Campaign for a better future - Rescue Our Wetlands will address Canadians' concerns about water, wildlife and environment

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OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MB, Feb. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - It's the eve of World Wetlands Day. Do Canadians know that approximately one quarter of these important ecosystems are in our care?

Unfortunately, most don't realize that wetlands are key to some of the country's most urgent environmental concerns. Even fewer know how fast these wetlands are disappearing. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is striving to change this with a historic new campaign called Rescue Our Wetlands.

Learn more about the Rescue Our Wetlands campaign, and what will be the largest contribution to conservation in Canada…and North America. Visit the Rescue Our Wetlands content center.

Wetlands are some of the most important ecosystems on the planet. These natural areas:

• clean our water;
• provide critical habitat for wildlife;
• mitigate climate change;
• provide flood and drought protection for our communities; and
• are perfect natural spaces for recreation and learning opportunities.

Unfortunately, more than 80 acres of wetlands are drained and filled in every day in Canada to make way for agriculture, urban sprawl, and industrial development. That's the equivalent of 45 soccer fields every 24 hours. Loss of this vital habitat is having devastating impacts on biodiversity, our economy, and on the health and safety of our communities.

The success of Rescue Our Wetlands depends on the continued support from people who share a passion for the environment.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.

SOURCE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA

Video with caption: "Video: The Rescue Our Wetlands campaign will be the largest contribution to conservation in Canada’s history.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20160201_C4664_VIDEO_EN_609592.mp4&posterurl=http%3a%2f%2fphotos.newswire.ca%2fimages%2f20160201_C4664_PHOTO_EN_609592.jpg&order=1&jdd=20160201&cnum=C4664

Image with caption: "Canada's boreal forest covers 58 per cent of Canada and is home to countless lakes, rivers and wetlands. It’s one of the best opportunities for conservation anywhere on Earth. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160201_C4664_PHOTO_EN_609596.jpg

Image with caption: "When kids get outdoors, they’re inspired by nature and conservation. Ducks Unlimited Canada education programs are shaping conservation leaders for today and tomorrow. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160201_C4664_PHOTO_EN_609594.jpg

Nigel Simms, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]