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Business & Tech

Ducks Unlimited Flocks to Chesterfield

Membership dinner supports nonprofit wetland conservation and waterfowl hunting preservation.

One of the world’s largest private waterfowl and wetland conservation organizations, Ducks Unlimited, sustains the quality of local wetlands.

The organization’s Macomb Lake St. Clair Chapter is hosting a membership dinner Thursday, April 7, at in Chesterfield Township to benefit future conservation efforts.  

“We try to get people especially interested in wetland conservation so that we can continue to have a place to take our young ones hunting and to enjoy the beauty of seeing ducks come into the pond,” said Randy Pagel, committee member of the Macomb Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

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According to Pagel, preserving wetlands in the Anchor Bay area is important as housing developments continue to take over natural habitats. He also said that since there are few waterfowl nesting areas in Michigan, preserving them is vital.

Ducks Unlimited continues to meet goals by working with local governments and businesses to replace destroyed wetland areas with similar-sized new wetlands nearby original locations. Kevin Paton, area local Ducks Unlimited chairman, said that it costs about $1,000 to replace one acre of wetland, depending on factors like locations. Fundraisers like the membership dinner make such efforts possible.

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Paton said the membership dinner has been held at Zuccaro's for nearly 30 years. This year’s event is expected to attract about 300 attendees with a goal of raising $30,000. Tickets are tax deductible and available until the day of the event. Almost 200 places have already been reserved.

Paton said, “It’s a great cause. Ducks Unlimited is a leader in wetland conservation. We designate certain areas for waterfowl to have nesting grounds. Many people don’t realize how important it really is. If they didn’t have a place to breed, we wouldn’t have the species we do today.”

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and include a silent auction with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45 per adult including annual membership to the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Tickets for youths under 15 cost $25 each and include a Green Wing membership. Ducks Unlimited membership is open to all.

Co-owner of Zuccaro Banquets & Catering Alan Zuccaro said, “We’re donors to the (Ducks Unlimited) cause. Our cuisine and the auction draw a large crowd of outdoorsmen and naturalists together … and the auction items are even related to promoting wetland conservation.”

For more information on Ducks Unlimited or to purchase tickets, call the local chapter at 586-292-1770 or email kevin@teampaton.com. Learn more about Ducks Unlimited at www.ducks.org

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