "We have a really good commitment from sponsors, which really helps our bottom line. That money goes, basically, directly to different waterfowl and water projects."
The Great Bend Chapter has consistently ranked No. 2 among Kansas chapters for funds raised, trailing only the Overland Park Chapter. Established in the 1970s, the Great Bend chapter is the seventh-oldest chapter in the state. Funds raised by local chapters generate large returns from the national chapter.
"Ducks Unlimited Kansas raises about $2 million a year through all their different banquets and fundraisers," Ney said. "That money goes to Memphis, Tenn. to national headquarters. Memphis sends that money back to the states for different projects. They send Kansas $4.2 or $4.3 million every year, which is more than double what we sent them."
Most of the money returned to Kansas goes toward projects in Barton and Stafford counties, though projects in McPherson and Pratt counties, and Linn and Cloud counties are also beneficiaries.
As district chairman, Ney is able to help members with questions also assist other area chapters. He is joined by Jamie Johnson, local chapter president, and Billy Eldridge, who moved from chapter president to treasurer. Concordia's Josh Williams is the regional chair, and Wally Eldridge serves as a local co-chair.
Committee members from the Great Bend chapter will attend the state convention this weekend in Manhattan. Ney again expects several awards for the chapter's fundraising efforts in 2023.