Sometime in 1990, the Ranch was approached by Ducks Unlimited – Canada with a proposal of commitment to protect portions of the property, namely those areas most suited to ‘growing ducks’. In 1991 an agreement was signed whereby the Ranch agreed to defer grazing in some fields to maintain carryover on those regions in order to promote successful waterfowl propagation. A commitment of 30 years was made. In order for this concept to work, modifications to the field layout needed to be made. Some fences were removed and others put in and additional water sources were created to accommodate these new fields.
Working with DU has been an enjoyable experience. Meetings with the principals (Ron Montgomery (now retired), Don Watson and Archie Balaski) and numerous others from their organization have been a real pleasure, as it seems both parties appreciate the existence of the win/win arrangement we share.
