DU National Convention ORLANDO - May 18-22 -

[Steve W]

Ducks Unlimited is heading south to Orlando for our 68th Annual Convention May 18-22, 2005. Famous for its unparalleled collection of theme parks and attractions, Orlando is also recognized around the world as a premier center for meetings and conventions - so what better location for DU to convene its 2005 annual activities?

DU members and supporters from across the continent are invited to join the festivities. In addition to the informative and important meetings, we've planned an outstanding social agenda that includes and Everglades Adventure party, a House of Blues Blow-Out Party, and the traditional Gala banquet at the Gaylord Palms Resort. Make your reservations to join the DU flock in Orlando. Click HERE (http://www.ducks.org//NationalConvention/index.asp) to register online, or call (901) 758-3716 for more information.

[Steve W]

I am sure Rut has already registered and renewed his membership.

:smileinbo

[Converted]

I wonder if someone could tell me how much DU money is raised in Florida and how much makes it back here?

Could be a nice point to bring up in the question and answer session :smileinbo

[D Duck]

I have not seen the figures for the last few years, but previous to that, it was pretty dismal. Send Capt. Jeff a PM on the AWF site, he might have the numbers. Beware, they will be biased.... :hiding:

[Logans1437]

Honestly, very little of DU money raised here actually makes it back to the ground here. There's no arguing that. The money raised by DU, regardless of the state, goes towards the critical habitat conservation necessary for all waterfowl. It sounds like a slant, but Florida simply doesn't cut it when it comes to vital waterfowl habitat. To date, there have been some 19 major DU projects in Florida totalling over $850K in grants to the state, but most of the money raised here is spent in the places that grow the ducks we see all winter.

"For every net dollar Ducks Unlimited raises in Florida, 7.5% goes directly to the Matching Aid to Restore States Habitats (MARSH) program. Since 1985, $802.569 in MARSH funds have been used to enhance 16,000+ acres of waterfowl habitat in Florida. Through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), DU has restored an additional 5,912 acres." - DU's Florida webpage

This is an age-old question and a valid one at that - but the general public thinks DU takes their money and returns them nothing. I'll argue that all day long. And I'm sure Capt. Jeff, our state Marsh Chairman, will sustain my argument. The majority of DU's efforts are directed where the most critical needs are - the nesting grounds and the breeding areas - NONE OF WHICH ARE IN FLORIDA.

It bothers me to know that there exists a bad attitude about DU - we're talking about the #1 conservation organization in the world - "a model for all other efforts worldwide" (George W. Bush - '04). I challenge you to find another group even closely related to DU that turns as much of its fundraising dollars into results. DU easily puts 85% of every dollar into the ground where it matters most. Find me another fundraising effort, wildlife related or not, that dedicates that much of every dollar to their cause. On top of that, every dollar generated from private donors (like you and me) gets matched by $4 from HUGE corporate sponsors (i/e: Anheiser-Busch) - all of which is dedicated to critical wetlands restoration and conservation. Healthy wetlands in critical areas mean more ducks. It's really simple.

UWF is a fantastic group of dedicated guys who concentrate on local solutions and local hunter advocacy issues. Their work has generated fine results, but all their work is for naught if the breeding grounds are no longer productive and the ducks simply don't show up here.

I like to think of it this way - DU is a global organization - UWF is a local organization. Each stand to benefit from the successes of the other and the hunters in Florida benefit from all of it.

I know I probably just opened a can of worms, but as a 3-year chairman of one of Florida's top producing DU Chapters, I have faced this question more times than I care to admit - AND MOSTLY FROM AVID DUCK HUNTERS who ought to know where their bread gets buttered. In my tenure as Chairman, we've sent over $50K each year back to DU - and it doesn't bother me one bit where they put it because I know I'll see ducks for a long time to come because of DU.

If you want to really understand DU - check their website. The answers are there and the ducks are here because of it.

[Wilbur]

Great post! Most of us often dont see the big picture, including myself. It is good to have a different view of things after what alot of us would consider a poor season for waterfowl hunting. :icon_salu

[Converted]

Thanks for the informative reply Logans1437. I fully support DU. I have been a member of DU and Delta longer than I've been involved with UW-F. This was not intended to be a "we vs. them" or "bash DU" issue. As far as I see it we are all on the same team!

BUT... :smileinbo
I would like to see more effort spent in the Atlantic flyway breeding and wintering grounds. I am just thinking politically. Having the national organization in the sunshine state may offer an opportunity to make the case to earmark more funds and research that will be of direct benefit to Florida waterfowlers.

Knowing the amount of money raised gives some bargining power to reach that goal.

[N. Cook]

As David said, UW-F has an excellent relationship with DU ( and DELTA as well) and supports the DU events and fund raisers. The majority of the national organizations' money goes to conservation. From my attendance to DU functions (I am from Memphis and they go back over a few years) my understanding is that states are rated 1 to 5 in importance (and money spent). Florida is a #5. I believe at the last DU state meeting the question (which does come up often, even at DU meetings, and is not always meant in a critical way) was answered by: Money raised - close to $1 million, money spent in FL- about $230,000 for a recent year. Capt. Jeff can give the accurate answer I am sure. The bulk of DU money has always gone to the breeding grounds.

DU and DELTA are FUND RAISING CONSERVATION 501C-3 non profits. They cannot be too partisan or they would loose their tax status ( and probably a lot of their major funding that comes from non-hunting groups, all of which is tax deductible). That is why organizations such as UW-F are so important.....we are a 501C-4 non profit and can be partisan....and we don't solicit large funds from anybody or group (not tax deductible for C-4s). We purposely do not compete with DU (or DELTA) for funds as "their members are our members" and we ask for a totally different commitment.....UW-F needs your VOICE and help with pressure on the agencies and bureaucrats and YOU can speak up as a UW-F member and voice opinions and positions DU would/can not allow. The total UW-F annual budget is less than one good DU dinner meeting brings in. UW-F does give Florida's duck hunters a lot of BANG FOR THEIR DUCKS!!!

[Logans1437]

That's the coolest part about the whole deal - supporting both, if not all, organizations hits every possible need for us as hunters and conservationists. It my humble opinion, you send your money to both organizations - let DU work to keep making ducks and let UWF work to make better opportunities for you to see them.

As for the DU National Convention, I'd like to think it will bring bigger and better attention to our needs here in Florida, but I have my doubts that Florida ever gets much more attention than it does now. We're just in the wrong place.

[uncle D]

Will the convention encompass the annual state meeting?

Traditionally, the UW prez will attend the state meet.

Newton,

i know you went last year. Do you plan to attend the Natl. convention?

Duke

[Converted]

Sooo... back to the subject at hand. If we can agree that Florida duckers and ducks would benefit from more DU attention to the Atlantic Flyway in general and Florida in particular then... Who would we talk to and how?

-We've got an important wintering ground for teal, ringers and scaup.
-We've got trouble all over the state with spraying of aquatic plants in the middle of the migration.
-We've got the SFWMD bending over backwards to provide access for duck hunters. Could matching funds be offered?
-We have a model for the world in wetlands restoration in both the Kissimmee river and the Everglades. Should DU get involved in the largest man made marshes in the world?

Anyone else have some ideas?

I think we need to jump at the chance to address the upper level management at DU on their visit to our back yard.

How do you go about getting an audience with the pope :ORGR:

[Logans1437]

The two meetings are independent of one another. Florida's state meeting is in April and the National deal is in May. Both are in Orlando.

As for gaining an audience with the National people, I haven't the slightest clue. Again, we're talking about a monster of an organization with a well-defined hierarchy - in my role as committee chairman, I merely communicated with the Regional Director for south Florida, Brett Bainter, of Orlando and our State Volunteer Chairman, Pat Saunders, of Jacksonville.

Both are accessible by e-mail addresses posted on the DU website - Florida section.

Dave - you bring some awesome fodder to the table with your assessment of potential cooperative efforts for DU in Florida. We have a tremendous resource for the birds who winter here, and there's no doubt we'd benefit from the help of DU. I guess the best bet would be to start with one of the two gentlemen listed above and follow the path upward.

Sorry I can't offer any more ideas - I'd be speculating at best and that wouldn't do any good.

Capt. Jeff is another hard-working DU member - he could shed more light I'm sure.

[RutnNStrutn]

We all know the good that DU does in duck habitat conservation, and we commend them for that. But there are 2 issues that bug the @#$%&! out of me.
1 - DU spends precious little of their $$$, or should I say, our $$$, here in FLA. My stance is, you want to spend the money elsewhere, you go collect it elsewhere too!
2 - A map of DU's projects is shaped like a funnel. The funnel emcompasses most of Canada and the prarie pothole region of the US. Important duck breeding habitat? Yes! But the funnel tapers as it heads south, and filters right into the Mississippi Flyway. What about breeding grounds? Ducks don't breed and nest down in the central or southern US either. But some of the best duck hunting is found in that region, and that's where the DU fat cats go on their canned hunts at. No, I'm sorry. DU, start spending a lot more money here in FLA, and I'll rejoin.
nesting grounds and the breeding areas - NONE OF WHICH ARE IN FLORIDA
Speaking of duck breeding grounds, what about the tree ducks? Research has shown that tree ducks, especially BBWD's, as well as mottleds and woodies live here year round. Some hoodies do as well. Why isn't DU spending money to conserve habitat for them? I'll tell you why. Because FLA doesn't have greenheads and isn't in the Mississippi Flyway. I rest my case.
Here's an idea. Why don't we set up a UWF booth at the convention? There are a lot more FLA DU'ers than there are FLA UWF'ers. It's time to eductate them. We have a lot more to gain in this than DU does. I am volunteering to help man the booth if we can get one. Newton? Dave? What say you?

[Lawrence]

I have given DU a fair amount of money and I am now a slight malcontent. I guess it is a culmination of things. I really appreciate the post about what DU really does. Yes we need the PP area for the ducks. It is things like the DU show where it is always shot on DU projects with CEO's of major corporations. Half the time it is on private land. Yet to see Mark Pierce on ORange Lake. :icon_sad:

I heard of a DU project up here, Levy Prarie. Well **** I got all excited about DU doing something around here. I called up some people at DU and found out it was a private project. Well it was on our programs last year, being trumpeted with a star here in north Florida. Over the years I just rightly or wrongly get the idea that if you aren't giving tens of thousands of dollars (or hundreds) well FU :) from DU.

I do like the magazine and I feel that the organization does good, but we spend a lot of time in the blind talking about what DU does not do. WHo knows? Like I said, I have sponsored many a banquet and been a committe member. I am sure it has helped somewhere.

[Logans1437]

Lawrence - That is an interesting point to make about the donors. Remember what I said, though, about the rate at which money is matched by major corporate donors. They contribute $4 for every $1 that you or I do to the same cause. Big $$$ donations get the attention - it's the same in any group, including UWF. You may not like the idea, but that's the way it is.

Rut - I see why you're disappointed. I have the same concerns, but I also know the limitations of the machine. You get some X amount coming in and you distribute it in the most beneficial way possible based on a very definitive set of criteria. Granted, we winter a bunch of migratory birds and we have our own resident birds in woodies and mottleds - DU has worked projects in Florida related to all of them. I haven't personally seen many of the projects, but I know they exist and I know that the money I spend gets spent in beneficial ways, regardless of where it is. (By the way, if you aren't contributing, you shouldn't call it 'our' money) As for the UWF booth at the Convention, I think it's a great idea.

Dave - I was reading further into DU's involvement here and I found this list of projects by DU in Florida:

http://www.ducks.org/dupages/viewArticle.asp?id=264&sid=9

Coincidentally, they've contributed to nearly all of the opportunities you mentioned in that earlier post. Many of them have been partnered efforts with various other organizations, including FWC and SWFMD. They've also participated with efforts on several NWR's and WMA's. Personally, I'd love to see their involvement in the spray issue - at least on a consultation basis for the counties who spray without regard to hunters and ducks. Or maybe even a larger involvement in STA creation and operation. Imagine what 15 STA's around the state would do for waterfowling - ****, you prabably already know.

I like this post. Even if it has strayed from the original a bit.

[RutnNStrutn]

Logan, I used to be a DU member, but quit and now spend my money (wisely) with UWF. It is OUR money because we FLA duck hunters are all wanting the same things and are a community. WE should not be supporting a group that does not support us. That is why I am a UWF member instead. I'd happily rejoin DU if they put more $$$$ back into FLA.
What do you (and the rest of you) think of my idea to use the DU convention as a platform to increase UWF membership?

[Logans1437]

As I said before, I really like the idea of a UWF booth at the convention - I just don't know the format as I have never been. Perhaps one of the individuals I mentioned earlier could help line that up.

Isn't this a great country? We can all believe in what we believe. I believe DU does great work. I believe UWF does, too. And I'll bet they both work better because of one another.

[N. Cook]

Rut.....I will have to check and see if other non-profits will be displaying at the National event. This is a touchy subject. Although we have good relations with most of the DU folks in FL, I have never approached DU at a national level and there may be resistance. Often the first reaction to any one other than DU in the game is that they are competition. I don't believe any of the Florida DU members who know UW-F feel that way. DU members are our largest source of members and UW-F has made it very clear from the beginning that we are not a competitor for funds and a purpose of UW-F is to give DU members an outlet for their political and regulatory beliefs which a 501C-3 non profit is not allowed to voice.

This relationship has developed over several years and I believe we can begin to develop a similar relationship with the DU national, but it may be best to do it as we do the state DU meeting.....I attend and lobby and speak out where I can and have gained support to the point that UW-F receives positive comments in committee meetings, often UW-F is pointed to when a member raises a question that DU cannot handle as a conduit for the issue. I have even spoke up when an impasse is reached (once when the DU national representative cut the DU member off with a "we cannot even discuss that!") and suggested UW-F would get involved....

We have not decided if someone should attend the DU national yet, it is expensive. I do plan to attend the state (does someone have info on it yet???). The board will have to discuss the situation. I believe the $350 fee is doable but the hotel the meeting is in is sky high....perhaps my son could get me a better deal at a nearby Marriott. I will see.

Also, I haven't checked my scheduled that far in advance, but someone else could attend if I am tied up.

DU is important to ducks and duck hunters, and the issue of where their funds are spent is an ongoing sorepoint to many, but UW-F supports DU and wants every DU member in Florida to become a UW-F member as well. Together we are very effective.
Newton

[Steve W]

Geez, I was just trying to see if anyone was going. :violent1:

[Kevin Hall]

Steve,

You ought to know this bunch by now ... ask a simple question - and we'll get off on a tangent. ;) :icon_salu

[N. Cook]

Thanks Steve for startjng the string....gave us a chance to put the UW-F/DU relationship on record again....we have a lot of new members who have not seen this discussion. We want to keep up the good relations and continue to be recognized as an ally that all DU members should support.
Newton

[RutnNStrutn]

As I have stated many times, I know DU does good work, and I applaud them for that. I just don't feel that they give FLA duck hunters any bang for their buck. UWF does, and that's why I support them.
Newton, see what you can find out, and what y'all decide to do. If UWF does something at the convention, I'll help out. :icon_salu

[Novalex]

Interesting posts & some expected responses from the malcontents. :knob:

Yes, only 7.5% or $100,000 comes back to Florida in the way of MARSH projects.

The reason more isn't done in Florida is because of the Water Management Districts.

Did you realize that Florida ranks in the Top 5 for publically accessable/huntable lands.

It's because of the WMD's conserving the lands for us.

DU doesn't need to spend the money in Florida so it spends it on the breeding grounds.

Bottom line, if you don't like a specific org then I say don't support it. :icon_salu

But please hold to you laurels & stop hunting TM Goodwin ($2,000,000), MINWR ($100,000+), Emeralda ($10,000), & countless other projects that we (Ducks Unlimited) are asked & do fund.


Capt Jeff Kraynik
MARSH Chair/Florida

[Randy Clark]

thanks for pointing out those areas supported by du cant quit hunting tm so i guess du is good in my book

[Converted]

Thanks for the reply Jeff. :icon_salu

So are you satisified with the 7.5% return or would you like to see that number grow?

In your opinion, is the money better spent elsewhere?

Should we take the opportunity of the National mtg in Orlando to try and lobby for additional funding to FL?

[Kevin Hall]

What I would like to know is "what" MINWR spent $100K on ...

becuase it sure wasn't locks for the water control structures! :mad:

[RutnNStrutn]

Typical is what your response is CJ. :rolleyes: DU bias, as always.
$100K at MINWR?? For what? I'll tell you for what. For Blackpoint so that the tree huggers can have a good show on your dollar. Glad it ain't my dollar. As Kevin stated, it darn sure isn't for water control structures, even though part of it was supposed to be for them.
$2 mil at Goodwin? Not bad, but my state tax $, and $ from my license and permit purchases go into it as well, so thank you very much, I'll keep on hunting it.
Call me a malcontent or whatever you want. The simple fact, one that you backed up, is that DU collects money from FLA and then only spends 7.5% of here. That's 92.5% collected from our state that is spent elsewhere. Pretty crappy ratio if you ask me. No thanks DU, you keep on collecting from people whose states you do 99.999999999999% of your work in. When you start doing more here in FLA, I'll rejoin.

[DUCKWHACKER]

Gee Rut, glad I didn't get you that DU gift membership for your birthday :rolleyes: Speakin' of which, how was the pony show? :eusa_danc

[ironeyes]

I was just wondering how much money the NRA spends in FL in any given year...EXCLUDING election years!

[RutnNStrutn]

The NRA doesn't have "pet projects" like DU has in their sacred cow states. The NRA keeps it members informed of issues at the state and national level, and fights for all of us equally in every state. If a particular state has more issues going on, for example - the continuous anti-gun legislation in New York, California, Illinois, Maryland, etc., then they do more work there. You are attempting to compare apples to watermelons when you compare DU to
the NRA.
Don't forget, DU isn't even a hunter's organization. They are a "conservation" organization. They do not take any stances on hunting issues, and do not support hunters. The only hunters they support are the DU fatcats who get to go on special hunts on your dollar.

[ironeyes]

Im not trying to make any comparisons....just doing my part to get your Bp up. :rolleyes:

[RutnNStrutn]

Nice try Joey, it didn't work. I'm simply educating the uneducated who might read this thread. :icon_salu