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Alberta businessman is DUC’s first Wetland Champion 02/02/11
Calgary, Alberta - Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) celebrates World Wetlands Day 2011 with a milestone $2 million contribution by David Bissett. The cash contribution from Bissett, a Calgary philanthropist, conservationist and outdoor enthusiast, makes him the first individual to reach Wetland Champion status within DUC – a sponsorship level awarded to those who have contributed $2 million and up.
“David is a respected and successful businessman and conservation leader in the community and we are honoured to have him as our first Individual DUC Wetland Champion,” says Jeff Nelson, CEO of Ducks Unlimited Canada. “We have always had a lot of reasons to celebrate World Wetlands Day, David’s gift makes this year even more special for DUC.”
With this donation, DUC will establish the David Bissett Sportsmen’s Legacy Fund with a goal to ensure prime upland game bird and waterfowl habitat in Southern Alberta is maintained and managed in perpetuity. This habitat is a result of more than 70 years of work that DUC has done conserving and restoring wetlands in this area of the province.
Nelson said the establishment of this legacy fund “is a result of David’s passion for upland game birds and the desire to see that their habitat is conserved and that all Albertans can access these areas. David has a good understanding of the role DUC and its partners play in making this happen. David’s leadership and vision was important in getting this Fund rolling.”
Proceeds from the Fund will be used for annual maintenance and reconstruction of DUC’s wetland habitat projects that provide public access and benefit upland game birds, waterfowl and many other species of wildlife. These wetlands also filter water, sequester carbon from the atmosphere, keep our watersheds healthy, help moderate climate change, mitigate the impact of flood surges and offer tremendous recreational and learning opportunities for us all.
"Ducks Unlimited Canada is an organization close to my heart,” said David Bissett. “I recently toured several DUC wetland projects to see first-hand the habitat work they are doing. I have a real appreciation for what they’ve accomplished, especially in Southern Alberta, conserving habitat for wildlife and allowing public access so that it can be enjoyed by everyone," says David Bissett. “I hope my donation will prompt other sportsmen to join me in supporting and donating to this Fund.”
Since 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada has worked to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. |
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