Ducks Unlimited banquet is set for October 8

The Elochoman Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold their annual banquet October 8 at the Duck Inn in Skamokawa. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m., and Prime Rib and Oyster Dinner will be served at 5:00. There will be a large assortment of raffle and auction items. Tickets are available at Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet, the Duck Inn in Skamokawa or from DU committee members. For more information, contact Penny Paulsen at 795-3228.

Ducks Unlimited began in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Its mission is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited is now the world’s largest and most effective private, nonprofit, waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. Waterfowl are not the only beneficiaries of DU’s habitat work. Wetlands improve the overall health of the environment by recharging and purifying groundwater, moderating floods and reducing soil erosion. Wetlands are North America’s most productive ecosystems, providing critical habitat to more than 900 wildlife species and invaluable recreation opportunities for people to enjoy.

Ducks Unlimited is a volunteer-based organization. DU volunteers host more than 4,500 annual fundraising events such as member and sponsor banquets, shooting and fishing tournaments and golf outings. Event dollars represent some of DU’s most important sources of revenue. Since event dollars are typically unrestricted, DU is able to spend these funds in the highest priority areas and use them to leverage additional funds from other sources.