Delta Waterfowl Foundation Advocates for Conservation Efforts and Hunting Opportunities

The Delta Waterfowl Foundation has been actively involved in promoting conservation efforts and advocating for hunting opportunities across the United States. Recent press releases and reports highlight the organization's commitment to supporting waterfowl hunters and protecting crucial habitats. In this summary, we will delve into the key takeaways, statistics, and sources that demonstrate the organization's dedication to these causes.

Key Takeaways:

• Delta Waterfowl submitted comments in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' 2025 proposal to open or expand 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.
• Out of 193 total comments submitted, 168 were from Delta Waterfowl members through the organization's Duck Hunters Action Alert System.
• The organization worked with partners to express concerns about proposed public land sales, which were ultimately dropped from the reconciliation bill.
• Delta Waterfowl welcomed the passage of legislation in Louisiana to secure $29 million for levee restoration at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area and establish the Conservation Incentive Program.
• In Pennsylvania, the organization celebrated the passage of Sunday hunting legislation in Pennsylvania's HB 1431, which repealed the prohibition against hunting on Sundays.
• In California, Delta Waterfowl supported Assembly Bill 1169, which aims to increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities through the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program.
• The organization also advocated for Assembly Bill 1520, which would extend the nonprofit contracting exemption under Section 1501.5 to duck stamp projects, improving processes for habitat conservation work.
• Senate Bill 427, which would mandate the indefinite annual transfer of $30 million from the general fund to the Habitat Conservation Fund, passed its final hearing in the Senate and was referred to the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife.
• As of the time of writing, Assembly Bill 764, which would open a season on mute swans in California, was placed on suspense (pause) in Senate Appropriations, and Delta's policy team had signed onto a joint letter of support with CWA.

Statistics:

• 168 comments from Delta Waterfowl members submitted to the USFWS during the open comment period.
• 87,000 acres of land for new hunting and sport fishing opportunities proposed to be opened or expanded within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.
• $29 million secured for levee restoration at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in Louisiana's 2025 legislative session.
• $30 million proposed for the indefinite annual transfer to the Habitat Conservation Fund.
• 193 total comments submitted to the USFWS during the open comment period.

Sources:

• Delta Waterfowl Submits Comments in Support of USFWS Hunt Fish Rule (Federal Register)
• American Wildlife Conservation Partnership letters to House and Senate leadership
• Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and the state Legislature's support for conservation measures
• Pennsylvania HB 1431 Sunday hunting legislation
• California Assembly Bill 1169 and AB 1520 supporting letters from Delta Waterfowl
• California Assembly Bill 1520, AB 929, and SB 427 supporting letters from Delta Waterfowl
• CWA, Delta Waterfowl, and other organizations' joint letter of support for Proposition 4 Fund Security Concerns.