Grain Growers Questions Ducks Unlimited, Natural Resources Conservation Service Partnership

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Grain Growers Association is raising questions about the working relationship between the federal government's main conservation agency and a private group that works to boost wetlands and waterfowl.

Grain Growers says the Natural Resources Conservation Service shouldn't be using Ducks Unlimited personnel as "foot soldiers" because it gives the nonprofit waterfowl group undue influence.

Ducks Unlimited spokeswoman Becky Jones-Mahlum says that isn't the case.

She says the waterfowl nonprofit, the NRCS and state conservation agencies jointly fund farm program biologists who work with landowners who approach NRCS about voluntary conservation programs. She says the private professionals are not involved in regulatory programs or policy development.

Grain Growers Executive Director Dan Wogsland says he thinks the setup still "opens the door for abuse."

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