Since the early days of DU, we have recognized that quality habitat is the key to healthy waterfowl populations. We are proud to have had the opportunity to provide these acres of vital habitat, and, with the help of our partners and our affiliates in Canada and Mexico, we're poised to provide millions more as we enter the 21st century. Since DU's inception in 1937, the organization has restored, enhanced, or preserved wetland and upland habitat in Canada, the United States, and Mexico for the benefit of ducks, geese, swans, and other wildlife. These conservation efforts have been an important factor in the recent comeback of many waterfowl species. An estimated 92 million ducks migrated south in the autumn of 1997, the greatest number in decades.
Wetland conservation is beneficial to other wildlife species as well.
At least 900 wildlife species depend on wetlands during part of their lives, and about 160 threatened or endangered species need wetlands for their survival. Wetlands also help stem the devastating effects of floods, by absorbing and slowly releasing floodwaters. Wetlands help purify groundwater and water in our lakes and rivers. And wetlands provide recreation for millions of Americans. The United States has lost more than half of its original wetlands, and we continue to lose more than 170,000 wetland acres every year.