Welcome to Minnesota Waterfowl Assoc.
<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><script> (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-47423994-1', 'fortunecity.ws'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script> <center> <br> <div> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://ad.broadcaststation.net/ads/show_ad.php?width=728&height=90"></script> </div> </center> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="06100640egdysm.html"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="09288460.html" border=0 width="648" height="70" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="068576c0.html" border=0 width="87" height="108" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our projects"><U>Our projects</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links"><U>Related Links</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="069b4a40.html" border=0 width="180" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Welcome to the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Minnesota Waterfowl Chain of Lakes Chapter</B></FONT> web site.</div> <div> For your ease of navigation use the site map above. </div> <bR> <div> <I>The MWA Story</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Minnesotans have long recognized the importance of their state for both production and migration habitat for waterfowl. For years,a group of waterfowler supporters from Albert Lea watched many local marshes disappear and the remaining ones deteriorate. In 1967, they pulled together their resources and formed the base for what was to become the Minnesota Waterfowl Association {MWA}. </div> <div> This statewide nonprofit organization is dedicated to the preservation, creation and restoration of wildlife habitat in Minnesota. The MWA, through proceeds from memberships,fund-raisers and donations, has benefited wildlife for more than 30 years. </div> <div> In 1977, MWA was successful in initiating and passing the Minnesota State Waterfowl Stamp program. Money from the sale of the stamp is earmarked for the enhancement of waterfowl habitat on state-owned wetlands and designated waterfowl lakes. In recognition of the association's efforts, the first stamp featured MWA's logo designed by acclaimed wildlife artist David A. Maass. Sales of the Minnesota Waterfowl Stamp have raised nearly $6 million for wildlife preservation in the decade. </div> <div> MWA members tackle the job of creating upland nesting cover and restoring wetland complexes where they no longer exist. The MWA has completed and participated in more than 600 wetland restoration projects in more than 50 Minnesota counties. Dollars raised in our state stay in our state. </div> <div> Our projects not only benefit waterfowl; more non-game species benefit from quality wetlands than those few species that are hunted. It has been documented that more than 580 species of wildlife, including some birds and fur-bearing animals, are major users of our wetland complexes. Our many projects positively affect the quality of water we drink, provide natural filters for our rivers and streams, and provide flood control. Their many positive benefits extend far beyond those for waterfowl alone. </div> <div> The passage of the Minnesota Wetlands Heritage Act of 1991 was a major step in the right direction in providing protection and restoration of Minnesota's remaining wetlands. MWA's legislative efforts were vital to the confirmation of what looks to be the finest wetlands protection law in the country. </div> <div> A few years ago, MWA joined forces with other state waterfowl groups to form the Federation of State Waterfowl Associations. Their purpose is to combine education, legislative and habitat goals into a national united effort in Washington, D.C. </div> <div> A strong commitment on the legislative front both statewide and nationally sets MWA's activities apart from other waterfowl associations. The MWA long ago realized that restoration projects alone will not solve the waterfowl population problem, or keep up with wetland losses. At MWA, No-Net Loss is much more than a slick phrase. It's our priority goal for Minnesota's wetlands . . . a path from which we will not stray. </div> <div> It is more important than ever to join or renew your membership today. Membership is part of your investment in Minnesota's wetlands and waterfowling future. </div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Our Mission Statement</U></B></I> </div> <div> Our mission is to preserve,restore,develop,enhance and protect Minnesota's wetlands and associated uplands through public education, legislative initiatives<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>and projects to benefit waterfowl,wildlife and the environnment.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Did You Know...</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> MWA local chapters raise local dollars for habitat projects.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Dollars raised in our state stay in our state!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> MWA members initiated and fought for the passage of the Minnesota Duck Stamp legislation, which has put over $7.5 million back into our state's waterfowl resources!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> MWA is responsible for the establishment of the Game Lake Designation program, which provides legislation for the specific management of over 50,000 acres of Minnesota wetlands for waterfowl and over 600 species of wildlife!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Minnesota has lost 75 percent of its wetlands and 99 percent of its native grasslands. Those habitat benefits for waterfowl are known. Wetlands also improve water quality, provide flood control and enhance local economies through additional recreational opportunities!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Overall, 30-35 percent of Minnesota's waterfowl harvest consists of birds raised within the state. Over 50 percent of a Minnesota waterfowler's bag consists of birds raised in the United States!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> MWA utilizes your membership dollars to carry out our important programs. Your support makes a big difference!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>