Ducks Unlimited is back in Butte for the first time in 16 years, kicking off its conservation efforts with a banquet at the Hotel Finlen on Friday.
BUTTE, Mont. òòò½ÊÓƵ“ Ducks Unlimited is making a comeback in Butte after a 16-year absence, bringing renewed focus to wetland conservation in the area.
The organization is reopening its local chapter and hosting its first event in over a decade this Friday at the Hotel Finlen.
Committee volunteer Mark Mariano emphasized the importance of having a local Ducks Unlimited group, in order for Butte to better match the efforts being made around Montana, where waterfowl protection has become a major national focus.
"Of the money raised nationally, a large percentage of it is actually spent in Montana as Montana is third in waterfowl production in the Lower 48," Mariano said. "Whether it's nesting, overwintering, or migrating waterfowl, we lie in a major migration corridor in the Pacific flyway. And that is a key, vital waterfowl habitat."
Friday's banquet at the Hotel Finlen will feature dinner, auctions, and more, starting at 5 p.m., with the goal of raising funds for local projects.
"The money we raise at these banquets go toward bigger bang-for-your-buck projects," Mariano said. "Many folks might be familiar with some of the local projects, such as the Ducks Unlimited ponds in Warm Springs, which are both good habitats and provide public access for hunting, birdwatching, and more."
Tickets for the banquet are available at .